Rooftop Bar in Dublin: 9 Places to Drink with a View

As the darkness sets in, the capital of Ireland transforms into a colorful city with glowing lights and numerous party venues to grab your attention. Late bars, restaurants, and pubs are dotted around the city center and beyond, filled with people looking for a magical night out. But if you want to fully embrace its vibrant nightlife, there’s no better place to go than a rooftop bar in Dublin.

No matter your reason for visiting, whether you’re working, touring, or shopping in Dublin, the rooftop bars will give you a unique perspective of Ireland’s largest city. It offers a luxurious feel of being on top of an elegant hotel or restaurant and allows you to enjoy the sights from a bird’s-eye view. You can admire the Dublin Mountains, modern architecture, and ancient buildings from above and have a view of the sky and twinkling stars on a clear night.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hang out, eat local dishes, and drink at one of Dublin’s stunning rooftop bars. It doesn’t matter if you’re up for a funky outdoor terrace or an elegant open-air venue nestled on top of an upscale restaurant. There are plenty of open-air bars and restaurants in the city to match your taste and budget. Leave your bags at a safe luggage storage service in Dublin and soak in breathtaking rooftop views.

Vintage Cocktail Club

What’s it like:

Situated in the heart of Dublin’s famous Temple Bar area, Vintage Cocktail Club is a chic cocktail bar set over three floors, including a unique rooftop terrace. It looks unassuming outside, but once you enter, you’ll be in awe of its 1920s-style décor. It features antique furniture, vintage trinkets, geometric tiles, portraits, floral wallpapers, and retro ornaments. There’s also a small roaring fire that keeps burning all year round.

Vintage Cocktail Club isn’t exactly known for its rooftop views, but the cozy décor and great atmosphere make up for what it is missing. It’s an ideal place for an intimate gathering and romantic date with an extensive selection of spirits and award-winning cocktails made from the best seasonal ingredients. Guests here are also treated to a menu of exquisite dishes you can share with friends.

Our recommendation:

Take note that Vintage Cocktail Club is a full table service bar, so it can’t split bills. It can get pretty busy, so be sure to book a table to avoid disappointment. But if you want to visit without an appointment, just ring the bell, and its friendly staff will try to accommodate you. Order a plate of delicious food and let the barman create the perfect drink for you to enjoy on the airy terrace.

Location:

15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 E229

Sophie's Rooftop

What’s it like:

The vibrant city of Dublin is laid out before your eyes at Sophie’s. It is a rooftop restaurant and bar perched atop the lovely The Dean Dublin hotel in the heart of the city center. It’s a gorgeous modern glasshouse rooftop venue, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and beyond. The relaxing outdoor terrace is open year-round, making it the ultimate chill-out area for individuals and groups.

Expect friendly service from its hospitable staff, who’ll be pleased to serve you breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Besides the daily options, a delightful brunch menu is available on the weekends. You can order mouthwatering pizza and pasta dishes, as well as fish and steaks. Whether you’re craving authentic Irish flavors or international cuisine, the restaurant is open to satisfy your cravings.

Our recommendation:

Try the succulent steak or the wood-fired pizza and pair it with one of the special rooftop bar cocktails for dinner. Drinks are available all day, from breakfast to dinner. You can book standard or outdoor seating, but of course, we recommend the open-air setting for a special night under the starry Dublin sky.

Location:

33 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2

The Gravity Bar

What’s it like:

Arguably the best rooftop bar in Ireland, The Gravity Bar provides an out-of-this-world rooftop experience to visitors. It’s like a jewel in the crown set on the seventh floor of Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, one of the city’s highest points. It was newly expanded, doubling its size to accommodate more guests.

The Gravity Bar is a historic Dublin rooftop bar offering uninterrupted views across the capital and the Dublin Mountains. To your right are the Wicklow Mountains, while the storied Phoenix Park will stand out on your left side. You’ll also see Dublin Bay and Aviva Stadium from the rooftop bar.

Our recommendation:

You can’t leave the Gravity Bar without trying a delicious pint of Guinness. Thankfully, all dishes at the bar can go well with its range of drinks and Guinness beers. Grab a seat by the window, take in the scenic views, and watch the day go by while enjoying your food and drink.

Location:

St. James's Gate, Dublin 8

The Rooftop Bar & Terrace | The Marker Hotel

What’s it like:

Bright, open, and spacious, The Marker Hotel Rooftop Bar and Terrace is one of the lovely rooftop bars in Dublin. There’s an indoor space with modern and sophisticated décor, while the rooftop terrace provides an airy space for visitors to relax and break from their busy days. It’s a mix of social and intimate areas with panoramic views of the city skyline, the mountains, and the Irish Sea.

Take the lift to the eighth floor of the elegant Marker Hotel and wait for the sunset while sipping imaginative cocktails. It is open from Thursday to Saturday, with comfortable lounge seating inside and on the outdoor terrace. Apart from the views, many people love to come here for its classy and inviting atmosphere above the buzzing Dublin city.

Our recommendation:

Although the bar is famous for its excellent skyline panoramas and signature cocktails, it’s also a go-to spot for a morning workout. So while in the area, why not take advantage of a yoga session on a Saturday morning during the summer and spring months?

