Al fresco dining in the heart of Dublin this summer
The long, lazy days of summer bring out the best of Dublin. New for this year, The Garden Room at The Merrion, Dublin’s finest five-star address, is inviting guests to indulge in an Irish summer tradition within the leafy haven of its private garden terrace. With all the grace and romance of its classical 18th century garden, The Garden Room and its adjoining terrace at The Merrion form the perfect backdrop for guests to enjoy an al fresco picnic in the sunshine, whiling away the afternoon with friends, family or colleagues…
Served daily from 3 to 6pm, guests can sip on ice-cold house lemonade whilst tucking into The Garden Room Picnic, with menu by Executive Chef Ed Cooney. There will be a delectable selection of hot and cold bites, both savoury and sweet; think Burren Smokehouse salmon blinis with dill crème fraiche and charred green asparagus with whipped feta and Amalfi lemon. For dessert, guests can delight in a traditional English Eton mess or Mississippi mud pie, amongst other tempting treats.
As Dublin’s only five-star hotel with its own private garden – tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city – this idyllic picnic spot is as much a romantic hideaway, as a relaxed space, bringing families and friends together. A true feast for the eyes, the garden features a beautiful geometric arrangement of paths and flower beds in bloom – with lilac, orange blossom and philadelphus filling the air with the delicate scents of summer.
Originally designed by Jim Reynolds, the noted Irish landscape artist, the gardens mirror the Georgian history of The Merrion – gently recalling the 18th century with box hedges, water features, pathways, statuary and obelisks. The Garden Room Picnic can also be enjoyed in The Garden Room restaurant, a light and airy space which opens on to the garden – and becomes a part of it. Every detail has been considered, from the fabrics and interiors used in the restaurant to colours of uniforms, to bring the outdoors in and inspire an effortless elegance which runs throughout the hotel.
The Garden Room Picnic is the ultimate way to get into the spirit of summer…
The Garden Room Picnic will be served from June to September, served 3-6pm every day either in The Garden Room or out on the Terrace. Priced at €29.50 per person.
The Garden Room Picnic Menu
Chilled house lemonade
Burren Smokehouse Salmon on Blinis with Dill Crème Fraiche
Charred Green Asparagus Crostini with whipped Feta cheese and Amalfi Lemon
Devilled Hens Egg with Mayonnaise
Toasted Brioche with Ham and Gruyere cheese
Eton Mess
Fruit Tartlets with Lemon Balm
Mississippi Mud Pie