The coffee spots that make the walking worthwhile…
This is the time of year to go for long crisp walks, bundled up in a hat and scarf with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, babyccino, pupuccino or something in that vein in your hands. The light doesn’t last very long these days, so make the most of these quieter mornings, get out and get strolling – with the promised reward of a coffee at the end or during or both! Here are some top spots to stretch your legs and grab a cuppa …
Catalyst Coffee at Bray seafront, Co Dublin
When walking around the beautiful Bray seafront, taking in the views can be tiring work. Stop off at Catalyst Coffee a bright pink coffee spot where you can get delicious coffee, veggie food and sweet treats. They also offer delicious hot soup and toasted focaccia sandwiches if something more substantial is desired. @catalystcoffee_
Timbertove at Cruagh Wood, Co Dublin
A walk through Cruagh Wood is a wonderful, wintery experience. It is a looped trail leading to a summit with stunning views of Dublin City. Depending on how enthusiastic a climber you are, you can take a more challenging route a little further across to Tibradden via Cruagh. Stop by Timbertrove Country Store and Café either on the way to Cruagh for a takeaway coffee or head there after your jaunt for a delicious sandwich and a perch in one of their outdoor seating sheds.
Millers Cake Studio at Marley Park, Co Dublin
There’s nothing like the beautiful vast open space of Marley Park, combined with all of the little woodland trails you can explore. This is the place to come with family and friends and have a good natter. Stop off in Boland’s Coffee shop or Millers Cake Studio in the courtyard, both perfect for getting a comforting specialty warm cup of coffee and a sweet treat for stomping around the park with. Millers Cake Studio coffee cups are a little work of art. @millercakestudio
Moher Cottage at Clahane Shore, Co Clare
If you find yourself stomping around the Cliffs of Moher this Christmas, Moher Cottage at St Brigid’s Well is a beautiful family owned gift and coffee shop. Presuming it will be chilly and breezy at the top of the cliffs, a stop-off at this place, with a little bit of browsing thrown in there is the place to go. There is also a Moher Cottage coffee van located on Clahane shore – in case a chilled dip or a beach walk is calling you, there is a perfect stop off there too. @mohercottage
Grindstone at Ballally Luas stop, Co Dublin
Grindstone is a perfect stop off situation before you march into Dundrum Town Centre for some Christmas shopping or stroll up to Airfield to look at the farm and then get another coffee in Overends Kitchen. They serve delicious toasted sambos, pastries, sweet treats and speciality coffee. It will be sure to wake you up on cold winter mornings. @grindstone_d16
Happy Out x Together Academy at Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin
If you’re taking a stroll along the pier or the seafront at Dun Laoghaire, a delightful place to stop-off is Happy Out at Dun Laoghaire baths in partnership with Together Academy. The Together Academy is a unique social enterprise in Dublin that provides young adults with Down Syndrome certified training, practical work experience, employment opportunities and a critical social and support network. Happy Out at Dun Laoighaire Baths is the first café of it’s kind in Ireland. Offering an atmosphere of fun, empathy, and true inclusion aswell as delicious sandwiches, sweet treats, great coffee and BEAUTIFUL views. @happyoutcafe @togetheracademy_ie
Happy Out at Bull Island, Clontarf, Co Dublin
A second Happy Out takes residency at the end of the Bull Wall in a shipping container. It is the perfect spot at the end of a blustery walk by the sea in Clontarf. Much like their Dun Laoighaire location they’re offering delicious toasties, great coffee and lovely breakfast bits.
