26 Of The Best Beer Gardens In Dublin (For Views, Sport Or Sun)

There are some excellent beer gardens in Dublin. There are some terrible ones, too.

In this guide, we’re taking you to the capital’s finest, so you know where to head to when the sun starts beaming!

From beer gardens by the sea, like the one in Haddington House, to places that are perfect to watch a match with a group, like Harry Byrnes, there’s loads to choose from.

In the guide below, you’ll find the best beer gardens Dublin has to offer, from casual pubs to fancy spots, there’s something to tickle every fancy below.

Our favourite beer gardens in Dublin

The first section of this guide is packed with what we think are the best beer gardens in Dublin. These are places that one or more of The Irish Road Trip Team have visited, and loved.

Below, you’ll find places in the city, but you’ll find a few outside of the city, too, if you fancy something a bit different.

1. Blue Bar

A picturesque place to enjoy the sunset over the ocean, Blue Bar is located on the coast in Skerries, just north of the city centre. This atmospheric gastropub is a good place to enjoy a casual dinner or drinks with friends.

You’ll find an extensive drinks menu with cocktails, wine and beer, plus some delicious fresh seafood and burgers. While it doesn’t have an official beer garden, on a nice evening people tend to head outside to enjoy their drink with views across the harbour.

2. Johnnie Foxes

Located in the Dublin Mountains (perfect for a post-hike pint), Johnnie Fox’s Pub is one of the most unique pubs you’ll find in Dublin, and it’s a tourist favourite.

Decorated in old farm tools and traditional memorabilia, this traditional Irish pub was established in 1798!

The quirky outdoor beer garden has plenty of room to relax in the sun with a pint, plus they have regular live music events as well. People rave about the food, particularly the chowder, so it’s best to plan on staying for dinner too.

Related read: Check out our guide to 13 pubs pouring the best Guinness in Dublin (well known spots and hidden gems)

3. Toners

If you frequent this website often, you’ll know that Toners is one of our favourite pubs in Dublin – the place oozes old-world charm and character.

Located on Baggot Street, it’s also got one of the best beer gardens in the capital (if you can nab a seat, that is – it’s a popular spot, Toners!). 

The large outdoor area can accommodate plenty of people, with long tables plenty of seats, and heaters for when the weather cools down. It’s a very popular spot all year round, especially on Fridays, when people pour into it from the surrounding offices.

4. Bonobo (Smithfield)

Just outside of the city centre in Smithfield, Bonobo Bar is a trendy place to head for a drink and a bite to eat.

With candlelit tables inside or long wooden tables under beautiful greenery outside, you’ll have a tough choice deciding where to sit.

It’s one of the best places to head for a weekend pint, with plenty of craft beers on the menu. Plus, their wood fired pizzas are amazing, so it’s worth staying for a meal too.

Beer gardens in Dublin that offer a great view

Now that we have what we think are the best beer gardens in Dublin out of the way, it’s time to see what else the capital has to offer.

The next section of the guide focuses on beer gardens in Dublin where you can nurse a pint while enjoying a fine view.

1. The Blue Light

South of the city centre near Sandyford, The Blue Light has a history dating back over 300 years! The atmosphere in this place is infectious, and it’s all the more enjoyable if you’re retuning from one of the nearby hikes.

Its beer garden has an open fire pit and an incredible view of the Dublin City skyline with live music session taking place regularly.

With great Guinness, a range of craft beer and whiskey on offer, it’s definitely worth making a special visit to the south of Dublin for this place.

2. The Marker Hotel Rooftop Bar

Often considered one of the best rooftop bars in Dublin, The Marker Hotel offers a spectacular view across the city.

The fancy restaurant and bar has both indoor and outdoor terrace seating, so it can cater for all weather conditions. 

The bar is well-known for its award-winning cocktail list, as well as small plates and grazing boards served from the restaurant to share with your friends over a drink.

Related read: Check out our guide to the finest cocktail bars in Dublin (from rooftop restaurants to quirky wine bars)

3. Haddington House

For a slightly more elegant beer garden, you can try the restaurant and bar at Haddington House near the Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

This beautiful 19th century hotel has an Italian-inspired restaurant and their Parlour Bar open every day of the week.

There’s plenty of outdoor seating in the garden to enjoy your drink and a meal, with views across to the harbour. It’s also a beautiful spot for a cocktail of an evening with fairy lights and lounges to kick back and relax in style.

4. Ryleigh’s Rooftop Restaurant

Outside of the bustling city centre, Ryleigh’s outdoor terrace offers stunning views across Dublin Bay and the harbour, which is particularly striking at sunset.

