Rooftop Layla's in Dublin

Layla's: the Ranelagh glasshouse

Above Ranelagh village

Ranelagh is a residential area in the south of Dublin, a quarter of an hour from the centre. The boutique hotel The Devlin stands at number 117-119, with a cocktail bar on the ground floor, a cinema and, right at the top, Layla's: a room surrounded by picture windows, with leather banquettes and orange pendant lights, extended by a roof terrace.

The view stays on the scale of the neighbourhood: a sea of slate roofs and chimneys, a few church spires in the distance, with the silhouette of the Dublin Mountains to the south. The sunset is very popular here.

Italian plates and cocktails

The cooking draws on Italy, with light, seasonal plates, from weekend brunch to dinner. Signature cocktails cost €15, alcohol-free versions €10, alongside a fine selection of wines and beers. The terrace, covered and heated, is used all year round. Layla's can be hired, for up to 92 seated guests or 150 standing. To extend the evening, just head back down to the ground floor: the hotel bar, The Devlin Bar, focuses on cocktails, tapas plates and resident DJs until late.

Practical information

Dinner every evening from 5pm to 10pm; breakfast and lunch from Wednesday to Friday, breakfast and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is open to the public as well as to hotel guests. Bookings online, by phone or by email; at weekends, brunch and sunset tables go quickly. Ranelagh Luas stop a five-minute walk away.