Ireland’s landscapes offer a natural backdrop that can quietly enhance a meal, whether it is coastal waters, rolling countryside, or a lively harbour setting.
Across the country, some restaurants are positioned to make the most of their surroundings, allowing diners to enjoy both the food and the view at the same time.
From waterside tables to elevated viewpoints, these seven restaurants highlight how setting and scenery can be as memorable as the dishes served.
All information is provided for general interest only.
Taste, appearance, and availability may vary.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. King Sitric Seafood Bar
Perched right at Howth Harbour, this spot has been serving up the catch of the day since forever, and the views through those massive windows are absolutely class.
You're looking straight out at Balscadden Bay, the bobbing boats, and the whole marina scene whilst you tuck into whatever's been hauled in that morning.
The seafood here is proper fresh – we're talking straight from the trawlers to your plate kind of fresh.
It's the sort of place where the view does half the work, but the kitchen backs it up with serious skill.
2. Dede At The Custom House
Tucked into Baltimore's historic Custom House, Dede brings a bit of Mediterranean flair to West Cork's rugged coastline, and the setting is nothing short of magic.
Floor-to-ceiling glass means you're practically dining on the water, watching fishing boats glide past and seabirds swoop overhead.
The menu leans heavily on local catch and seasonal produce, all cooked with a lightness that lets the ingredients shine.
It's relaxed yet refined, the kind of spot where you linger over lunch and lose track of time.
3. The Towers
Sitting pretty in Glenbeigh, The Towers commands sweeping views over Dingle Bay and the Kerry mountains that'll have you reaching for your camera before your fork.
The dining room is all about maximising that vista, with big windows framing the ever-changing light on the water and hills.
Expect hearty, well-executed dishes that draw on Kerry's incredible larder – think locally sourced meats, fresh fish, and vegetables that taste like they've just been pulled from the earth.
Honest cooking, stunning scenery, proper Irish hospitality.
4. The Curragower Bar And Restaurant
Right on the banks of the Shannon in Limerick city, The Curragower offers one of the best riverside seats in the country, with King John's Castle looming majestically across the water.
It's a proper local haunt with a warm buzz, serving up everything from traditional Irish fare to globally inspired plates.
The outdoor terrace is the place to be when the weather plays nice, and even on grey days, those river views through the windows are something special.
Casual, welcoming, and utterly charming.
5. The Cliff House Hotel Restaurant
Perched on the edge of Ardmore's dramatic coastline, this Michelin-starred gem offers possibly the most jaw-dropping ocean views you'll find anywhere in Ireland.
Waves pound the rocks below whilst you work your way through a tasting menu that's equal parts artistry and precision, showcasing the best of Waterford's land and sea.
The dining room is sleek and modern, designed so every seat gets a piece of that Atlantic panorama.
It's fine dining done right – inventive, elegant, and utterly unforgettable.
6. O'Connors Seafood Restaurant
Bantry Bay spreads out before you at O'Connors, a family-run spot that's been feeding locals and visitors alike for years with seafood that's as fresh as it gets.
The dining room overlooks the working harbour, so you'll spot the very boats that brought in your dinner earlier that day.
The menu is straightforward and fuss-free – beautifully cooked fish, shellfish platters, and classic preparations that let the quality speak for itself.
Warm service, stunning surroundings, and flavours that taste like the sea.
7. Fishy Fishy Café
Kinsale's most famous seafood spot sits right in the heart of this colourful harbour town, and whilst the views are more about the charming streetscape than open water, the whole vibe is utterly coastal.
The café buzzes with energy, plates piled high with the day's catch cooked simply and brilliantly.
Think crispy battered fish, buttery scallops, and chowder so good it's borderline legendary.
It's casual, lively, and packed with character – the kind of place that captures everything great about eating by the Irish seaside.
