Outdoor Dining Ideas
Unmissable Outdoor Dining Venues in Monaghan:
Restaurants in Monaghan are getting set for a summer of outdoor dining, with a raft of new outdoor dining venues. Monaghan has a solid reputation when it comes to fresh, locally sourced produce, and restaurants and hotels throughout the county have been busy developing new menus and adding dedicated outdoor dining areas, ready to welcome locals and visitors.
Here are seven outdoor dining options in Monaghan you won’t want to miss:
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The perfect spot to refuel after a visit to the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen, Raglan Road Tea Room is open 9.30am-4.30pm daily (closed Sunday) – no reservations required. Enjoy coffee, cakes, sambos and more in a beautiful courtyard setting.
The Shirley Arms in Carrickmacross has an extended outdoor seating area to the rear of the hotel, and is open Fridays from 3pm and weekends from midday. Expect classics, such as traditional garlic mushrooms and home-made steak burger, as well as weekly specials, which reflect the very best of what’s in season. To-die-for desserts and a kids menu seal the deal. Call 042 967 3100 to reserve a spot.
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Glaze & Roll artisan street food truck is a new fixture at The Glencarn Hotel in Castleblayney, with a mouth-watering menu including Vietnamese loaded fries, salted chilli chicken and Keenan’s wholetail scampi. There are vegan and veggie options, too. Dedicated outdoor dining area ‘The Great Outdoors’ is open Wed-Sun and bank holidays. Bookings are recommended – call 042 974 6666.
A new outdoor coffee shop at Graham’s of Monaghan is causing quite a stir. Open from 9am for coffee, lunch and light bites, highlights include a special seating area for kids and gelato from Glaslough’s famous Pocono. Walk-ins are welcome. The café is closed on Sundays.
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Adding a touch of sparkle to The Diamond in Monaghan Town, the covered outdoor restaurants at the Westenra Arms serves a ‘lite bite’ menu, 11-3pm; bar food 3.30pm-8pm; and a Sunday carvery walk-though. Bookings are being taken via reception, on 047 74400.
Back by popular demand, StreatYard, powered by Blasta Street Kitchen, is the place to be this summer. The family-friendly venue just outside Monaghan Town promises street food, music, craft beer, art and craic aplenty. Open Friday 5-10pm and Saturday 3-11pm, walk-ins are welcome, though get there early to make sure you secure a plum spot.
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The Meeting Place, a new addition to the offering at the Creighton Hotel in Clones, offers ample space for dining outdoors, both covered and uncovered. Open from 9am with an impressive breakfast menu and ‘coffee dock’ service, lunch kicks off at midday, and a dinner menu is available also. Dogs are welcome and bookings are strongly advised (047 51055).
As well as being a visitor centre and museum dedicated to dainty Clones Lace, Ulster Canal Stores is also home to a popular bistro and, now, courtyard café, serving all day breakfast, coffees, cakes and lunch. The centre and café are open Tues-Sat. While you are there, pick up a locally made souvenir from the gorgeous gift shop, and try out the new virtual guided heritage tour of Clones
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For more information on eating out in Monaghan, visit the ‘stay and dine’ directory here