It has to be said, you can’t bate Dublin when the weather is good. And what better way to take advantage of the sun splitting the stones than to head for a picnic in one of our lovely parks or on one of our beautiful beaches. Here’s our top suggestions for where to pick up a picnic in Dublin...
Pete's Wine, Phibsborough
Pete’s Wine in Phibsborough is a great shout for wine lovers who like the sound of “provisions & fancy goods”. Their picnic provisions packs (€50 with wine or €35 without) are stuffed with Valencian Fried Almonds; Gordal Olives; Rosemary & Thyme Olive Oil Tortas; Picnic Gherkins; Quillo Salt Crisps; Comté; The Wooded Pig charcuterie, a baguette from sister bakery Elliot's and your pick from a line up of sparkling, white, rosé or red wine (all natural, all supremely delicious). Head over to Blessington Basin or along the canal for your picnic of kings.
Fallon & Byrne, Dublin 2
The OG spot in town to pick up fancy picnic bits, Fallon and Byrne are doing pre-made picnic bags for €65 a pop, complete with prosecco, a selection of cheese, meat, bread, dips, and dessert (or €55 with lemonade or apple juice) It even includes their super cute lemon tote bag - the perfect accessory for the modern day foodie. Rather than heading to the usually crammed Stephen’s Green, we recommend the Iveagh Gardens. It’s a bit quieter - perfect for a proper grown up picnic.
Phoenix Café, Phoenix Park
The legendary Phoenix Café offer picnic boxes that can be ordered in advance for collection if you’re heading to Miggeldy’s gaf (better known as the Phoenix Park). They include a sandwich of your choice (chicken, ham & cheese, or veggie) on granary bread, scones, a brownie, tea or coffee, and the cafe’s housemade elderflower lemonade. They have options for children and vegans, with a selection of (screw top) wines also. Boxes for 2 sans wine are €37 for the regular one, and €36 for the vegan, and wine can be added separately.
Thyme Out, Dalkey
If you’re planning a picnic in the Dalkey area, Thyme Out on Castle street have plenty of options, including afternoon tea, antipasti, sandwich platters, and luxury picnic boxes. You have the option to add booze too, although the selection is limited. Luxury picnic boxes include finger size sambos and salads, sausage rolls, traybakes, homemade cookies & a can of Cawston elderflower lemonade. They also deliver within a 10 mile radius of the café, so you could also head for Killiney hill. They recommend ordering three - four days in ahead, so plan ahead you must.
Olive, Skerries
If you’re heading to Skerries for a seaside soiree in the sun, bring your picnic blanket and stop by Olive, where you can order regular, veggie or vegan boxes, all with or without alcohol. They have a selection of fresh fruit, cured meats & cheeses, olives, grapes, chutney, hummus, tapenade, crackers, bread & San Pellegrino lemonade / Prosecco. The regular box without alcohol is €55 (€75 with rosé or prosecco), which is a little steep, but it’s probably the most varied option on the list.
Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin 2
The Fitzwilliam Hotel have just launched their picnic in the park package this summer, from €399 for two including an overnight stay, a picnic with fresh lemonade, a full Irish breakfast for two & mini-bar beverages, but you can do the picnic as a non-resident too. The hotel concierge sets up everything for you in Stephen’s Green and the "deluxe savoury & sweet picnic for two" with a chilled bottle of champagne is a rather spenny €189, but if you're going to do it.... Book through the hotel.
Pop Up Picnics
If you’re planning a special occasion picnic and are happy to provide your own food, Pop Up Picnic are your guys. With prices starting at €75 for two, they’re more of a picnic service, and you can build your own bespoke picnic set up, with the option of adding a paint set, and even a photographer. They have hen party and proposal packages and suggest booking four - six weeks out, so this is definitely one that needs to be planned in advance.
