What could be more appealing than a canal or riverside coffee on a sunny day? Here are five of our favourites …
Southbank Café, Harold’s Cross, Dublin
Another venture from nearby Grove Road owner Dona Watchorne, Southbank Café comes complete with a shiny pink and ever so pretty La Marzocco coffee machine. The interior can fit 70 patrons with endless picturesque views over the canal and a menu to match. Breakfast staples include Greek yoghurt, cacao and coconut granola pot with rhubarb compote or a breakfast sandwich with Hegarty’s melted cheddar on Firehouse Bakery sourdough. Sweet treats are all made in-house with the exception of the salted caramel cruffins, also courtesy of Firehouse Bakery, ideal for a canalside treat with coffee from Roasted Brown, weather permitting. @southbankcafe
The Twirly Gate, Chapelizod, Dublin
Named after the nearby pedestrian gate into the Phoenix Park, this quaint café in the riverside village of Chapelizod is bordered by the River Liffey in an enviable location still just a stone’s throw from the city. That will be the last thing on your mind as you try to decide between a walk in the park (maybe while foraging for some wild garlic) or enjoying your coffee while perched on the famous Anna Livia bridge (just as Joyce did), which has been standing since the 1660s. Whatever you decide, be sure to pick up one of their homemade treats to go with your coffee, maybe even make it an iced coffee if the temperature allows. @twirly_gate
Filo Café, Glasnevin, Dublin
Based beside Yeeros – which has amazing souvlaki and kebabs – this Greek café with a wealth of sweet treats will instantly transport you to the Greek Isles, especially if it happens to be sunny and you join throngs of people by taking your goodies down to the adjacent Royal Canal Way to be enjoyed. Try their Greek orange pie or ekmek kataifi with a layer of soft dough, custard cream and topped off with fluffy whipped cream. When it comes to choosing your coffee, keep it authentic and go Greek. @filocafedublin
Rialto Bridge Café, Dublin
Behind the grounds of St James’ Hospital, just over the bridge that gave Rialto village its name, is a warm and uniquely vibrant lunch-and-brunch nook. This family-run café has an MO as plain as its name – to serve home-cooked food with quality ingredients at good value. Nothing, however, is plain about its fare – which, as it’s freshly prepared each day, varies regularly. The café has an upmarket food hall element to it, with gourmet food and wine offering options in store, as well as freshly baked bread. Husband and wife team Peter and Fiona McHugh, both Irish-born and raised in the Middle East, have created a friendly neighbourhood eatery with a creative menu. @rialtobridgecafe
Holly’s Café, Kilkee, Clare
While not specifically waterside, Holly’s is merely a hop, skip and a jump from the ocean. Owners Holly Kelliher and Jon Butler spent years mastering their trade at The Ritz in London, and honing their skills in the likes of Adare Manor’s Michelin-starred The Oak Room restaurant in nearby Limerick, before taking the plunge and opening a café. Their pastry experience is evident from their wide range of cakes, pastries, macaroons and more. They also serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, but let’s face it, you’ll probably end up saving it for dinner after all the goodies. The coffee is from Burren roasters, Anam Coffee and the tea is from a local Clare business, Guru Tea House. @hollyscafekilkee
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