12 Pins Clifden, Clifden, Co Connemara
After a long winding walk at the Sky Road beyond Clifden town or simply a potter around the shops a nice coffee and sweet treat should be the next stop you make. 12 Pins Coffee House is a new, trendy coffee spot in Clifden, serving delicious coffee, toasties and pastries. And hey – that’s not all. If you are staying in the area and love the taste of 12 Pins, there is another one just by the pier at Letterfrack. With lots of seating indoors and outdoors, you can enjoy your coffee stop whatever the weather. @12pinscoffee
Drip Coffee at Warren Strand, Co Cork
If you’re visiting Cork this Christmas and around Roscarbery at Warren strand, there is a coffee-stop ready for you at Drip Coffee. It’s a must for extraordinarily good gourmet sweet bites advises THE GLOSS Fashion Editor who is a regular Drip Coffee visitor. @dripcoffeerosscarbery
Rise at The Cove in Greystones, Co Wicklow
The Greystones to Bray walking trail is a must-do for stunning scenery, especially if you’re looking for a longer stretch of the legs. Rise at The Cove is a great coffee stop-off nestled on the serene seafront of Greystones. This will also tick your boxes if you are in the mood for a refreshing swim with a picturesque shingle beach nearby with easy access to the sea via inviting steps. Serving deliciously rich, aromatic Guatemalan coffee, locally baked croissants and Danishes, vegan treats and cakes they make in their own kitchens – your sweet tooth will be very pleased with you. @rise_at_the_cove
Homeground Coffee at Killiney Hill, Co Dublin
A beautiful stroll around Killiney Hill and Dalkey Hill which form part of Killiney Hill Park – a small public park overlooking both Dalkey and Killiney villages – is the perfect spot for spectacular views over the surrounding areas. On a crisp, clear day you can see for miles! For coffee, the Homeground Coffee is certainly the coffee van to visit. Based on Hyde Road Dalkey, Homeground serves fresh pastries, sweet baked goods and gourmet sandwiches. But most importantly, delicious coffee. @homegroundcoffeevan
Roots, Monkstown Dart Station, Co Dublin / Greystones, Co Wicklow
Whether you’re marching around or dipping into Seapoint, or taking a trip to Greystones for the day, a Roots coffee and acaí van is located at these two locations. Offering freshly made acaí bowls, delicious coffee and other healthy snacks, this is a favourite stop-off for Glossy Dog Tilly. She has great taste. @roots_ie
Luna Coffee at Pearse Park, Co Dublin
Walk the pooches around Pearse Park in Sallynoggin and take in the beautiful bright greenery this time of year. Stop off at Luna Coffee, just nine minutes away (get those final steps in) and enjoy a delicious coffee early in the morning – they open from 7.45am during the week. Great coffee, tasty pastries and friendly staff to send you back on your walking-way. @luna_coffee_dublin
The Cosy Bean, Churchtown, Dublin
Grab your Cosy Bean Coffee, one of their otherworldly almond croissants and a treat for the dogs and march down to the dodder for a good stroll along the trail. Grab a pal and you’re destined to have great conversation on one of these walks. @thecosybean
One Kinda Folk, Ranelagh, Dublin
For a stroll in Belgrave Park, a One Kinda Folk coffee or matcha will accompany you perfectly. It is tucked away in a nook and the whole experience of ordering your hot drink feels like an outing well spent. @onekindafolkcoffee
Gerards Deli at the River Liffey
If you’re strolling around Dublin city centre this Christmas-time make a stop at Gerard’s Deli at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Docklands. Serving coffee, homemade sausage rolls and fresh sandwiches made on-site, it is sure to keep you going until your next stop-off. @gerardsdeli
The House, Howth Cliff Walk, Co Dublin
Howth’s various cliff walk routes are some of the most popular in Dublin, whether you’re a native or just visiting. Starting in Howth Village, follow the green arrows towards the Howth Cliff Path loop. As you make your way through the flora-filled pathways, you will be treated to the picturesque views of Dublin Bay. If you’re feeling peckish after this 6km venture, drop into the award-winning café, The House in Howth Village – or book lunch at the divine Mamó. @thehousehowthvillage
The Burren, Perfumery Burren National Park, Co Clare
One of six national parks in Ireland, Burren National Park boasts an impressive 1,500 hectares. Its limestone geography makes it one of the finest Glacio-Karst landscapes in the world. There are a number of walking routes to choose from at Burren National Park. If you’re looking for an easy to moderate trail, you should opt for the White Arrow Route, a 1.5km natural trail. Along this trail, you can bask in the beauty of the naturally rugged landscape and a doline lined with ash/hazel woodlands. While in the area, pay a visit to The Burren Perfumery, home to some of the most beautiful natural skincare and fragrance products in Ireland, and a coffee shop on site. www.burrenperfumery.com
