It’s time to dust off those sunglasses and break out the shorts. From Dublin city centre, to south and north of the city, we’ve put together a list of our recommendations for the best beer gardens in Dublin to enjoy outdoor drinks, food & dining, watch sports and have catch ups with friends and family in the sun this summer.
Location: Baggot St. Lwr., Dublin 2
Toners Pub is one of Dublin city’s oldest pubs and also boasts one of the largest beer gardens in the city centre, aptly named Toners Yard. It’s the perfect sun trap during the day and sumptuously lit during the night. With retractable awnings & heaters it’s open all year round, and is always one of the most popular spots in Dublin city for drinks and friend get togethers.
Location: Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1
The Living Room on Cathal Brugha Street, just off the top of O’Connell Street have one of the best beer gardens in Dublin city. Renowned as being one of the best spots in the city to watch sport on its huge screens, it’s just as good for food and drinks in the sun. Walk-ins are more than welcome or you can also prebook on their website.
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Location: Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
Workman’s on the quays in Dublin 2, just beside Temple Bar have a really cool rooftop beer garden, parts of which are covered should the sun not shine. With a Wowburger and bar on the same floor, it’s perfect day or night for drinks and bites with friends.
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Location: Grafton Street, Dublin 2
We’re loving Tapped’s beer garden. This space has been designed with a funky, relaxed vibe and is covered and heated so suitable all summer, complete with tables and very unique keg style seating. It’s walk-ins only for this city centre beer garden which is ideal if you’re out shopping or fancy some food and drinks after work. They’ve possibly one of the best selections of IPAs, beers and ciders to choose from in the city as well as deals on pitchers of cocktails. The outdoor area is super centrally located also, in the lane just to the right of the Bus Stop Newsagents on Grafton Street.
tappeddublin.com | View On Map
Location: Merrion Row, Dublin 2
O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row, just beside St Stephen’s Green is one of the city’s most well known and loved pubs for hundreds of years. Their heated and covered outdoor area & beer garden is always busy whether its summer or winter and has established an unbeatable reputation for live music, atmosphere and the best place in Dublin to get a pint of Guinness. Walk-ins only for this outdoor space which is great.
Location: Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2
Brimming with character, Jimmy Rabbite’s on Lwr. Camden Street, Dublin 2 is a deceptively large beer garden space full of vintage-style decor. Pull up a stool or a bench and dabble in some of the tasty beers on tap; Blue Moon, a hearty helping of IPAs, and of course the classics. Psst — the cocktails are absolutely mouthwatering too and The Camden is attached to this venue, just in case you fancy a later night out on the town.
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Location: Harry Street, Dublin 2
With covered, heated outdoor seating at the front of the establishment, Bruxelles on Harry Street is a cosy and atmospheric hotspot for a few tipples al fresco on a sunny afternoon or evening. It’s a traditional Irish pub with elevated pub grub; think pints of plain combined with wild Atlantic way mussels and Gubbeen chorizo. This spot has ample space, plenty of seats and is a firm VenueSearch favourite for pre or post gig pints.
Location: Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8
On the go since way back when The Brazen Head near the Quays in Dublin 8, is Ireland’s oldest pub. Like something out a fantasy novel, the pub is quirky and cosy in equal measure. With stunning beer garden, there’s no better spot on a summer’s day. The space offers an unrivalled atmosphere with plenty of live music, as well as gorgeous flowers and foliage of course.
Location: Inchicore, Dublin 8
Out the front of the building, Rascals Brewing Co in Inchicore, Dublin 8, you’ll find a sweet little suntrap in the form of their cosy beer garden space. Complete with some leafy plants, picnic benches, and coverage in the form of canapes, beer and pizza is the perfect combination here. Indulge in some of the delightful brews from their onsite brewery and taproom. P.S. The wood-fired pizza is to die for.
rascalsbrewing.com | View On Map
Location: Sandymount, Dublin 4
The Bath Pub located on Bath Avenue in leafy Dublin 4 and right beside the Aviva Stadium, is one of Dublin’s most popular spots on match days and sunny days alike, with a lovely sun trap of a beer garden to enjoy a drink and/or meal. Bookings are possible for the outdoor terrace here and walk-ins welcome.
Location: Haddington Road, Dublin
Ryan’s in Beggars Bush in Dublin 4 is not too far from The Bath pub, and a truly traditional Irish pub that’s consistently buzzing with a match-day crowd or locals. With a huge outdoor beer garden space at the front which can also be covered with lots of seating, there’s no better spot for a pint on a sunny day. Plus, we hear they serve the best pint of Guinness in Dublin 4!
Location: Francis Street, Dublin 8
Jackie’s on Francis Street in The Liberties, Dublin 8 brings guests back to eras of the past with their 90’s themed bar and beer garden area, steeped in nostalgia with plenty of posters to remind you of your most guilty pleasures. Check out their signature cocktails and bites, and enjoy the sunny vibes in this centrally located, trendy spot!
Location: South William Street, Dublin 2
Grogan’s location on South William Street is always a recommended social hub, buzzing with the atmosphere of the city. Their wrap-around beer garden and authentically Irish flair, means you can unwind over a perfectly poured pint of Guinness and take advantage of a prime people watching spot rain or shine — if you can get a seat!
