According to the Oxford dictionary, a trend is defined as “a general direction in which something is developing or changing”. It’s also defined as a fashion. Today, in Ireland, one of the biggest trends is our growing coffee culture and we can’t get enough of it.
There are now more than 51 Starbucks in the greater Dublin area with the first established in 2005. Where does the fashion come in? Well, if you haven’t noticed Irelands Next Top Models wear their Starbucks cup like a Louis Vuitton bag. But what about coffee off the beaten track.
Last May, Today FM listeners voted Moher Cottage, Liscannor, Co Clare the best cup of joe in the land. Listeners didn’t just vote on the coffee but the experience as well and as you can see below it had not only great coffee but exquisite views. We are going to count down the 6 Most Scenic Coffees in Cork.
6. The Islanders Rest, Sherkin Island, Cork
The island life. An official population of approx. 120 people, life is simple here. The sun gleaming down on top of you, nothing but the sound of the ferry passing by and some trad music in the background.
Once you disembark off the ferry from Baltimore the first stop is the Islanders Rest for some soup, a ham sandwich and a cup of coffee. The views here are second to none.
Looking in on Baltimore and the beacon cliff with no shortage of fancy yachts and water sports to watch should you please. Ferry’s take 15 minutes from Baltimore and run regularly throughout the summer seasons.
5. Bayview Hotel, Ballycotton, Cork
The only entry on the list from East Cork. The Bayview Hotel offers stunning views of miles of coastline and of course of Ballycotton lighthouse.
The Lighthouse is one of twelve that make up “The Great Lighthouses of Ireland” even though it is still in active duty.
If you have had enough of the lighthouse there is plenty more to see and enjoy in this famous fishing village and granted it was only the coffee you drank Ballymaloe house is only a 10-minute drive away if you wish to visit this world-famous restaurant and estate. Truly breath-taking.
4. Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven, Cork
Camden Fort Meagher is a coastal defence fortification close to Crosshaven, County Cork, Ireland.
Together with similar structures at Fort Mitchell, Fort Davis, and Templebreedy Battery, the fort was built to defend the mouth of Cork Harbour.
The fort has been refurbished and bought back from the dead by a local group known as Rescue Camden in conjunction with Cork County Council. Its restoration has a resulted in a beautiful antique café amongst the old living quarters.
The café has an infinity pool style balcony which allows you to enjoy your coffee, hovering over Cork Harbour. Once you have taken in all that Cork Harbour has to offer from these heights, hours can be spent roaming the vast fort with almost most of its attractions buried deep in its tunnels. After a long day, you can refeed in Cronin’s Pub, world-renowned for its seafood.
3. The Montenotte Hotel, Montenotte, Cork City
Possibly the greatest view of Cork City on offer. The hotel offers a panoramic bistro and terrace which provides the perfect overview of Cork City.
The area is known to house Cork’s hoi polloi is a stone throw from the city centre which provides endless amounts of opportunities for things to do.
Cork City is Ireland’s second largest city and is known as the food capital of Ireland. Make sure to visit Corks famous English Market while you are here. It offers the best of fresh produce from fish to farm and upstairs has a restaurant which only serves food made from the produce sold there.
2. O’Sullivan’s Bar, Crookhaven, Cork
Ireland’s most southerly pub, O’Sullivan’s is buried in the heart of West Cork. The small pub is the ideal stop for a coffee and some chowder on the way to or from Mizen head.
The benches outside provide the ideal spot to sit and enjoy your coffee whilst listening to the clanking of the boats’ masts from the wild Atlantic wind. Coffee may be the preferred choice of beverage for those driving and facing the harsh winds.
However, if you are the lucky one who isn’t driving and are feeling like sneaking in a quick one, don’t shy away from a pint of Murphy’s here, marked by a true bartender with a shamrock in the cream.
1. Bunnyconnellans, Myrtleville, Cork
The best cliff side coffee you’ll find in the whole of Caaaarkkkk bai. And if you’re looking for some stellar grub this is the place for you. Myrtleville, a well-known attraction to Cork beachgoers, is located just a 20-minute drive from Cork City.
Built in 1824 by Sir Nicholas Trent, the history books have fittingly named this one “the cottage on the rocks”. Locally it’s known as Bunnys. On a fine day, the horizon seems endless. Bunnys is overlooking the entrance to Cork Harbour and monitoring the countless shipping vessels and liners that visit is but one of things to see here.
It is also directly across from the Roches Point lighthouse and is arguably the best vantage point to see it from. In the summer, the Royal Cork Yacht Club provides the entertainment with some thrilling offshore racing. With stunning beaches either side of the restaurant, the place is a magnet for tourists and locals alike. Don’t forget to give yourself an hour to digest what is on offer before you attempt to swim.
