Now that summer has arrived and the sports season is in full swing, a beer garden is the perfect place to relax and while away a lazy, sunny afternoon.
From covered courtyards to family-friendly terraces, here’s a snapshot of some of Northern Ireland’s beer gardens to wet your whistle.
1. The Bureau, Jordanstown
Bureau by the Lough is an award winning bar and restaurant in Jordanstown with stunning views of Belfast Lough. The first bar on the Causeway Coastal Route, Hollywood actor Sam Neill described it as “one of the best views anywhere in the world from a restaurant”. High praise indeed from a Hollywood actor.
2. Grace Neill’s, Donaghadee
Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as being ‘Ireland’s Oldest Pub’,
Grace Neill’s is the perfect spot for some award winning food, a welcome drink with friends or some old-world character and charm.
The Four Trees in Moira – a listed building – boasts a large beer garden to the rear and a courtyard to the side so you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon on a warm, sunny day.
4. The Saltwater Brig, Kircubbin
The famous
Saltwater Brig pub and restaurant lies between Kircubbin and Portaferry, on the Ards Penninsula. Established circa 1765, the ‘Brig’ has extensive gardens to the rear and enjoys an elevated view looking out over Strangford Lough.
Further round the coast is
O’Hare’s, located in the seaside town of Newcastle. The perfect place to enjoy a good pint after a walk in the Mournes, this traditional pub has a warm and lively atmosphere and has a large beer garden with open terraces to enjoy all summer long.
6. The Dirty Onion, Belfast
The
Dirty Onion, dating back to 1780, is Belfast’s oldest building. Originally used as a bonded spirit warehouse, its distinctive external wooden structure now frames the venue’s beer garden to the front of the complex. A modern take on a traditional Irish pub, it offers a varied music programme seven nights a week.
7. Whistledown, Warrenpoint
Nestled on the shores of Carlingford Lough, and surrounded by the magnificent Mourne Mountains and Cooley Peninsula, the
Whistledown Hotel in Warrenpoint is a must-visit during the summer months. Sit back and watch the world sail by whilst taking in the panoramic views of the lough.
8. Watermill Restaurant, Enniskillen
With stunning views of Lough Erne, the
Watermill Lodge is an award winning fine dining restaurant serving up the very best of French wines. Sitting out on the terrace of this traditional-styled thatched building makes for the perfect weekend spot whilst soaking up the tranquillity and beauty of the Fermanagh Lakelands.
9. Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn, Coleraine
Just 10 minutes from Coleraine and along the Causeway Coast, the
Brown Trout and Country Inn is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed afternoon of eating and drinking. Sit back and relax in the south facing patio while dining alfresco in the peaceful surroundings of the 9 hole golf course.
Last on our list is a beer garden with a difference in Omagh. The
Main Street Complex incorporates bars, a restaurant, a nightclub and an open staged area for live music and entertainment. This unique venue is the ideal spot to enjoy a weekend away.
For more inspiration on where to eat and drink in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com