Food

Outdoor dining: 7 great places to eat outside in Co Kerry

This county boasts big flavours, fresh seafood and, of course, dazzling views

Chad Byrne at his food trailer, The Hungry Donkey, Killarney, Co Kerry

Corinna Hardgrave
Lisa Cope
Ali Dunworth
Fri Dec 31 2021 - 00:00

Solas Tapas & Wine 
1-5 Dykegate Street, Dingle, Co Kerry, solastapas.com
While restrictions keep the doors closed to sit-in diners, chef Nicky Foley has pivoted from his signature Mediterranean-style "plátaí beaga" to offer tasty takeaway options. You'll find the same bold flavours and the best of local Kerry produce in his Grab & Go Street Tapas, served at lunchtime Friday to Sunday, and take-home dinner, available in the evenings. AD

The Boathouse Bistro
Kenmare, Co Kerry, dromquinnamanor.com
There are dazzling views over Kenmare Bay at the outdoor seating area of this casual restaurant with bistro classics on the menu. Fish and meat is from local suppliers, and vegetables come from the kitchen gardens at Dromquinna. Pizza is also available from Shutters Pizza on the Pier. Open daily. CH

Fish and chips at The Fish Box in Dingle

The Fish Box
Green Street, Dingle, Co Kerry, thefishboxdingle.com
It's a joy to know that much of the seafood on the extensive menu at The Fish Box is caught by its own family trawler Cú Na Mara. The Flannery family also support local day-fishing boats by buying crab and lobster when in season. Freshly-cut chips are from the O'Connor brothers' Maharee potatoes and beer is from the Flannerys' neighbours at Dick Macks Brewhouse. The menu is great for takeaway and they also have outdoor seating for up to 50 people. AD

The Hungry Donkey
Ross Road, Killarney, Co Kerry, instagram.com
The Hungry Donkey, a crowdfunded pandemic project from chef Chad Byrne, has been a welcome addition to the Killarney food scene. The "small menu with big flavours" features weekly tacos, a generous homemade spice box and scrumptious-sounding specials along with vegan and vegetarian options. All picnic perfect. AD

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Where Irish Times readers recommend in Co Kerry

Gregory's Garden
Castlegregory, Co Kerry, gregorysgarden.jimdofree.com
"They have a casual pizza area which has lots of seating both covered and open. Doggies allowed! Best-ever pizzas and really well set up," says Mary McCaffrey.

Molly Js Courtyard
Benner's Hotel, Tralee, Co Kerry, bennershoteltralee.ie
"This is the outdoor area in Benner's Hotel in Tralee. It is a magical setting with inventive implementations of the social-distancing protocols. The bar/eating area was populated by everyone from lively young people to middle-aged couples on staycations. The manager has a great personality and interacted with all the customers, ensuring that we were all happy and taken care of," says Marie Cronin.

Smugglers Inn
Waterville, Co Kerry, smugglersinn.ie
Eileen Casey recommends "dome dining" at the Smugglers Inn. "The best food in Ireland. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. The dome overlooks the beach and Waterville golf course – a spectacular setting."