With the launch of our Gym+Coffee Make Life Richer Map, we couldn’t wait to start telling you all about the exceptional cafes on our list! We are obviously also all about the top adventure activities for your weekend, but what’s a weekend getaway without a few great places to grab a coffee and recharge for a bit?!
Here’s our round-up (in no particular order) of all the best spots to get caffeinated (and also definitely grab a snack) across the island this weekend!
Coach House Coffee, Waterford
Conveniently located along the Waterford Greenway, Coach House Coffee Co. gets all their coffee from sustainable sources, and new and exotic beans are delivered to the cafe weekly. If you’re looking to break up your Greenway cycle or walk with a bite and a cuppa, Coach House Coffee is the place to be!
DODI Cafe, Lahinch
Lahinch is cool at the best of times but with the addition of DODI Cafe, this little seaside town won’t stay sleepy for long. DODI is run by Doria + her partner and serves up Middle Eastern-inspired plates alongside matcha lattes and friendly smiles. Stop by for the Insta-famous poached eggs on greens and to-die-for coffee.
The Pod, Donegal
Largy’s only ‘Bespoke Mobile Specialty Coffee Caravan’ (!), The Pod is a must-see and must-taste in any Donegal itinerary. Coffee is sourced through Climpson & Sons Roasters and served in the cutest caravan you’ve ever seen on an Irish mountaintop!
Middletown Coffee Co., Ballymena
With a regularly rotating menu and coffee sourced from the high-calibre likes of Dublin’s own 3fE, Middletown Coffee Co. is a must-visit when in Northern Ireland! The vibe is warm and the crew is lovely. Stop by pre- AND post-hike for refuelling and a chat with the locals.
This Must Be the Place, Westport
Local produce and perfectly extracted coffees plus dishes that look fresh out of the pages of a foodie magazine - This (really) Must Be The Place! The husband and wife team here also serve up beetroot lattes from the menu - after you’ve done your weekend adventuring, stop by and refuel!
The Heron Cafe, Fermoy
These guys are famous for their baked goods and they serve up hot Badger & Dodo coffee - what more could you ask for after a weekend of climbing and mountain biking? Plus they’re from Cork and our lads are a little bit biased towards that part of the country…! Pop by, say hi and get your sweet-treat fix!
Church Lane Coffee, Warrenpoint
With a breakfast burrito on the menu plus coffee supplied by Belfast-based Bailies Coffee Roasters, Church Lane Coffee is the only place to stop in for a lunchtime snack, dinner or quick caffeine hit in Newry. Hit up the Mourne Ranges for a hike or Rostrevor for some downhill mountain biking and then swing by Church Lane for a well-deserved rest.
Smuggler’s Cafe, Portmagee
Made famous by the Star Wars folks the Smuggler’s Cafe in Portmagee is the best spot for grabbing a bite to eat and a coffee to warm up after (or during!) an action-packed weekend. If the Irish sun is splitting the stones, seat yourself outside for some of the best views in Kerry.
Lena’s Tea Room, Carrick-on-Shannon
If it’s quaint, quirky and quiet that you’re looking for then Lena's Tea Room is the only place to be. The vibe here is 1920s chic and Lena has gourmet sandwiches, artisan coffee and an entire counter dedicated to sweet treats on offer just for you. Take a break from the Shannon Blueway and pop into Lena!
The Hazel House, Dublin
Not only does The Hazel House have an epic cafe full of lunchtime bites and stellar coffee there’s also a craft shop, petting zoo and woodwork school on site! This place is a must-see on the Dublin Mountains hiking trail and has made something of a name for itself amongst the locals. Pop in pre-hike for a coffee and dinner on your trip home!
The Stuffed Olive, Bantry
This little gem is both cafe and gourmet food store in the lovely town of Bantry. Run by mum and her two daughters, The Stuffed Olive is the perfect spot to stock up on picnic things for your trip to Dursey Island! Come for the coffee, stay for the lunches and make sure you make a second stop in on your journey home.
