Something us Irish adore is a good cup of tea. We love nothing more than starting the day with a nice, warm brew complimented with a cake, scone, croissant or a full Irish breakfast. But as the years have moved on, so has our love for coffee.
As a result, all over the Emerald Isle are cafés that like to offer their clientele that little bit extra to separate them from their competitors. Here are 15 of them.
Run by an Irish-South African couple, Shells Café is well known by all those who visit Sligo’s famous seaside and surfing town of Strandhill. As all their produce is sourced locally, their bread is baked in-house, and their coffee is organic, everything here is of the highest quality.
Specialising in French fare but dabbling in traditional Irish dishes too, this café in the centre of Dublin is genuinely like a little piece of Paris in the Irish capital. Pop in for a warm croissant at breakfast or a Croque Monsieur at lunchtime for a unique dining experience while on a trip to Dublin.
Every time I go to Galway (which is once a year in case you were wondering) I go to Cupán Tae, a traditional tea shop in the centre of the city’s Latin Quarter. I return for the delicious homemade cakes, the well-priced afternoon tea, the friendly service and the relaxed atmosphere.
Tucked away off Dingle’s main streets is where you will find The Wren’s Nest – a coffee shop boasting friendly, efficient service reasonably priced food, good sized portions and lots to choose from. If you've time to spare you might even get to read a chapter of one of the eclectic books sitting on the shelves here.
Twins Dave and Steve Flynn had a very clear vision when opening The Happy Pear. Just like Gandhi said, they wanted to be the change they wanted to see in the world, and this is what they strive to do. As well as enjoying their organic food which comes straight from their farm, they operate healthy eating courses and more.
If you’re a coffee snob, which more and more people are these days, then this is where to go for coffee when in Cork. Master Roaster John Gowan takes his coffee seriously, only roasting coffee in small batches and only using traditional machines.
Since opening their Ennis store in June 2010, the people at Zest! have enjoyed a loyal trade who return to enjoy the communal dining spaces, the vibrant colours, and the fresh food. Bread, cakes, salads and soups are all made by hand making it the perfect place for a meal or a snack.
Don’t be mislead by the size of this café – the food packs a punch. You've got homemade desserts and hearty stews to choose from, all produced from local food. After eating there, you’ll know why it’s award-winning.
Another small café with food that would knock you out is Nan’s Café on the east coast of Ireland. Located right beside the sea, it’s the perfect place to pop in before or after a stroll on Laytown Beach. Food is fresh, extremely good value and cakes are to die for. Before ordering from the menu make sure to ask what the specials are.
Part of Ireland’s celebrated Avoca brand, Fern House Café is an award-winning café built in the style of a Victorian fern house. It’s spacious, there’s a delightful courtyard to dine in during the summer months, and the menu offers modern, café-style dining.
Specialising in New York-style bagels due to the proprietor’s years spent in NYC, Chapter 1 Café is a busy spot among Cavan Town’s locals, particularly around lunch hour. But go later in the evening, and you might even be treated to some live music.
This café is part of a larger estate that’s home to a farm, woodlands, garden, heritage home, and garage. Located in in the old stable yard behind the family home, it presents you with one of the country’s more unique dining experiences. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday and Saturday; the lunchtime salads are particularly mouth-watering.
Boasting a spectacular location along the only route to one of Ireland’s most spectacular vantage points, the food here is fresh, gluten free and made by owners Paddy Clarke and his wife, Siobhan Gordon. Think quiches, Donegal smoked salmon, lemon and lime muffins and more.
A gourmet food shop, deli and café, Manning’s Emporium has been managed by the family of the same name for over 70 years. Evolving from post office to convenient store to what it is today, it’s a popular spot in the mornings and lunchtime. The homemade sausage and red onion rolls are particularly tasty.
The Stormy Teacup is a teashop that wears its quirky handmade heart on its sleeve. Home to over 50 types of loose teas, it is also a craft shop and a second-hand bookstore. Aside from the food, they host interesting events in the evenings like documentary nights, book club meetings, chillout DJ sessions and more.
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