Location:

Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38

No Name Bar

What’s it like:

No Name Bar is a trendy cocktail bar and a favorite hang-out place among locals and visitors who discovers this impressive hidden gem. It doesn’t have an official name, and over the years, it has received multiple names, including the Secret Bar and Snail Bar.

It’s not only its mysterious name that appeals to guests and first-time visitors. This bar with no name is beloved for its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy casual drinks with a fun crowd. It’s a perfect escape for a busy summer afternoon, offering tasty cocktails and beers.

Our recommendation:

No Name Bar used to focus on food with delicious dishes and drinks. However, it only operates as a bar service, making it an ideal after-dinner destination for creative cocktails and spirits. Also, note that it only takes reservations for groups of ten people or more.

Location:

Fadebrook House, 3 Fade St, Dublin 2

Layla's Restaurant, Bar and Terrace

What’s it like:

An easy stroll from the city center, Layla’s Rooftop Restaurant, Bar and Terrace is nestled on top of The Devlin hotel. It is located in the picturesque Ranelagh, a central suburb filled with great restaurants, cafes, and bars. It features an indoor area surrounded by glass, making us feel like were floating above the center of the urban village.

Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, Layla’s allows you to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views on top of Dublin. Brunch is also available on the weekends to enjoy with almost-midday cocktails. Those staying at the hotel have automatic access to the restaurant, while others are encouraged to book their table. The rooftop terrace is open year-round, including the colder season, with heaters and cozy blankets to keep you warm.

Our recommendation:

Are you celebrating a big day or a birthday bash? Perhaps, you want to organize a fancy soirée or a romantic dinner on the terrace? Layla’s also offers an outstanding setting for private events, BBQs, corporate meetings, special celebrations, and more.

Location:

117 Ranelagh, Dublin, D06 R3N0

Fade Street Social

What’s it like:

Just beside the Bar with No Name is another trendy restaurant and rooftop cocktail bar called Fade Street Social. The rooftop Winter Garden is like a garden wonderland with wooden elements and lush greenery. It’s a beautiful terrace set among the towering buildings, providing a relaxing space for groups and individuals.

Fade Street Social isn’t as spacious as other Dublin rooftop bars, but it can accommodate a small group to share tasty bites and plates. There’s an outdoor and indoor area, so you don’t have to worry about the changing weather. When it comes to food and drinks, the restaurant and cocktail bar’s menu is second to none. It specializes in delectable wood-fired dishes and drinks, including wine and cocktails, to be enjoyed while taking in the incredible views.

Our recommendation:

The pork pizza, roasted pork belly, and dry aged burgers with caramelized dry aged beef are a must-try, especially for first-time visitors. There are also vegan-friendly options on the menu for veggie-eaters, including Borlotti bean stew and chilled watermelon pizza.

Location:

6 Fade St, Dublin 2

The Taphouse Bar & Kitchen

What’s it like:

One of everyone’s favorite rooftop bars in Dublin is The Taphouse. People keep coming back here for its exceptional selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails, delicious food menu, and super friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It also has an impressive beer menu, including international and Irish beers available in bottles and on tap.

Located in the iconic Ranelagh village, the Taphouse rooftop bar and kitchen is an obligatory stop when exploring the affluent village suburb and discovering the streets lined with 19th-century old, redbrick houses. It’s just outside the city center, so there’s a huge chance you’ll get a prime seat, especially during the weekdays.

Our recommendation:

From classic favorites to smaller craft beers sourced locally, the Taphouse bar has got your beer covered. If you’re not a beer person, you can always order cocktails or wine and pair them with a selection of Irish cheese. There are also the all-time favorite burgers, tacos, and mac n cheese.

Location:

60 Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 C9C6

Runway 28 Rooftop Terrace and Bar

What’s it like:

Drink and dine at Runway 28 Rooftop Terrace and Bar while admiring the breathtaking natural scenery. It’s a unique rooftop destination on the third floor of The Carlton Hotel Dublin, just beside Dublin Airport. When you decide to spend your afternoon or evening here, you’ll marvel at the sight of different types of aircraft landing and taking off every few minutes right before your eyes.

The scenic views are only a bonus, as the highlights of your visit to the rooftop terrace and bar are the delightful food menu that will satisfy your appetite and delicately-crafted cocktails. Brunch is also served on the weekends between noon to 3 PM, along with tasty sides, refreshing drinks, and fresh wood-fired pizzas. If you want to come after work during the week, it is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 PM to 11:30 PM.

Our recommendation:

After savoring the appetizers and mains on the menu, don’t leave without tasting their limoncello mousse and chocolate fondant. There are also vegan apple pies for your non-meat-eater friends.

Location:

Old Airport Rd, Dardistown, Dublin, K67 P5C7

Find Your Favorite Rooftop Bar

It’s not enough to just drink cocktails at a popular pub in Dublin. While in the capital of Ireland and its largest city, bring your adventures to new heights by spending a spring afternoon or summer night in one of the best rooftop bars in Dublin.

Besides the amazing drinks like wines, cocktails, and spirits, you can sample tasty Irish dishes and snacks while enjoying spectacular city views. Some outdoor terraces can accommodate hundreds of guests and host events with live music and entertainment all night long.