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Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Best spots in Dublin to enjoy a coffee, drinks, food or a picnic in the sun
With Met Éireann predicting mostly clear skies and temperatures ranging from 17°C to 23°C for the next week, it's the perfect time to get out and explore the city's best spots for a little al fresco indulgence. Coffee worth the stroll For a coffee that pairs perfectly with the sunny weather, start your day at One Kinda Folk on Ranelagh or South Lotts Road. This cozy spot boasts dreamy garden vibes, complete with string lights, creating the perfect ambiance for a flat white on a warm morning. Clement & Pekoe on South William Street is another favourite, where you can sip on an ice filter while people-watching from their prime outdoor bench. Another good spot is Goats Gruff at Dublin's Strawberry Beds, a riverside café that takes effort to get to, but rewards you with idyllic views and proper wood-fired toasties. Happy Out on Bull Island is another reliable coffee spot right by the sea to reward yourself after a stroll on the Clontarf prom or Dollymount strand. If you're strolling through Francis Street, pop by Two Pups, known for its great coffee and lively outdoor seating when the sun's out. Sunshine-ready drinks When it comes to enjoying a drink in the sun, Perch on Leeson Street is one of the city's rare rooftop bars, offering stunning views of the Dublin skyline. For a laid-back vibe, head to The Big Romance on Parnell Street, where you can sip craft beer, natural wine, or expertly crafted cocktails, all while enjoying the breeze as they open the windows on warmer evenings. If you're near Rialto, The Circular is a spacious beer garden that's perfect for a pint in the sun. ADVERTISEMENT For something a bit more intimate, Frank's Bar on Camden Street is a standing-only wine bar that attracts a lively outdoor crowd, ideal for a glass of wine in the sun. The Bar with No Name on Fade Street offers one of Dublin's best secret terraces, perfect for an afternoon G&T. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, The Blue Light in the Dublin Mountains serves up one of the best views with your pint. It's a bit of a trek to get there, but the unbeatable view from the benches overlooking the city and creamy Guinness make it more than worth the effort. Closer to town, Bonobos in Smithfield is a sun-soaked haven of ivy-covered walls and excellent pizza – securing a bench here on a sunny day feels like winning the lotto – because it might be just as hard to get one. For those heading toward Ballsbridge, The Horse Show House is a hard beat, boasting a massive beer garden. Food to brighten up your day Feeling peckish after a sea-swim or seaside stroll? Why not stop in one of the Blackrock markets restaurants and have a refreshing Hawaiian poke bowl at Shake Poke? For those with a sweet tooth, Slow Food Experience is a mere few feet away and sure to tide you over before you inevitably head for a celebratory ice cream. Flake mandatory. Wandering aimlessly around town is no excuse to deprive yourself of some of the best cheap eats in town. For a mostly hands-free lunch head to Asia Market on Drury Street or Aobaba on Capel Street for authentic buns filled with salty and sweet fillings. Stock up on food and international snacks for later in restaurants disguised as mere shops like Hansung on Strand Street and Super Asia on Aungier street. If you're looking for something a bit more hearty, Herbert Park Market in Ballsbridge market runs every Sunday and is sure to introduce you to new flavours while always offering what's known and comforting. Head in for a taste of authentic Polish Pierogies from Lucy pyrizhky & pierogi stuffed with sweet and savoury fillings and more hot food. If you're looking to make the most of the sunshine while it's there, book a sit down brunch at either of the Brother Hubbard locations, Alma in Portobello or even Cornucopia for a vegan alternative. A hidden gem in Portobello, The Mushroom Butcher Van offers any food your mind can conjure made from mushrooms, only on Saturdays and Sundays. Picnic spots for lazy sunny days in the city Swap out the usual Stephen's Green sit down for a quieter Merrion Square Park alternative. Awash with sunlight but with enough greenery to provide the shade you need, it makes for the perfect alternative on a summer day. After a stroll through the Camden thrifting scene and a bite in Aoki, it's time to rest your weary legs in the lush greenery of the Iveagh Gardens. St Patrick's cathedral offers some respite from the buzz of the crowds with its green spaces and benches. Head into the Tram Cafe for some refuge and a well-deserved treat. Blackrock Park is another alternative slightly off the beaten path and gives you the best of both worlds with its proximity to Blackrock beach and its sprawling green. Step off the Dart at Monkstown & Salthill station, sit down on the green and enjoy. You've arrived. Monkstown has no shortage of green spaces a stone's throw away from the main lines of transport. If you're of mind to host a picnic after a dip into the sea, the green just above the Vico Baths in Dalkey and People's Park in Dun Laoghaire make for the perfect backdrop. The Sunday Market in People's Park has food and jewellery vendors as far as the eye can see.
