The Best Al Fresco Dining Spots in the Boyne Valley
July has arrived and the promise of sun is on the horizon. Nothing feels like summer more than enjoying the taste of the Boyne Valley in the great outdoors and there are plenty of Al Fresco dining spots in the region for you to enjoy.
Our aim here in Boyne Valley Flavours is to promote food & drink that is produced in this special region, the venues that use the food & drink from the region and also the many wonderful food experiences that can be enjoyed here. To recognize eateries that support their local food & drink producers we launched our Place on a Plate initiative so you know when you dine in one of our members venues that they actively support their local food & drink producers. This in turn allows you to get a really sense of place when you dine there as the ingredients they use are produced in that region!
The Boyne Valley is spread across the counties of Meath & Louth and is easily accessible from Dublin with a short spin down the M3 or from Belfast via the M1, so it is a great place for a day out or a short visit. It is also home to a plethora of passionate food & drink producers who supply the many fabulous and award winning eateries around the beautiful Boyne Valley. If you want to make a day of it there are lots of fantastic things to do https://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/plan-your-visit/things-to-do.
Below you will find all the info on our members who will be offering outdoor dining this summer.
Headfort Arms
The Headfort Arms Hotel, a family run hotel situated in the heart of the beautiful heritage town of Kells, County Meath has an array of great value packages & offers to tempt you to the beautiful Boyne Valley.
The hotel is home to the multi award winning Vanilla Pod Restaurant, offering a delicious menu featuring lots of local produce. You are guaranteed a memorable dining experience in the Vanilla Pod. They also boast many outdoor dining areas including a wood fired pizza oven in their beautiful gardens perfect for a relaxed dining experience. Enjoy their delicious menu on the Terrace, their heated outdoor dining area as well as the Headfort Garden Kitchen in the leafy surrounds of a beautiful urban garden. The Headfort has been recognized in the McKenna’s Guide in 2020 and in 2019 as 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland and has been rated in Tom Doorley’s Top 100 Places To Eat in Ireland as well as consistently featuring in the coveted Bridgestone & Georgina Campbell Guide to Ireland. Once you visit you will understand why! They were also recently awarded the Travellers Choice Award from Tripadvisor.
Book your table here.
Scholars Townhouse Hotel
Scholars Townhouse Hotel is very centrally located in the heart of Drogheda’s City Centre and features an award winning Restaurant, a Gastro lounge for most relaxed dining and Afternoon Tea. The hotel also boasts an atmospheric outdoor dining space for the Summer.
Book your table here.
Tankardstown House
Tankardstown House and Restaurant, is set amongst an 80 acre estate of woodland, parkland, courtyards and walled gardens, just 7kms from the village of Slane. The name of Tankardstown has become synonymous with good food, in both Brabazon Restaurant and The Garden Room.
Tankardstown House boasts a large luxurious outdoor seating area and their team of talented chefs offer seasonal dishes created from local produce where possible. Both casual lunch and classic evening dining is served Wednesday through Sunday. The dining experience in Brabazon is a feast for the eyes and the palate!
Afternoon Tea is also available, served in Brabazon midweek and in the quaint Tea Garden at the weekend. A quaint lopsided cottage with odd tables and mismatched china, also set in the picturesque surrounds of Tankardstown’s Garden Village.
Find out more information here.
Conyngham Arms Hotel
The Conyngham Arms is a classic country village hotel and traditional country kitchen restaurant, set in the heart of historic Slane, Co. Meath. A beautifully restored 18th Century coaching inn, offering luxurious accommodation and good food in a traditional warm and atmospheric setting. Just a 2-minute drive from Slane Castle and only the short distance to Historic sites such as the Hill of Slane, Frances Ledwidge Cottage, and Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth whilst just down the street from the beautiful craft, art, and artisan food shops that this Manor Village has to offer. The hotel restaurant serves a full menu of indulgent lunch and dinner dishes, and there is also a cosy bar. The restaurant grows its own herbs and uses as much locally sourced and seasonal produce as possible. The menus change seasonally, so there’s always something new to enjoy. They have beautiful gardens that offer a great outdoor dining space.
