The people of Ireland picked up all sorts of hobbies back in 2020 when Miss Rona graced us with her presence.
Some jumped on the banana bread train, others ventured into the lumpier terrain of sourdough. The couch to 5k app has never gotten so much airtime, and if you haven’t filled your living room with a family of succulents, did you really even live through three and a half lockdowns?
Outside of home, two activities have reigned supreme – walks and coffee. The amount of coffee containers and horse boxes that have popped up on our beautiful island over the past couple of years would be enough to block the Suez Canal for a second time, and we’re not complaining. Coffee and walks are what keep the world turning. If you’re looking for a bit of inspo, here’s a list of some of Ireland’s most beautiful spots for ye olde coffee and a walk combo. Bear in mind some of these cafes may be closed out of season, so be sure to double check before heading out.
Brew in Thru Cafe/Slieve League, Donegal
One of the great things about Slieve League, aside from the incredible views and cliffs the size of the Eiffel Tower, is that there are a number of trails for various skill and fitness levels. Enjoy Walk 1 from the lower car park, a 30/45 minute trail culminating at a beautiful viewing point, or if you’re an experienced climber brave the One Man’s Path to reach the summit and enjoy panoramic views of Donegal Bay and beyond. Either way, Brew in Thru will be waiting to reward you with a hot bev of your choice after your excursions.
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The Little Cottage Cafe/Rosses Point Coastal Walk, Sligo
The Little Cottage Cafe is ideally located along Rosses Point, a beautiful 3km coastal walk suitable for all skill levels. Their homemade pastries and cakes are the perfect post-stroll reward.
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Seven Wanders Cafe/Carrowmore Beach Walk, Mayo
Seven Wanders opened last year with a specific vision to cater to cyclists, walkers, and anyone enjoying the great outdoors in the Louisburgh area. There are loads of nearby options for walks – we’ve opted for Carrowmore Beach Walk. The 9km loop trail is suitable for walking, biking, running and just a 4 minute drive/20 minute walk from Seven Wanders.
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Seaside Ballybunion/Ballybunion Cliff Walk, Kerry
Who doesn’t love a Badger & Dodo/sweet waffle combo? Treat yourself at Seaside after tackling Ballybunion Cliff Walk, an hour-long jaunt between the town’s north and south beaches with beautiful coastal views.
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The Tasty Bean/Curraghbinny Forest Walk, Cork
If you’d take a forest trail over a cliff walk any day, spend an afternoon exploring Curraghbinny’s fairytale-like woodland, and reward yourself with a locally roasted Stone Valley coffee from the Tasty Bean afterwards.
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Revel Culture Coffee/Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve, Cork
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve boasts a variety of trails to suit all levels, from the rugged Esknamucky Trail to the short, steep and intense climb to Lady Bantry’s Lookout. You’ll curse the steps up but be blown away by the views of Garnish Island, Bantry Bay and the Caha Mountains. Then take yourself back to Glengarriff Village for a speciality brew from Revel Culture. A day well spent.
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Signal Box Coffee, Waterford Greenway
Whether you’re walking or cycling along the Greenway, a stop off at Signal Box Coffee at the Kilmacthomas Greenway Viaduct is a must. Delicious iced coffees, acai bowls and even a mini puppy cafe – you’d do it for the ‘gram alone.
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Bunlacken Brú/Cullahill Walk, Laois
The Cullahill Walk is a 7km loop which will take you along woodland trails, farm lanes and fields of wildflowers, beginning and ending with Bunlacken Brú’s horse box cafe.
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Faraway Tree Cafe Donadea, Kildare
There are three looped walking trails to choose from within Donadea Forest Park, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. Explore leafy woodlands, feed ducks at the lake and see the ruins of Donadea Castle. Afterwards, take yourself to the cosy Faraway Coffee for a warming soup or fresh brew.
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Brew With a View/Bray Head, Wicklow
Bray Head is a great hike if you’re looking for something short but impactful, with the obligatory whopper views of Dublin Bay. Waiting for you at the top you’ll find Brew With A View, the colourful vintage van serving up speciality coffee and tasty treats.
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Have we missed out your favourite spot for coffee and a walk? Let us know, we’d love to add it to the list!
Header image via Instagram/Brew With A View
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