RTÉ News
04-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
15 dog-friendly cafés in Dublin to visit for a puppuccino
If you don't follow my page you might not know that my life became infinitely more joyful this year because we rescued a puppy, Luan, from Wicklow Animal Welfare. As a result, the last few months have introduced a whole new subsection on my usual hunt to find the best places to eat in Dublin. Thankfully, Dublin has lots of dog-friendly cafes and restaurants available, and it seems to be becoming more and more common. So if you're like me and you dream of finding places where your furry friend is welcome inside, this list is for you. Slice, Stoneybatter Slice is a real local legend of Dublin 7, and definitely one of my favourite places to eat in the entire country - I visit at least once a month. Thankfully, when my little dog Luan came into my life, those brunch plans didn't have to change. In fact, he was welcomed us with open arms and treats on arrival. Slice has one of the most interesting brunch menus out there. You're getting the best of the best ingredients served to you on colourful plates. Try the hash browns if you're there for breakfast, and the Bahn Mi if you're visiting for lunch. Park Lane Deli, Chapelizod It's açai season, and let me tell you, I've tried almost every açai place in Dublin, and this is the best in my opinion. Park Lane Deli is nestled in the idyllic village of Chapelizod, beside the Phoenix Park. So you can pop in for a fruity bowl and a coffee with your pup and then head to the park for a walk. Perfection. If you're not into açai, their bacon and egg sandwich with relish is ridiculously good. Two Pups, Francis Street One of the trendiest cafes in Dublin has to be Two Pups. Inside, it's a surprisingly large space with many nooks and crannies for you and your doggo. The menu is constantly evolving to match what's in season, and the coffee here never fails. They recently launched an evening menu here, so if small plates and wine are more up your street, this is a great option. 3fe, Grand Canal 3fe coffee can be found in a plethora of cafes across the country, so it's very likely you've had their coffee, but have you visited their own cafe? They have quite a few branches across the city, but the one on Grand Canal Street has to be my favourite. Their menu is simple but effective and really reasonably priced. Eggs on toast for eight euroS? You can't beat it. Dogs are allowed inside each of the 3fe cafes. Clement & Pekoe, South William You can't get more central than Clement and Pekoe on South William Street. Specialising in tea and coffee, with a selection of pastries on offer, it's my go-to for a caffeine kick close to Grafton Street. There's a few tables inside this spacious venue for you and your furry friend to escape from the bustling streets of Dublin City. One Kinda Folk, Rathmines To matcha or not to matcha? Don't come for me, but I'm not a big matcha drinker. I do, however, have quite a few friends who are extremely passionate about it and swear that One Kinda Folk is the best place to order it. One Kinda Folk has two branches - one in Rathmines and one of Upper Leeson Street - both dog-friendly, of course. Both venues have a really calming energy and are especially lovely on sunny days. Two Boys Brew Another one of my all-time favourite cafes in Dublin is Two Boys Brew in Phibsborough. It's the little things like the staff remembering your dog's name and bringing him treats while you tuck into brunch. The avocado toast here is worth sacrificing some of your savings toward a mortgage. Blas, Rotunda There are few buildings as impressive as The Chocolate Factory in Dublin, home to the stunning Blas Cafe. The space here is huge, with loads of seating, so you'll never be stuck for a table. They welcome dogs of all sizes inside. My top pick is the Marrakech breakfast for a taste of Middle Eastern flavours. Groundstate, Dublin 8 Groundstate café can be found in the heart of the Liberties, Dublin 8. They roast their own coffee and curate their menu around seasonal produce from local suppliers. There is also a yoga studio on site. It's a great one for veggies and vegans, with something for all on the menu. There's lots of seating, with a long section along the window, making a great people-watching perch for solo diners. Vada, Grangegorman Vada is one of the most beautiful cafes I've visited in Dublin, and the presentation of their food is equally as impressive. Thankfully, it tastes as good as it looks. The menu is small but mighty, maybe only four or five options to choose from, but each one is totally different from the other. Flavours are unique and inventive. Bibi's, Portobello Bibi's has been around for as long as I can remember and it's always been a great place for dog owners to dine. They have two branches - one in Dun Laoghaire and one in Portobello, which is my favourite. Their sandwiches are some of the best you'll find. BaaBaa Chapelizod The love affair with Chapelizod continues. BaaBaa is an absolutely stunning venue. It's super cosy inside with just a few seats but during the summer months they put out more tables outside, in front of the cafe. The creativity behind the dishes here blow me away every time. If you like sweet flavours for brunch, this cafe has mastered it. The French toast will leave you drooling. Southbank, Harold's Cross Maybe it's in the name, maybe it's the vibe, but Southbank feels like a place you'd find in the bustling streets of London Town. It's a bright, spacious venue with brunch dishes taking centre stage. The perfect place to grab a bite to eat before strolling along the canal with your pooch. The Middle Child If it's baked goods you're after, The Middle Child in Beaumont is the one for you. They have perfected the 'sweet treat' from cookies to carrot cake, cinnamon swirls to brioche buns. It's super dog-friendly and well worth checking out. Honey Honey, Portmarnock It's my dream (probably most people's dream) to live in Portmarnock. The village has such a sense of community, and the beach is one of the best sea swim locations around. For now (until I win the lottery), I'll have to settle for weekend visits. No visit to Portmarnock is complete for me (or Luan) without a visit to Honey Honey. Their pup cups are sprinkled with doggy treats, and they even have a Polaroid wall of fame for the dogs that visit.
