10 places to pick up a fancy picnic in Dublin

As we know from previous summers, this could all end at any moment, so it's time to get out there and make those glorious summer memories while you still can. Picnics in the park/at the beach/by the canal are always a good idea, and if you can't be bothered faffing around at home making your own, there are plenty of ace places willing to do the leg work for you. Here's ten that you won't regret stopping at for a picnic, just pack your cool bag and get moving...

Lotts & Co, Clontarf

A lazy browse around Lotts & Co. followed by a picnic on Clontarf's seafront is what summer memories are made of. You'll find so many out of the ordinary picnic options in there, like the fanciest crisps from around the world, tinned fish, premium fruit and all the best tinned olives. The deli will make all manner of sandwiches, and the cheese counter is top. Did we mention they sell wine and pre-made cocktails?

Fallon & Byrne, Dublin 2

The OG spot in town for fancy picnic bits, Fallon and Byrne have everything you could possibly desire for a grown up picnic in Stephen’s Green or the (calmer) Iveagh Gardens. Head to the cheese counter for an "al fresco formaggio box", then top it up with crisps, dips, bread, cakes, and spritzers. Jamon, caviar and Champagne are also available if it's that kind of picnic.

Lennox Street Grocer, Portobello

Lennox Street Grocer have "all the nice bits" for a picnic by the canal (just watch out for hungry swans), or track back to the Iveagh Gardens. You could organise a breakfast picnic with Bread 41 pastries and coffee, or go nuts later in the day with all the deli bits you could want or need. They're also selling these eco outdoor grills if you're heading somewhere where outside cooking is allowed. Be sure to get an affogato soft serve for the walk.

Fairmental, Grand Canal Dock

If you love picnics, but also gut health, head to Fairmental near Grand Canal Dock for takeaway rice bowls, wraps, sandwiches and salads, with some extra jars of fermented food, and cans of kombucha and wild soda. Between the sunshine and all those extra microbes you'll feel like a new person.

Morton's, Ranelagh

You won't know where to look in Morton's between the gourmet sandwiches, sausage rolls, homemade cakes and all the picky bits in the deli and on shelves. Take it to any green spot nearly, put your blanket down and practice gratitude for how lovely your life is.

Avoca, Malahide Castle

The sprawling surrounds of Malahide Castle are the perfect antidote to city life, and Avoca inside the castle grounds is piled high with jars, tins and boxes of all the good stuff. You can head to the fridges for cheese, charcuterie and smoked fish, or the shelves for crackers, pickles and crisps, and don't miss the Irish biscuit selection and large range of Forest Feast. The coffee isn't great but it's drinkable, and you can always head down to the beach afterwards to cool off.

Dandelion, Howth

New Howth deli Dandelion is tailor-made for picnics on Howth's Balscadden Beach or up on the cliffs (watch out for aggressive seagulls). Grab some gut-busting sandwiches, lemon scented olives, and maybe a doughnut for after if you're really in the mood to treat yourself.

Olive, Skerries

If you’re heading to Skerries for a seaside afternoon in the sun, bring your picnic blanket and stop in Olive for provisions. There's fresh fruit, cured meats and cheeses, olives, chutney, hummus, tapenade, crackers, bread, soft drinks/alcoholic ones, as well as sandwiches/toasties/salads if all that assembly sounds like too much work.

Thyme Out, Dalkey

If you’re planning a picnic in Dalkey (and why wouldn't you), Thyme Out on Castle street do luxury picnic boxes, as well as antipasti boxes and sandwich platters. Their box for two includes finger sandwiches, salads, sausage rolls, traybakes, homemade cookies and sparkling elderflower drinks, and you can add on Prosecco or wine but it's basic. See their pre-order options here.

Barnhill Stores, Dalkey

Another Dalkey option because residents there are truly spoilt for properly good food shops, Barnhill Stores has a deli counter chock full of sandwich provisions, rotisserie chicken, quiches and other savoury bits, as well as fridges and shelves stocking all your favourite foods for as far as the eye can see. There's a dedicated wine room, loads of homemade cakes, and coffee from Two Fifty Square.