While we can’t always depend on the weather in Northern Ireland, we can depend on top-notch beer gardens serving up refreshing drinks and mouth-watering food in delightful surroundings.
There are few things more refreshing than pulling up a pew, soaking up the sun and enjoying a cold pint or glass of wine with friends and family.
Here are some of our favourite beer gardens for you to enjoy, from covered courtyards, to family (and dog) friendly venues, as well as a few ‘Instaworthy’ spots.
Belfast
Haymarket
Belfast’s newest bar is perfect for a drink after shopping or if you are searching for somewhere new to sit back and relax. Situated just off Royal Avenue, the menu offers a host of delicious cocktails and street food in a funky beer garden. Providing specials throughout the week including Taco Tuesdays, Wingman Wednesdays and Throwback Thursdays it’s the perfect excuse for a mid week treat.
The Bone Yard
The Bone Yard by Pug Uglys has both outdoor and covered space, with an array of picnic tables and private living room containers making you feel at home. Watch live sport or enjoy the famous Pug Ugly’s Comedy Club. Tribal Burger has set up a van onsite, this hipster joint is not only the place to be for the cool kids, its also dog friendly!
More like this: Trademarket Belfast, The Dirty Onion, The National, The Jailhouse, Duke of York and Kelly's Cellars.
County Antrim
Mary McBrides, Cushendun
Once one of the smallest pubs on the island of Ireland and protected by the National Trust, Mary McBrides is situated in the picturesque Glens of Antrim, in the beautiful coastal town of Cushendun. It is the perfect stop off on our way to explore the famous Causeway Coast. Enjoy stories from the locals about the late landlady.
Sleepy Hollow, Newtownabbey
Working closely with local food producers to create traditional Irish food with a modern twist, this is not only a hidden gem from the hustle and bustle but the perfect place in the countryside to enjoy a cocktail in their small beer garden.
More like this: Quay's Bar
County Londonderry
Harrys Shack, Portstewart
With stunning views of Portstewart Strand, local seafood and a DJ on Saturdays, who needs the Balearics? Watch the sun go down in the most beautiful of settings, sipping a cold beer and munching on some fresh scampi, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Dungloe, Derry ~ Londonderry
Dungloe in the heart of the city offers a large heated beer garden with live music, promising good food, ice cold beer and great craic.
More like this: The Thirsty Goat
County Tyrone
The Jailbird Bar, Cookstown
A modern day speakeasy bar with funky and vibrant décor, try the mouth-watering cocktails and sharing platters in this stylish venue.
More like this: Main Street, Tomney's Pub, and McAleer's Bar.
County Armagh
Sally McNallys, Portadown
Nestled in the countryside, this family-run venue is the perfect location to sit and enjoy some pub grub. Winners of Best Casual Dining in County Armagh at the Northern Ireland Hospitality Awards 2018, why not try their famous handmade pizzas from their outdoor stove and relax in the spacious beer garden.
Basil Shiels Bar, Tassagh
Known as the hidden gem in the Orchard County and nestled on the banks of the River Callan in Tassagh, this quaint and traditional pub is a must to soak up the atmosphere, listen to live music and drink with the locals.
More like this: The Hole in the Wall
County Down
Jamaica Inn, Bangor
With stunning views from the beer garden, watch the world and boats go by! Serving food, coffee or a crisp glass of white wine to quench your thirst after a coastal walk.
Daft Eddys, Strangford Lough
Daft Eddys in Killinchy provides a large outdoor seating area and arguably the most beautiful view of Strangford Lough. The beer garden offers food and drinks for cyclists, dog owners or those wanting to soak in the surroundings.
More like this: Grace Neills, O'Hare's, Whistledown Hotel, Dirty Duck, The Hillside and The Bridge Bar.
County Fermanagh
Pats Bar, Enniskillen
Pats Bar in Enniskillen is famous for its great atmosphere, food and delicious cocktails all in the Yard beer garden. Check out the events and promotions on throughout the week.
Watermill Restaurant, Enniskillen
Watermill Restaurant could be mistaken for something out of a Disney movie. This unique setting on the shore of Lough Erne is not only a place to unwind and enjoy a glass of some of the very best wines but also fine dining and stunning views.
More like this: The Devenish and The Taphouse.
We hope you enjoy these suggestions. Let us know your favourite or any we've missed! Join in the conversation online with #MyGiantAdventure
Mary's is a traditional Irish pub with lots of history and stories to be told. Come along and enjoy a homemade meal and a pint of Guinness. Our menu offers something for everyone whether it's our steak and Guinness pie or our delicious Cock and Bull.
A shack, located on arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Ireland - Portstewart Strand - which serves fresh local fish, meats, vegetables and more. What's not to love!
Jamaica Inn is a Bangor institution, run by Dave and Michelle Harding since 2004. A warm welcome, great food and drinks and a superb setting with a fabulous beer garden awaits you on the coast road. Be sure to book a table!
Renowned for its fresh food and wonderful hospitality, Daft Eddy's offers fresh seafood and a host of other local produce.