Find out more here.
The Glyde Inn, Annagassan
The Glyde Inn is a family owned and run pub & restaurant located in the scenic village of Annagassan on the shores of The Glyde River estuary looking across at beautiful mountain scenery. Featuring a large outdoor dining area overlooking the scenic coastline with the Cooley Mountains in the distance and a delicious menu packed full of local seafood and produce. It was awarded National Pub of The Year and Irish Food Pub of the Year 2018 at the Irish Pub Awards in RDS.
Find more information here.
The Spotted Dog
Brothers Brendan (chef) and Vincent Mulligan (restaurant manager) bring local, fresh seasonal food & drinks to Dundalk. Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner in a cosy modern style restaurant. Winner of Best Newcomer for Louth in 2019 RAI awards. In 2020 they added a spacious & stylish outdoor dining courtyard which is the perfect place for long lazy summer lunches.
Find more information here.
The Square, Dundalk
Serving the best seasonal ingredients right now, locally and Irish i all of their dishes. This beautiful restaurant in Dundalk now has a comfortable outside dining area so you can enjoy the evening summer sun.
Be sure to book your table online here.
The Monasterboice Inn
Located just outside the town of Drogheda, right in the centre of the ancient Boyne Valley, The Monasterboice Inn is steeped in history, being only 5 minutes away from Monasterboice monastic site, including the world famous Muiredocks Cross.
One of the many special features of the Monasterboice Inn is that they provide their own beef for the restaurant from their own herd of beef cattle so we would highly recommend their amazing steaks! They also feature lots of local produce across their menu.
Visit their website here.
Teltown Country House Tailtiú Cafe & Gardens
Teltown House is located on the historical site of the original "Tailteann Games", to commemorate the death of Queen Tailtiu. A visit to "Cafe Tailtiú" in the courtyard is a must this summer. This family business serves barista essence coffee and delicious treats, using local produce. Teltown House hosts ancient ruins, burial ground and a mystical tree located in the heart of the Boyne Valley Region. You can walk on the ancient Queen Maeve Road and ramble around the grounds of this 17th Century heritage home. Child and pet friendly, with donkeys, fairy trails and outdoor seating areas. Teltown House offers a new family experience to explore and enjoy by all. Currently open every Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from 10am-4pm with free parking and no entrance fee. Updates are posted regularly on their social media channels.
Check out their Facebook page here.
Sage and Stone
Sage & Stone is a family run cafe and gift shop based on the family farm just outside Duleek. Serving delicious, freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. The cafe offer outdoor seating also so you can relax and enjoy your meal while watching the world go by.
Book your table on their website here and avoid dissapointment.
Mac Namee’s Tea Room
Tea room where you can sit, relax and enjoy a selection of over 300 loose leaf teas, you can also take home your favourite tea which they blend and pack themselves in store. They also serve excellent Italian coffee along with Gourmet hand made sandwiches, soup, pastries, salads and light snacks. In their store you can browse gift sets, hampers, tea pots, crockery, caddies etc.. along with coffee machines, grinders and a selection of coffee products for you to enjoy at home. They also have an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy a coffee in the sunshine this summer.
Check them out on their Facebook page here.
Slane Castle Demesne
This summer Slane Castle offers dining in the Courtyard. Enjoy outstanding natural beauty and birdsong along with your refreshments.
The Food Truck at Slane Castle
This gleaming silver beauty is located in the Castle Courtyard in the cooling shade of Castle itself. Run by culinary duo Keith Coleman and Aisling McHugh of the Roots Project, it’s funky, fun and seriously satisfying. Enjoy excellent coffee and a selection of freshly made savoury and sweet treats to enjoy at a picnic table, while taking in the view. The focus is on local and seasonal produce - Keith’s sausage rolls using organic rare breed pork from Rock Farm are a special treat.