Location: Rathmines, Dublin 6
Through the dark, moody doors of Blackbird in Rathmines, Dublin 6 and out the back, you’ll find a pretty great beer garden for catching those rare summer rays. Covered (if needed) and complete with dreamy fairy lights, the space is ideal for catching up with friends during the warmer months. With funky beers on tap and delicious cocktails, Blackbird has the recipe for a gorgeous day or evening out.
blackbirdrathmines.com | View On Map
Location: Templeogue, Dublin 6w
Located in the heart of Templeogue Village, The Morgue have been really busy over lockdown and now have lots of beautiful outdoor space available in their beer garden. Heaters, artificial grass flooring, a retractable roof and booths have been installed so you can be guaranteed a great time here with friends and family whether it’s pouring rain or the sun is splitting the rocks. Walk-ins are welcome.
Location: Dun Laoghaire, South Co. Dublin
The Lighthouse Bar in Dun Laoghaire has lovely new beer garden complete with an outdoor screen, seating and pod tables. They’ve great choice of food with burgers and options from The Eatyard Deli all available with an extensive drinks menu which includes specials on G&T’s, cocktails and more. This will definitely be a popular spot this summer and could the perfect way to finish off a walk on Dun Laoghaire pier.
lighthousedublin.com | View On Map
Location: Clonskeagh, Dublin 6
Ashtons Gastropub in Clonskeagh is one of the southside’s largest and most beautiful beer gardens in Dublin. With plenty of space, a new outdoor bar, heaters, as well as covered areas should the weather not play ball, it’s sure to be popular for alfresco drinks and dining this summer.
ashtonsgastropub.ie | View On Map
Location: Dublin Mountains, Dublin 18
There’s few places that can bring as much joy as The Blue Light Pub on a summer’s day. Perched high above the city on the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, yet still only a stone’s throw from Sandyford, The Blue Light have lots of outdoor space with beer gardens to the front of the venue as well as their secret garden (pictured below). Take in the stunning views of Dublin city and the bay, watch the sunset, meet Bono or Shane Lowry, anything can happen on a good day here. Delicious food and regular live music are also a notable feature of this venue.
Location: Terenure, Dublin 6w
Brady’s in Terenure, South Dublin have a large beer garden with tables to the rear of the pub. The main area gets the sun all day long, there’s also a covered area adjacent with heaters if the weather isn’t great. Lovely gastro pub food and pints are the order of the day here and the staff are always super friendly.
Location: IFSC, Dublin 1
Perfect on weekends or for after work drinks for those working in the docklands / IFSC area, The Harbourmaster have a spectacular covered and heated beer garden to the rear of the venue, with views out on to the lock. This spot gets plenty of sun, has lots of booths and a great selection of food to choose from. Luas stop is directly outside the main door so very handy for getting to and from the venue.
Location: Booterstown, South Co. Dublin
The Old Punchbowl in Booterstown has a charming beer garden, perfect to grab a few drinks or bites in the sun. It can be covered should the weather take a turn. Although not as large as other beer gardens, it more than makes up for that with its cute, cosy surroundings and there’s always a great choice of food and drink on offer. The wings here are particularly appetising!
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Location: Ranelagh, Dublin 6
Is it possible to claim a pub, because if so I think Smyths in Ranelagh is at the top of my list for favourite pubs in Dublin? It’s always been a spot for friends’ nights out and our family get togethers. They’ve a large beer garden to the rear of the pub, heated and covered (retractable roof) with lots of large screen TVs to watch any sport that’s on so you won’t miss any of the action. They do excellent gastropub style food and the Guinness here is always spot on.
Location: Clontarf, Dublin 3
Harry Byrnes on the Howth Road in Clontarf, which dates back over 200 years, have a huge beer garden with covered snug areas surrounding the main courtyard. Picture below is one of two beautiful outdoor areas, all of which have large screen TVs and of course a great food and drinks menu to be enjoyed.
Location: Swords, North Co. Dublin
The Old Schoolhouse Bar & Restaurant on Church Road, Swords, famous for its live music and food have a plethora of wonderful outdoor space and beer gardens to choose from, each with their own unique character, all of which can be covered and heated if needed.
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Location: Sandyford, Dublin 18
Sandyford House in Sandyford Village, Dublin 18 have a stunning, recently upgraded expansive beer garden located to the rear of the venue. With a fantastic menu also available, it’s perfect for alfresco drinks and meals with friends and family this summer. Booths have now been installed for added safety and they’ve even added a huge outdoor TV screen so you won’t miss any of the match if that’s your thing. Walk-ins welcome or make a reservation beforehand.
Thanks for reading 🙂 If you enjoyed this list, please make sure to check out our other article on; outdoor dining in Dublin.
Have we missed out any Dublin beer gardens that should have been featured above? VenueSearch are a 100% Irish owned company, supporting Irish hospitality businesses. If you’re a venue owner and you think you have a great space to offer for drinks or dining in the sun or perhaps a space for other events please email us at [email protected] to let us know. #supportlocal
This article was updated on 17th April 2024