Best Outdoor Brunches in Cork

In Ireland there are unspoken rules about a heatwave. You must not complain, you must not wish for rain, and you must stay outside. 

To help you comply with these very important summertime rules I’ve put together a list of the top outdoor brunches in Cork, to help you enjoy the sunshine in Ireland’s food capital. 

Probys Kitchen 

With breakfast served daily and brunch on weekends, look no further than Probys Kitchen for a gorgeous meal in Cork City. The atmosphere is jovial and the food is top notch. There are plenty of options whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. If you’re looking for a sophisticated food experience with a central location, Probys is perfect. It’s fun casual dining with a premium twist. Have a look around St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and do some shopping after a tasty meal in the metropolis.

Good Day Deli

Located inside Nano Nagle Place, Good Day Deli has so much to offer. The menu is heavily influenced by their South Pacific heritage, and their strong dedication to sustainability. When dining in the Good Day Deli you can rest assured that the ingredients have been locally sourced, and so much thought has been put into every item on the menu. You are also immersed in the local history, see the grave of Nano Nagle and take in the uniquely Cork surroundings. A small, lush haven in the heart of the city. 

Rivers End Café

In the main square of Crosshaven sits Rivers End Café. You can look right out onto the water, it’s absolutely picturesque. Known for their delectable baked goods, this is the perfect spot for a sweet treat and a coffee. After watching the boats, and the people go by, why not head over to Pipers Funfair. Rivers End Café is a great option for family days out in the sun. 

The Barn

Whether you’re looking for a classic brunch menu, or a cheeky carvery, The Barn in Glanmire has something for everyone. Pack up the whole family, even your dog, and head out to this Cork institution. The Barn prides itself on being a family-run business, and is ready to welcome you and yours. Voted 2024’s Favourite Carvery the Barn’s kitchen is working hard to bring you the best meals, well worth a try. 

Léas at The Glucksman

Well known to the students of Cork, Léas at The Glucksman is a hidden gem stowed away inside UCC. This deluxe restaurant is one of the best brunches Cork has to offer. This gorgeous restaurant is in the basement of the Glucksman Gallery and looks out onto beautiful wild growths.Léas is another prime example of a commitment to showcasing the top notch ingredients that can be sourced in Ireland. After a delectable meal and specialty coffees you can have a look at gallery displays, or walk along Cork’s River Lee. Léas is another prime example of a commitment to showcasing the top notch ingredients that can be sourced in Ireland. 

Cosy Café

Brunch in Cosy Café will make you feel like you are living in a fairytale. The town of Kinsale is vibrant, welcoming, and unique. It’s so perfect it almost doesn’t seem real. This is a great spot to do some people watching and see what happens in a seaside town before chasing some of the Wild Atlantic Way yourself. Why not take yourself for an early morning sea-swim and finish off with a perfect bite in Cosy Café

Gogo’s

Gogo’s is a Cork classic. Ideally located in Douglas, you barely have to look outside the city-centre to find this gem. With a Ballymaloe graduate at the helm, all the food in Gogo’s is perfect. If you’re looking for a full Irish, or something a bit sweeter, Gogo’s has something for everyone. An added bonus to brunching in Gogo’s is all the dinner options you can take home with you. Take the whole day off cooking and focus on soaking up the sunshine. 

12 Tables

Tucked away in the very centre of Douglas Village is 12 Tables, a family run restaurant striving to provide quality meals from high calibre ingredients. 12 Tables’ brunch offerings feature lots of foods from all over the world. Seasonal ingredients are always featured to ensure the freshest foods. 12 Tables is a great spot for a casual family brunch, take a walk through Douglas and take advantage of the fantastic playground just around the corner. 

The Arch

On a slightly different note, for a boozy brunch check out The Arch in Cobh. Pair fantastic wines with pastries, coffee, and more. The food is brilliant, the wine is impeccable, but the real star of the show is the view. Look out over the water, watch the ferry going back and forth and relax. This is the best spot for a carefree morning, that stretches into the serenely sunny afternoon. 

Lynch’s on the Pier

If you happen to find yourself in Castletownbere you have to go to Lynch’s on the Pier. fresh local ingredients are the priority in Lynch’s. They absolutely deliver on a typical Irish breakfast, and there is so much more available too. Try some of the locally caught haddock if you’re feeling especially brave. If I had made the drive down West I would make the most of it by visiting the Dursey Island cable cars and creating some unforgettable memories. This is a fantastic thing to do with kids, take them on the cable cars and try to spot some whales.