Great Dublin Pubs To Enjoy The Sunshine

 Great Dublin Pubs To Enjoy The Sunshine

So the hot weather is still here, and it seems to only be getting warmer. Why not go to a Dublin pub and enjoy a pint, while basking in the glorious rays of the sun. Here are a few of our favourites.

Toners – Baggot Street

One of the classics. Its large outdoor yard is particularly good for catching the afternoon sun, and it's right in the city centre

The Blue Light – Sandyford

A fantastic choice if you want sun + views + proper Dublin pub atmosphere. Up in the Dublin Mountains, it's a very different experience from city-centre pubs. 

Hynes' Bar – Stoneybatter

Its back beer garden is a real sunny-day favourite, with a relaxed local atmosphere and regular music/events 

The Yacht – Clontarf

One of my top choices for a tourist. You get your pint outside while looking across Dublin Bay. It's hard to beat on a genuinely sunny day. 

The Barge – Grand Canal

Sit outside beside the canal and watch Dublin go by. Particularly good for an afternoon or early-evening drink when the weather behaves itself. 

Joe May's, Skerries 

One of my top picks. This traditional pub is right by the harbour, with outdoor seating and views across the water. It's particularly good for a sunny afternoon followed by a stroll around Skerries harbour. Joe May's dates back to the 19th century, so you get plenty of character too. 

Gibney's, Malahide 

Probably one of the best bets for a proper sunny beer-garden session in North County. Gibney's has a sizeable outdoor garden and is right in Malahide village, so you can combine drinks with a walk around the village, marina and Malahide Castle. 

The Bloody Stream, Howth 

A particularly good option if you want to combine pub + seaside + walking. It's beside Howth DART station and has a beer garden as well as outdoor seating out front. Visit Dublin also highlights it as one of Howth's liveliest pubs 

The Man O' War, Balbriggan

If you want to get further north, Man O' War Gastro Pub is well worth considering. It's a historic country-style pub in Courtlough, near Balbriggan, and is particularly suited to a longer afternoon with food and drinks. 

The Sands Hotel, Portmarnock

It has a great veranda out front, with lovely views of both the Howth Peninsula and Portrane/Donabate. Also great for a walk along the famous Velvet Strand. 

A trip around North County Dublin

 

North County Dublin

A trip around North Co Dublin

  

North County Dublin is one of my favourite parts of the county. Once you get north of Swords, it feels much more rural and coastal than most people expect, with quiet beaches, working harbours, castles, and tiny villages. 

Malahide Castle & Gardens (beyond the castle)

Most people visit the castle, but the real gem is exploring the 260-acre demesne. Wander through the walled garden, Fairy Trail, and woodland paths, then continue to the marina and beach. Early morning or late afternoon is especially peaceful.

Skerries

Skerries has managed to stay a proper seaside town rather than a tourist hotspot.

Don't miss:

• The harbour at sunrise

• Skerries Mills

• Red Island coastal walk

• Fish and chips by the harbour

• A pint overlooking the sea

It's also one of the best places in Dublin for photography.

Ardgillan Castle

Often overshadowed by Malahide, Ardgillan has:

• spectacular sea views

• Victorian gardens

• woodland walks

• almost no crowds compared with Dublin's better-known attractions.

Donabate Portrane Cliff Walk

One of the finest coastal walks near Dublin.

It follows low cliffs with views towards:

• Lambay Island

• Howth

• the Irish Sea

It's only about 2.5 km one way, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon

Loughshinny

A tiny fishing village that many Dubliners have never visited.

It has:

• a sheltered swimming cove

• colourful boats

• a Martello tower

• dramatic cliffs

It feels more like the west coast than somewhere 40 minutes from the city.

Portmarnock

Portmarnock is often overlooked because people head straight to Malahide or Howth, but it's one of the best places in Dublin if you enjoy long beach walks, sea views, and a quieter atmosphere. 
The main attraction is the Velvet Strand, a 5 km stretch of sandy beach that's one of Dublin's finest.
From the beach you can see:

• Ireland's Eye to the northeast.
• Lambay Island farther north.
• Howth across the bay.

You can easily combine Portmarnock with nearby towns:

• North to Malahide via the beach and coastal paths.
• South toward North Bull Island and Sutton.

The Naul

Hidden in the rolling countryside, this little village has:

• beautiful views over the Delvin Valley

• riverside walks

• traditional pubs

• the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre for traditional Irish music

The surrounding landscape is among the most scenic in Fingal.

Rush

Less polished than Malahide but wonderfully authentic.

Try:

• South Beach

• the harbour

• quiet coastal paths

• local cafés

If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins offshore.

Lusk

Often overlooked because people drive straight through.

Visit:

• St MacCullin's Church

• its rare medieval round tower

• the remains of the medieval monastery

It's a fascinating glimpse into early Christian Ireland.

Balbriggan

While not usually on tourist itineraries, it has:

• a lovely harbour

• the restored lighthouse

• excellent cliff walks north towards Bremore

• surprisingly good seafood.