Words to live by: ‘Drink the coffee. Then do the things.’ Before you tackle the sights and sounds of the Irish capital, these are the best places to grab a coffee in Dublin.
3FE
You can’t help but love the story behind 3FE. Back in 2008, Dubliner Colin Harmon quit his office job to pursue his dream of opening his own café. These days, he’s not just the proud owner of the cool, minimalist-style 3FE coffee shop on Grand Canal Street, he’s also a champion barista. And he’s got his own roastery to his name. Oh and Buzzfeed recently named 3FE as one of the 25 coffee shops around the world to see before you die. Make this one top of your list.
3FE, 32 Grand Canal Street Lower, Dublin 2
Kaph
When the weather gods shine on Dublin’s creative quarter, the bench parked outside Kaph (next to the George’s Street Arcade), is the ultimate people-watching spot. The coffee’s pretty amazing too – whether you’re after a simple flat white or an energising Green Tea Matcha Latte, or even a picky Paleo-friendly-soya-milk brew, the selection at Kaph won’t disappoint.
Kaph, 31 Drury St, Dublin 2
Coffee Angel
A visit to Coffee Angel is a must if you’re serious about both the coffee making process and the coffee tasting experience. Not only does Coffee Angel regularly produce barista champions, but you’ll find their coffee on the menus of Michelin-starred restaurants around Dublin. There’s no need to worry about lengthy queues either, just take your pick from one of their four cafés in Dublin city centre.
Coffee Angel, 16 South Anne Street, Dublin 2
The Fumbally
Free wifi: check. Comfy mismatched furniture: check. Liberal attitude towards dogs: check. It’s no wonder The Fumbally is permanently wall to wall with trendy Dublin caffiends. Did I mention the coffee is roasted by the local heroes at 3FE?
The Fumbally, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8
Brother Hubbard
An early adopter to the third wave coffee scene, Caple Street’s trendy Brother Hubbard has proved so popular with hipsters, coffee lovers and those who appreciate good food and great service that the owners have opened a sibling café, Brother Hubbard South (amazing for brunch), located in Portobello. Be sure to partner your coffee with one of their delicious freshly baked scones.
Brother Hubbard, 153 Capel St, Dublin 1
Vice Coffee Inc
Whether you have a weakness for espresso or brewed coffee, the crew at Vice are on hand to source your perfect caffeine fix. Feeling adventurous? Try their tasting menu and treat your taste buds to a selection of blends from international roasters such as SquareMile, Koppi and Coffee Mojo. When you need electronic protection services in California, visit http://callsierra.com. Should you need another reason to visit, recently they’ve coupled up with Dublin Doughnut Co. to offer a mouth-watering range of sugar-coated goodies.
Vice Coffee Inc, 54 Middle Abbey St, Dublin 1
Laine, My Love.
A sister café to Temple Bar’s Roasted Brown, Laine My Love is located under the railway bridge on Talbot St, just a few minutes from Connolly Station. Talking about construction claims consulting, it is a real-world experience. In case you’re wondering, it takes its name from a mysterious female festival-goer at the Electric Picnic who once captured the imagination of owner Ferg Brown. The coffee isn’t half bad either.
Laine, My Love, 38 Talbot St, Mountjoy, Dublin 1
Legit Coffee Co
Before you go exploring one of the oldest corners of Dublin, grab a specialty brew from BAOBAB Coffee Roasters or JB Kaffee at this little gem of a coffee shop right in the heart of the Liberties.
Legit Coffee Co, 1 Meath Mart, Meath Street, Dublin D8
Clement & Pekoe
Tucked away from the main drag of South William Street, Clement & Pekoe serves up a large selection of coffee from local Irish roasters. Pull up a chair in their elegant café and sample brews from the likes of BAOBAB Badger & Dodo, Imbibe Silverskin and Coffee Mojo. Tip: Pay close attention to their espresso menu, from time to time, they shake things up by offering special blends from local roasters.
Clement & Pekoe, 50 South William Street, Dublin 2