It feels like summer is finally kicking in this week.

With the sun making an appearance at last (Met Éireann is teasing temperatures in the mid-20s for the coming week), we’ve been busy sussing out the best spots for alfresco coffees, lunch dates and dinners.

Most of our favourite restaurants and cafés have outdoor seating by now, but if you’re looking for a location that will look as good on your Insta feed as it does IRL, it’s worth strolling off the beaten track a little.

Here are six great spots to eat, drink and soak up the sunshine this weekend:

1. VISTA, KINSALE

Perched above the bistro and boasting uninterrupted viewes of Kinsale Marina, the outdoor terrace and balcony at Vista is the perfect sunny spot for coffee, a glass of wine and charcuterie or lunch from 12pm. The evening menu kicks off this Friday, June 25th from 5pm. Walk-ins are welcome but if you’d like to reserve your table you can call 083 812 4188.

 

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2. HARLEY STREET

Meeting a mate or treating the kids to an alfresco lunch? Harley Street has been transformed into Harley’s StrEAT for the summer, with plenty of picnic table seating and a choice of tacos from Taco Rebel, coffee from Bev’s Brews and sweet treats.

Located in the lane next to The Metropole Hotel Cork, Harley StrEAT is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am – 8pm.

 

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3. CORK COFFEE ROASTERS, ANGLESEA STREET

Over on Anglesea Street, Cork Coffee Roasters has opened up the roof of their newest café so customers can enjoy their caffeine fix in the sun. You can also sit up there for pizza and beer from Thursday to Sunday, 4pm to 8pm.

 

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4. GREENE’S, MAC CURTAIN STREET

Celebrating a big birthday or a special event? Greene’s Restaurant is open for outside dining in their elegant new white dining pods in the courtyard off Mac Curtain Street. You can book a pod for up to six people here. Meanwhile, the indoor restaurant is getting a makeover ahead of the return of indoor dining in July.

 

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5. THE WALTER RALEIGH HOTEL, YOUGHAL

Down in Youghal, the Walter Raleigh Hotel’s comfy terrace is open daily from 10am, with The Courtyard, Balcony, and Raleigh’s Bar open for outdoor dining too. Call 024 92011 to book a table.

 

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6. MARKET LANE 

With tables now arranged on both sides of the Oliver Plunkett Street eatery, Market Lane is a prime city spot for a dinner or lunch alfresco. The terrace is heated too so you don’t need to worry about frostbite once the sun goes down. Bookings are open now here.

 

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