Open Thursday to Sunday 10a.m.-4.30p.m. No booking required.
The Courtyard at Slane Castle
The grounds of the castle are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm and the Silver Fox food truck serves food until 5pm. While you are here, take in a tour of the castle or take a walk on the woodland trail.
Silly Sids
Silly Sid’s is a sustainable food and fashion initiative. They are based in the Boyne Valley - Rock Farm Slane on Thursdays and Little Wood Forest Slane at the weekend - where they serve coffee, ice cream and toasties, all made with locally sourced ingredients.
Check out their Facebook page here.
Inside Out
An award winning restaurant, in the heart of the beautiful village of Slane, offers a warm welcome in cosy, candle lit, Mediterranean surroundings of olive trees and laurels. Their passion for food is translated into their menu, focusing on local produce for freshness, flavour and colours, with an inspired Mediterranean fusion.
Their large garden and terrace area is a perfect way to relax in the summer, with some tasty sharing dishes and good company. Inside Out is the perfect venue for any occasion.
Book your table on their website here.
Dunboyne Castle
As summer approaches, the Outdoor Terrace at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa is the perfect location for some socialising, al fresco dinning with friends and family and to bask in the summer sun. The outside Terrace enjoys direct sunshine and as the evening begins to fall. The partially covered and heated terrace is an ideal location to retreat and enjoy a delicious cocktail, a craft beer or a full bodied glass of red wine. The team at Dunboyne Castle take great care in using quality, carefully sourced produce from local suppliers, using seasonal ingredients and are proud members of the Boyne Valley Flavours.
Find out more on their website here.
Earls Kitchen
The much loved cafe in Navan County Meath has several seats outside now available.
Find out more on their Facebook page here.
The Smugglers Rest
The Smugglers Rest Seafood Gastropub in Clogherhead Co. Louth is the perfect destination for outside dining this summer. Bringing Port Oriel's best quality seafood straight from pier to the plate while serving up the finest local beers and spirits, as well as the old favourites.
Book your table direct here.
The Central Navan
The vey popular Navan eatery is open 7 days a week. Their headed rooftop bar is an excellent choice for Alfresco Dining. The area features several gas heaters and blankets for those who enjoy relaxing under the starts all year round.
Book your table here today.
The Bective
Little sister of The Central Navan. Their ethos is: 'family friendly premises serving high quality food in an environment that is relaxed, fun and friendly. Open Wednesday- Sunday from 5pm
Book your table here.
The Lawrence
The Lawrence Boutique Hotel in Athboy is open for outdoor dining every weekend. Their new summer menu tastes even better in the sunshine. Book your table by emailing info@thelawrence.ie or call 046 948 7001.
Find more information on their website here.
Fishermans Catch Food Truck
Experience the freshest fish and chips overlooking the scenic Port Oriel. This family run Food Truck is open Friday- Sunday 12-7pm and make sure you check out their fish shop next door too.
View more on their website here.
The Donkey Shed Restaurant at Newbarn Farm
The Donkey Shed Restaurant is dedicated to local farmers and food producers. We use fresh locally sourced ingredients, some of which come straight from the fields of our farm.
Located in a tastefully converted barn, which used to be the home of our donkeys, the restaurant serves delicious breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, mouth watering main courses and scrumptious desserts created by Chef Lee and his kitchen team to showcase the best and freshest local ingredients. We serve our food simply, priding ourselves on our fresh flavours. Our menu consists of simple homely comforting dishes made special by our attention to detail and fresh ingredients. The menu is complimented by some excellent wines and locally brewed craft beers.
We have a large patio area, perfect for al’fresco dining on warm sunny days and on cold winter days, our restaurant is heated by two wood burning stoves.
We are open 9.30 to 16.30 Monday to Saturday and 12.00 to 16.30 on Sunday. We do not take bookings at the weekends or on bank holidays but you shouldn’t have to wait too long for a table.
Find out more on their website HERE