Your guide to the best chocolate spots in Edinburgh
13 Sep 2024
13 Sep 2024
Best places for the summer in Ireland
Clear blue skies, the warm sunshine, fantastic company, a chilled vino or beer, and some incredibly delicious food – what could make this a more perfect summer’s day? As summer 2024 begins we’re getting you in the mood to make the most of it over the coming months by rounding up some of Ireland’s best hot spots for wining and dining.
The Ivy Lounge
Contemporary, Irish, Vegan / Vegetarian Friendly 
Overlooking Killarney’s magnificent mountains and parkland, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the local deer at The Ivy Lounge. This place is full of charm, character and warmth. Popular with everyone, and a great place to meet and linger, The Ivy Lounge serves delicious food all day, so whether you’re after a light bite or a heartier meal, you’ll find all you need right here in this picturesque venue.
Get a taste of the Mediterranean this summer in the heart of Ashbourne, Co. Meath. La Bucca is a family-friendly, casual dining restaurant serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Here you’ll find great quality, freshly prepared food at value for money prices in clean, stylish surroundings. Expect an a la carte menu, Tennerfest Earlybird menu, kids’ menu, teen menu and set menu options.
What can epitomise summer dining better than good old fashioned, American-style barbecue and grilled food? Gastro 101 Grill & Bar in County Kildare is the ultimate casual and fun eatery. Here the team cooks modern Irish food, over charcoal with style and simplicity. It’s a great place to come with the family or your mates; the bar offering includes craft beers, extensive wine lists, and signature cocktails and lemonades. Fancy a milkshake? These guys offer the best in town.
Located just across the road from Dingle Pier and Marina on the Wild Atlantic Way, The Boat Yard Restaurant and Bar has stunning views of Dingle Harbour and Dingle Bay, allowing you to soak up the unique character and atmosphere of Dingle town in a relaxed, cosy and friendly setting. With spectacular harbour views, spot the boats as they come and go, the Dingle fishing fleet as they unload their catches or the yachts and pleasure boats as they ease in and out of the marina. Because of its location, this place offers some of the best quality seafood around.
Marinas Restaurant
Seafood, Steak, Irish, International 
The award-winning Marinas Restaurant consistently lands itself among the top restaurants in Ireland and is one of the reasons why Galway has become the piece de resistance of Ireland’s food culture, and one of the reasons why the city regularly heads up travel guide lists of the hottest place to visit in Europe for foodies. Whether it’s fresh Galway Bay seafood, soup with homemade soda bread, a zingy salad, crispy chicken wings, a rip cap burger or a fillet steak, Marinas has something for everyone.
51 Cornmarket is a small, local restaurant that cooks entirely from scratch and from the heart. Located in the historic part of the city known as The Coal Quay, this is a family-run place, with a casual, fun and fresh vibe. Offering a night service Thursday to Saturday where Cork’s seasonal produce is showcased alongside some stellar natural wines, and a Saturday and Sunday brunch service that’s guaranteed to make your weekend, we can’t think of a better place to book into this summer.
The Sea Rooms
Contemporary, European
The Sea Rooms is one of the latest ventures of Kelly’s Resort Hotel. A standalone, two-storey restaurant with exquisite views of Kelly’s beautiful gardens and the Irish Sea, this makes for the ideal summer escape. The menus reflect the location mixed with more traditional dishes with supplies of vegetables, salads and herbs from “Kelly’s Kitchen Gardens”. In keeping with the ethos of Kelly’s, the team has sourced some of the best and most well-known food producers who have shared the food journey and ethos over the years.
Duende Gastro Bar
Mediterranean
Located on the outskirts of Drogheda is a taste of the Med. Duende Gastro Bar serves an unrivalled Mediterranean cuisine, alongside live music weekends and sports on the big screen. There’s also an outdoor terrace that’s perfect for al fresco dining in those long summer evenings.
Nestled on the River Liffey since 1319, Kilcullen has a rich history. If you find yourself in this lovely town during the summer, then book yourself a table at Bardons. This is a firm favourite amongst those who like a great meal and a traditional pint. Bardons is particularly renowned for its chicken wings, along with some truly great steak.
Tuscany Bistro
International, Italian, Mediterranean
Tuscany Bistro has a number of exciting menus on offer ranging from a la carte to a great value menu (available until 6pm daily), and the exciting chef’s specials. Many of the ingredients are sourced locally and the team also uses the finest Italian produce to ensure your dining experience is perfect and as authentic as if you were in Tuscany itself this summer.
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