From a pancake café dedicated to the strawberry to a place where you pay what you can, Ireland has a variety of quirky cafés.
If you are looking to enjoy a coffee in an unusual environment, beyond the everyday coffeeshop or horse box, Ireland has a vast number of quirky, interesting cafés that offer a life less ordinary. Here is a list of Ireland’s quirkiest cafés.
10. The Armoury Café, Co. Wicklow – coffee and a history of peace
This café set in a former military barracks looks out on an old German war cemetery. There is a secret grotto behind the building with a mountain stream and moss-covered stones.
Today, it serves as a peace centre originally formed for the purpose of bringing together opposing sides during the Troubles, and is the site of many international diplomacy talks with regards to peace.
Address: Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Glencree, Co. Wicklow
9. Cows and Coffee at Coppenagh House Farm, Co. Carlow – highland cows and coffee
Enjoy your coffee while shaggy Highland cows stare at you at Coppenagh House Farm. The farm shop sells its homegrown cured meats, specialising in Wagyu and Continental beef. The shop also sells artisanal Irish cheeses, local honey, and farm-to-table products.
Address: Farm, Coppenagh House, Coppenagh, Tullow, Co. Carlow, R93 FD83
8. The Dock Café, Belfast – honor box café
This is a donation box café which operates on an honour system, where you get your coffee and pastries and choose what to pay. It is also home to memorabilia from the Titanic and sits right by the Titanic Museum in Belfast.
The café was originally opened out of a desire to meet the neighbours, and serves as a meeting point for the local community.
Address: 2K Queens Rd, Belfast BT3 9DT, United Kingdom
7. Fulact Fiadh at the Irish National Heritage Park (Crannog Café), Co. Wexford – step back in time
Named after an ancient traditional cooking method, Fulact Fiadh was formerly known as the Crannog Café due to its panoramic view of the lake and a reconstructed crannog. The open hearth offers a cozy atmosphere, and the café serves traditional Irish fare.
Address: Irish national Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig, Co. Wexford, Y35 X313
6. The Wee House of Malin and Caffe Banba, Co. Donegal – Ireland’s most northerly café
Caffe Banba is said to be the oldest coffee van in Ireland, the most northerly bakery and coffee shop, and serves drinks and snacks at nearby Malin Head.
The Wee House at Malin cave is rumoured to expand in order to fit any number of guests. There is a holy well beneath it that fills with fresh spring water when the tide goes out.
The ruins of an 800-year-old church can be seen on the property, and in years gone by, the site was so popular with pilgrims during the Feast of the Assumption that a small hotel was built there
Address: Malin St, Churchland Quarters (Carrowtemple Moneyshandoney And Carrick), Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, F93 Y798
5. Snack Shack at Jurassic Newpark, Co. Kilkenny – snacks with dinosaurs
If you have always longed to enjoy a flat white accompanied by the roars of animatronic dinosaurs, the Snack Shack at Jurassic Newpark is your place.
You can also see a miniature zoo with emus, sheep, alpacas, and other animals. Kids can enjoy trying their hand at paleontology in the sand pit area and unearth hidden dinosaur bones.
Address: Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer Rd, Newpark Lower, Kilkenny, R95 KP63
4. Wild Coffee at Wild River Dog Park, Co. Down – for the dog lovers
This café allows dogs everywhere on the property, and is set inside a 3-acre dedicated dog park. The park includes a Sensory Garden for dogs and a special dog menu. Your dog can run off-lead through agility courses and sand pits while you drink your coffee.
Address: 42 Riverside Rd, Ballynahinch BT24 8TY, United Kingdom
3. The Strawberryfield Pancake Cottage – Dutch pancakes and strawberries
A café dedicated to the strawberry, and also Dutch pancakes. Located inside a 200-year-old Irish farmhouse, this café offers its pancakes gluten-free or vegan upon request.
They have a dog-friendly garden, and their on-site craft shop offers handmade gifts, local artwork, strawberry-themed trinkets, and cast-iron teapots.
Address: Derreenfinlehid, Co. Kerry, V93 K099
2. The Café at the Ticket Office/Sala Café/The Conservatory Café, Co. Kerry – the tropics and Thailand in Ireland
A tropical garden in Ireland seems like an impossibility, but the Café at the Ticket Office and Sala Café/The Conservatory Café are inside the subtropical paradise of Kells Bay House and Gardens.
The café is located in the original Victorian gate lodge at the entrance gates. In the evening, the Sala Café becomes a high-end Thai restaurant, famous in the local area for its authentic flavours.
Address: Kells, Co. Kerry
1. Goat in the Boat, Co. Dublin – coffee and interior design
This café is named after the sad demise of St. Patrick’s pet goat, which was stolen and eaten by locals who denied it until they started bleating like goats, forcing them to confess.
Goat in the Boat is an interesting conceptual space combining a café, interior design showroom, and glass art studio. The menu is made from scratch on-site.
Dogs are welcome in all areas, and the staff keeps water bowls as well as complimentary dog treats for your companion. Because it operates as an interior design showroom, you can even purchase the lamps or tables, or even the seat you are sitting on.
Address: 26 Harbour Rd, Townparks, Skerries, Co. Dublin, K34 ED91
Whether you are on an Irish road trip or just looking to enjoy a latte outside of your comfort zone, Ireland’s dedication to the strange and the weird in its cafés offers an escape from the daily grind. After all, what else would you expect from a land of storytellers?
If you want to explore your own unique story, a coffee in one of Ireland’s quirkiest cafés fits the bill.