Located inside the Mayson Hotel, Ryleigh’s Bar is more of a stylish steakhouse restaurant and is open from morning until late offering delicious grill meals. 

However, the bar has some great cocktails, and you can always choose to sit in the indoor dining area if the weather isn’t looking so good outside.

Related read: Check out our guide to 7 of the oldest pubs in Dublin (or, for something fancier, our guide to the top wine bars in Dublin)

5. Sophie’s

Sophie’s is one of the more popular rooftop bars in Dublin. You can enjoy panoramic city views from either the glasshouse-style bar with floor to ceiling windows or head out for the open terrace area when the sun is shining. 

The bar serves up an ever-changing cocktail menu and a much-admired curated listing of gin. The classy restaurant serves up a combination of Italian and Irish inspired meals, with delicious wood fired pizza and fresh seafood. 

Fancy and/or quirky beer gardens in Dublin

The next section of our guide focuses on the more unique beer gardens Dublin has to offer, like the one in House Dublin.

Each of the places below are solid options for dinner and drinks at the weekend, and they’ll suit anyone looking for date ideas in Dublin.

1. House Dublin

For a more glamorous spot, House has a stylish al fresco area with a spacious outdoor terrace giving off secret garden vibes.

Decorated with flowers and plenty of greenery, you can find a spot on one of the hardwood chairs underneath sparkling fairy lights. 

The magical beer garden is also mostly covered, so you can enjoy the area no matter the weather. Located near the Iveagh Gardens and St Stephen’s Green, it’s most popular in the evening, but it’s open from lunch onwards. 

2. The Terrace at The Shelbourne

If you’re looking for a more swanky garden to enjoy a special meal and drink then The Terrace at the 5-star Shelbourne Hotel is a stunning choice.

Just across from St Stephen’s Green, The Terrace is an open-air space to enjoy a drink in complete style. It’s more of a classy patio area than beer garden but does offer some cover from the weather as well.

There are lounges to relax in amongst plenty of greenery or comfortable outdoor dining tables with umbrellas.

3. Botanical Garden Bar

This magical garden bar is an incredible spot to enjoy a drink. Just across from St Kevin’s Park in Portobello, the bar is decorated with hundreds of fairy lights and plants giving a very whimsical garden vibe.

Open from 5pm until late every day, it’s the cocktails that draw most of the crowd. However, if you’re also looking for a feed, then they serve a wonderful Asian inspired menu with a range of Thai and Vietnamese favourites. 

4. Drury Buildings

The Drury Buildings is a colourful and quirky bar that’s part of a chic restaurant right in the heart of Dublin City.

The Drury Buildings are housed inside an old brick building with vibrant artwork decorating the exterior and colourful retro inspired furniture inside. 

The cocktail bar and garden is inside an airy patio area with different levels offering plenty of space for you and your friends. The cocktail list is extensive plus they have live entertainment on weekends too.  

5. Fade Street Social

Just around the corner on Fade Street, Fade Street Social is a very popular spot, set amongst the old Georgian buildings in the area.

The outdoor terrace is located upstairs with both covered and open-air seating so you can enjoy some fresh air even when it’s raining. 

The upmarket bar and restaurant serve some pretty elaborate cocktails which go perfectly with the extensive and very popular tapas menu.

6. NoLita

Another sophisticated option for a drink in the city centre is NoLita – a New York inspired bar and restaurant serving authentic Italian food.

The very stylish interior has booth style seating, or you can opt for the lovely garden area outside if the weather is nice. 

The garden is housed inside a courtyard and features lounges and bar stools for those looking for a relaxed cocktail with a friend. 

7. Luckys

This arty bar on Meath Street in The Liberties is a trendy spot to head for a more casual drink. The outdoor beer garden area is decorated with colourful murals on the wall and offers some cover from the sky if the weather turns. 

A very underrated bar and restaurant, it’s open every day until 11.30pm with reasonably priced cocktails, wine and a range of Irish whiskeys. If you’re looking for a feed, their pizzas are delicious and served from the afternoon until late. 

8. Vintage Cocktail Club

One of the more exclusive bars in the Temple Bar neighbourhood, the Vintage Cocktail Club is all about classic glamour, with speakeasy vibes. The interior is beautifully styled with velvet chairs, red curtains and candle-lit tables. 

While it doesn’t necessarily have a beer garden, the upstairs roof terrace is a great spot for a cosy drink. The award-winning mixologists are passionate about creating perfectly blended cocktails, plus the kitchen cooks up European fine dining meals.

