The Dish Cult guide to the May Bank Holiday in Dublin

If you fancy kicking off your bank holiday in style, look no further than mae – a neighbourhood restaurant specialising in seasonal food located in the heart of Ballsbridge Village. Opened by award-winning chef, Grainne O’Keefe, the restaurant is perched above The French Paradox, an old-school wine shop. The food at mae, however, is modern and fresh. The menu showcases the very best of Irish produce (Gubbeen cheese; Connemara air-dried beef) and shifts according to what ingredients are available each month. Past highlights have included grilled aubergine and pickled walnut tartlet, cod with pommes purée and seaweed beurre blanc — not to mention the fig-leaf panna cotta!

This trendy spot on Camden Street serves up contemporary Chinese cuisine with a twist. The menu features everything from cheeseburger spring rolls and salt and pepper artichoke with Tom Yum Mayo, to sizzling mapo tofu and wonton crisps with smoked cod mousse. It’s the perfect spot for groups: the venue is large, the atmosphere is electric, and there are group tasting menus available too. With a custom built sound system and DJ booth – alongside a carefully constructed cocktail menu and decor inspired by Blade Runner and John Carpenter movies – it’s also a great place to get you and your mates in the party spirit. And, hey, you’ve got an extra day off work – so what’s stopping you?

For a classic pub experience with a modern twist, head to The Old Spot. Located in Ballsbridge, this gastropub serves up hearty fare like fish and chips, steak and burgers, all made with high quality ingredients. There’s also a great selection of craft beers, cocktails and wines to accompany your food, and the staff are friendly and accommodating. Polish off your meal with homemade apple and blackberry crumble (served with a toffee custard, no less) and you’ve got yourself the ultimate bank holiday feast.

If the sun’s made an appearance (fingers crossed) and you’re looking for a scenic spot to enjoy brunch or lunch, check out the Canal Bank Café. Located right on the banks of the Grand Canal, this cosy cafe offers stunning views and a menu full of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic full Irish breakfast or something lighter like avocado toast, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.

For a taste of Spain in the heart of Dublin, head to Uno Mas. This tapas bar on Aungier Street serves up a variety of small plates, from traditional favourites like patatas bravas and croquetas to more unusual dishes like beef tartare with beer-pickled onion. Home to a great selection of Spanish wines and sherries, and a brilliantly friendly front of house team, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to this lively spot.

Set in the picturesque coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire, Haddington House offers a small collection of uniquely designed boutique townhouses that overlook the glistening harbour. The perfect place to escape when the May sunshine sheds its light over the city, Haddington House also features a stunning parlour room where you can enjoy a tasty selection of light refreshments by day and perfectly crafted cocktails by night.

A well-designed light-filled space with a relaxing atmosphere and some of the best views in Dún Laoghaire, guests can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea, which balances tradition and originality in its array of flavours brought through various finger sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. Alternatively, you can indulge in classy evening drinks from their exquisite selection of carefully selected wines, premium spirits, and mixed drinks. Light snacks are also served in the evening to accompany your drinks. The perfect way to enjoy that grand stretch in the evenings and watch the sun go down over the harbour.

A modern Irish restaurant that celebrates fresh ingredients sourced from some of Ireland’s and Europe’s highest quality producers. Serving a creative and ever-evolving 18-course menu that moves with the seasons and accompanied by a dynamic wine list, this is the perfect place to treat yourself this May Bank Holiday. Located in the picturesque coastal suburb of Howth, Mamó is the perfect place to dine after a relaxing early summer day by the water.

Recognised in the Michelin Guide, Mamó is renowned across the city and further afield for its high level of gastronomic flavours, warm and welcoming hospitality, and well-designed atmosphere. You can expect the very finest local ingredients including Winetavern Farm pork loin sourced from local Wicklow farms and a great array of seafood from the harbour just over the road. Open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Monday, this is the perfect place to enjoy a slow and lengthy afternoon dining experience or an unforgettable evening meal with friends or family as the sun sets over the harbour.

Part of the highly regarded F.X. Buckley Collection, which operates various high-quality bars and restaurants across Dublin City Centre, The Bull and Castle is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing dining experience with friends or family this May Bank Holiday. Overlooking the city’s most famous Cathedral, The Bull and Castle is situated in the city’s bustling Christchurch area, making it the perfect place to begin a night out in the city.

With the experience and knowledge of over 25 years of serving the perfect steak, The Bull and Castle know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to perfectly prepared cuts of meat. So, if you’re looking for the perfect steak, then this is the spot for you. Menus change with the seasons to reflect the dynamic array of Irish produce, showcasing the highest-quality beef and locally-caught seafood, so you can always expect the very best and freshest local flavours each and every time you dine here. 

Perhaps one of the most unique dining experiences Dublin City has to offer, Token is not your standard bar and restaurant. Rather, this quirky venue also operates as a retro arcade and pinball parlour where you can enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun and games with friends. With over 40 arcade games and 32 beer taps, you can enjoy endless hours of fun and a vast array of local and international beers.

Enjoy delicious food, sip on delicious cocktails, and embrace your inner child as you play, laugh, and have fun. We can think of no better way to spend the May Bank Holiday! The food here is a take on high-end fast food with everything from Big Mac-style American burgers to vegan chicken nuggets, indulgent deep fried Orea cheesecake balls to spicy Japanese-style chicken karaage, there’s something for all tastes and dietary requirements. This venue is strictly 18+ to allow the adults a night of embracing their inner child.

If you’re a pizza lover, then you need to check out the beloved Sano Pizza in Dublin’s bustling Temple Bar region. The perfect place to kick off a lively evening in the city, this pizzeria is among the most highly-regarded in the city offering a delicious selection of authentic Neapolitan-style pizza made from the finest traditional ingredients sourced from Italy.

Offering fresh and traditional flavours and a dough that has been crafted to perfection, Sano was founded by the McHugh brothers following a trip to Naples, the hometown of classic Italian pizza. With everything from a spicy Diavola featuring spicy salami sourced from Calabria, fresh mozzarella, and basil and tomato sugo to a vegan delight featuring basil pesto, vegan cheese, red semi-dried tomato, cauliflower, olives, and potato, there’s something for everyone here. They also offer a delicious array of sides, milkshakes, ice creams, and desserts to ensure you enjoy an all-round unforgettable dining experience.