Designated coffee stops in local villages and small towns have weaned their way into the routes of every cyclist nowadays – for the social element as much as a brief respite from the heavy work on the roads.
We’ve put together a short list of places that you should visit if you happen to be passing through the area and are hankering for a caffeine fix – or just a break from the bike! Do make sure to let us know your favourites, too; there’s no such thing as too many options…
Hill of Tara, Tara, Co.Meath
Located right beside the historic site, this café’s scones have received rave reviews – and it’s hard to beat a good coffee and scone combo to refuel during a long cycle!
The age old question remains though; cream on before or after the jam?
Ruby’s Cottage, Ballyboughal, Dublin
This cute stop has long established its place in the hearts of cyclists in the Dublin region – but if you haven’t heard of it yet, here’s us letting you in on the secret. Recommendations include a frothy cappuccino and the sumptuous french toast.
Il Panorama Café, Portmarnock
‘Enter a stranger, leave a local’ is this café’s motto – and with the incredible views on show, you’d wish you did live there! Food and coffee inspired by Italian-Austrailian heritage, it’s got a laid-back vibe with some brilliant food options if coffee isn’t enough.
Café Velo, Cork City
You might recognise the brand from shop shelves; well, this is where it originates. As the name suggests, it’s very much cycling themed, and a must visit for those as passionate about coffee as cycling – they even go so far as to roast coffee on-site.
Coach House Coffee, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford
Set in the historic Famine Workhouse at the heart of the Waterford Greenway, you can expect a triple-whammy of great coffee, delicious foods and brilliant scenery; the perfect place to relax or refuel on one of the country’s most popular routes.
The Hub Bike For Life, Ennis Road, Co Limerick
Another one for cyclists who love their blends as much as their bike, this coffee shop is actually part of a bike store – so you can shop as you sip! Cracking coffee and selection of baked goodies are on offer, as well as company if you’re on a solo spin!
Blackberry Restaurant, Leenane, Galway
Overlooking Killary Harbour, this understated gem is the ideal break spot if you’re on the Screebe to Connemara loop. Fair warning, though; one look at their lunch and dinner menus, and you might decide a quick cuppa isn’t nearly enough!