Beer gardens in Dublin that can cater for a big group

The next section of our guide takes a look at the best beer gardens in Dublin that can cater for a big group.

These are places that’ll suit those of you looking to either 1, watch a match with friends or 2, sip pints with a crowd and yap away.

1. D Two

D Two is home to one of the better-known beer gardens in Dublin and, while it’s arguably best-known as a nightclub, it’s a great space to watch a match, too.

They have a bar area, nightclub and all-weather beer garden with clear roofing allowing you to enjoy some fresh air and natural light even when it’s raining.

The beer garden is a pretty space with greenery and large screens for popular sports games. Otherwise, the club runs until 3am on weekends and you can grab a feed at the bar with classic pub grub.

2. Dicey’s

Another option on Harcourt Street is Dicey’s (remember those €2 Tuesdays back in the day?!) and you’ll find it in the Russell Court Hotel.

Open for lunch and then again from the evening until 2am, this is a lively spot that’s great for big groups, as there’s plenty of space.

The beer garden is perfect for summer days with a huge open area and a balcony that can cater for a large crowd. You can score some pretty affordable drink specials as well, so a visit won’t break the bank. 

3. The Old Schoolhouse

The Old Schoolhouse is another great spot to visit with a group. Now, there’s an absolute heap of different beer gardens here.

The first one is on the ground floor of The Schoolhouse itself, where there’s a good bit of seating and you can order (great!) food.

The second seating area is next door to it, in the Chalk Venue – there’s a nice big beer garden here and, again, you can order (great!) food to your table.

4. Brewdog

Located in Three Locks Square on the Grand Canal, Brewdog is home to what’s potentially the newest beer garden in Dublin in this guide.

With two bars, 32 craft beers on tap, a warming fire, two outdoor areas and delicious food served form the kitchen, it’s an all-round crowd pleaser.

There’s plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the river, or you can enjoy their stylish patio area with heaters and fairy lights. 

5. O’Donoghue’s

O’Donoghue’s is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Located on Merrion Row, they have a large outdoor area that is both covered and heated for those cool Dublin evenings. 

It’s got plenty of space to enjoy with a group, although it’s often busy throughout the year. They also feature live music acts, so it’s always a lively place for a pint.

Now, this is one of several beer gardens in Dublin that can be a nightmare on a Friday, as it’s packed with after-work heads. However, on Saturdays and Sundays it’s much quieter.

Other popular beer gardens in Dublin

The final section of our guide to the best beer gardens in Dublin contains a random mix of other spots to check out.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from The Living Room and The Church to Harry Byrnes and more. Hop on in!

1. The Church

Located at the end of Henry Street, The Church is one of the more unique pubs in Dublin. It’s a café and bar housed inside a converted church, serving pub grub and drinks from midday til late.

This place is huge with different areas to choose from including the main bar, the cellar bar, and the gallery. However, the incredible garden area is a favourite, with the beer garden capable of seating large groups.  

2. The Living Room

The Living Room is home to one of the most popular beer gardens in Dublin, and it’s a solid option if you want to watch a match or soak up some sun.

The large open-air terrace is decorated with flowering plants, and has plenty of room to enjoy a drink with pals.

It’s particularly popular when a big match is on, with large screens and a weekend DJ on the tunes as well. 

3. Harry Byrnes

Located in Clontarf, a short DART ride from the city, is Harry Byrnes. This is a classic old pub dates back over 200 years.

With old school wooden furniture, you can choose from plenty of seating indoors or head out to the large beer garden area.

It’s more of a courtyard design, with outdoor seating and large TV screens to watch the latest live sport. It’s also partly covered from the weather so you can seek some shelter if it inevitably starts to rain!

4. The Goat Bar and Grill

This very popular bar and grill has plenty of sprawling space to fit a large group. Located in the south of Dublin in Goatstown, you’ll find a glasshouse-style covered area, which offers plenty of natural light in summer and is heated for the cooler months.

It’s known as a popular sports pub showing all the major games, but it also has live bands on a Saturday night worth checking out. 

The best beer gardens in Dublin: Where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant beer gardens in Dublin from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about Dublin’s top beer gardens

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Which are the best for a match?’ to ‘Which have areas you can reserve?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best beer gardens in Dublin?

In our opinion, it’s hard to beat The Blue Light, Bonobo, Toners, Johnnie Foxes and Blue Bar in Skerries.

What are the most unique beer gardens in Dublin?

When it comes to unique, Haddington House and the Botanical Garden Bar are both hard to beat. Haddington House is arguably the most unique, thanks to the views.