The Bushmills Inn, Giant’s Causeway, Co Antrim
Take a trip up North to explore Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Giant’s Causeway. Forged by volcanic activity some six million years ago, the jagged route of The Giant’s Causeway is renowned for its hexagonal basalt columns that descend into the sea. Whether you believe science or mythology, it is a place of marvel and intrigue. You can choose from a variety of walkways; however, if you’re looking for a family day out, the Green Trail is idyllic as it is wheelchair and buggy friendly. If you’re travelling inter-county, eat and stay at Bushmills Inn, one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious hotels, with peat fires, sumptuous rooms, and interesting nooks and crannies. @bushmillsinn
Petit Delice, The Kerry Way, Co Kerry
The Kerry Way is one of Ireland’s longest, signposted walking trails. The breathtaking trail guides you through some of the most abstract and dramatic landscapes in the country. Those willing to put their physical endurance to the test can embark on the 200km loop which begins and ends in Killarney. However, the trail is broken down into sections for those of us who just want to wander through the picturesque landscape. The maiden section covers from Killarney to Torc Waterfall. At a distance of 6km, this will take you just under two hours to complete. To recoup your energy and grab a bite to eat, visit Petit Delice, a French café tucked away in bustling Killarney. @petitdelice_kerry
The Moorings, Coumshingaun Loop Walk, Co Waterford
Coumshingaun Loop Walk is a challenging 7.5km walk around the wonderfully silent Coumshingaun Corrie Lake and surrounding Comeragh mountains in Waterford. The cliffs behind the lake rise to a majestic 365 metres. The views are spectacular, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Hook Head in Wexford. There is a well-defined path that will lead you straight in view of the corrie. Those who have attempted this route previously suggest it can be completed by any reasonably fit person, however, is not necessarily the safest for children to complete. For those of you up for the feat, you can begin your journey in Kilclooney Wood car park, and end it with a drink in The Moorings, Dungarvan – you’ll have earned it! @themooringsdungarvan
Vintage Lane Café, Ben Bulben Loop, Co Sligo
One of Ireland’s most distinctive mountains, Ben Bulben was shaped by glaciers during the ice age. The 5.5km Ben Bulben Loop (Gortarowey) begins in a secluded forest area which later opens out to provide stunning views of Ben Bulben head, Donegal Bay, Mullaghmore and Classiebawn Castles, and the impressive Sliabh League mountains. After you’ve explored the beauty of the area, head to the nearest town, Sligo town, and enjoy a coffee in the Vintage Lane Café. @vintagelanecafe
Ballygally Castle, Glenariff Forest Park, Co Antrim
Glenariff is widely considered the most beautiful of the nine glens of Antrim. Visitors of Glenariff Forest Park are met with tranquil landscapes, and melodious riversides and waterfalls. There are four trails to choose from, the longest of which is the Scenic trail. Spanning 9km, the Scenic trail takes you along the Inner River gorge, almost to the Ess-na-Crub Waterfall. In addition to its walkways, part of the Glenariff Glen has been designated as a National Nature Reserve, due to the diversity of the plants within the region. Head to Ballygally Castle for a sumptuous lunch and cosy fires afterwards. @ballygally_castle_official
Oliver’s Seafood Bar, Omey Island Loop, Co Galway
Located 600m off the shores of Galway, Omey Island is only accessible at low tide via a firm, sandy causeway. Omey Island was once home to a monastery established by St Feichin, which was later replaced by a medieval church, the remains of which were discovered sunken in the sand. The Omey Island Looped Walk is an easy 14km walk that begins in the village of Cleggan. The trail offers walkers scenic views of mountain peaks and ridgelines, whilst guiding them across a variety of terrains, including farm track, meadow, and beach. When you loop back around to the village of Cleggan, enjoy food and drinks in Oliver’s Seafood Bar. @oliversseafood
Taste Buds Café at The Grand Canal Way, Co Dublin
Beginning in Lucan, Dublin and stretching towards the Shannon Harbour in Offaly, this flat walking trail takes five days to complete in its entirety. However, there are an abundance of towns and villages along the way, should you wish to embark on a shorter journey. The route is home to impressive heritage sites such as canal locks that are still in operation and carefully restored lock keepers cottages. Additionally, wildlife habitats have been maintained and developed along the canal. To kickstart your endeavours, why not enjoy a coffee in Lucan-based Taste Buds café. www.tastebuds.ie
For more recommendations around Ireland get some inspiration from our Fly The Flag: Destination Guides here.