5 SPOTS IN DUBLIN FOR COFFEE AND PRETTY WALKS

Article produced for the Fun in Dublin website (not published yet): http://funindublin.com/index.php/2020/12/29/top-5-spots-in-dublin-for-coffee-and-pretty-walks/

Who doesn’t enjoy the combo Coffee, treats, and pretty walks? Fortunately, Dublin offers a lot of good options for the ones seeking a bit of fresh air and good quality coffee, and why not some nice treats to complete the whole thing. As a caffeine addict who loves going for coffee and strolls on the weekends, I have found some perfect spots here to go, so here is my list:

1. Shoe Lane, Dun Laoghaire

Dun Laoghaire it’s one of the nicest neighborhoods in Dublin with incredible views of the ocean, the Poolbeg towers, and the boats anchored by the marine. I love taking a walk by the pier, going until the Forty Foot, where you will always find loads of Dubliners jumping in the freezing water. Every time I go to Dun Laoghaire, I stop by Shoe Lane to get some coffee and treats to keep me warm and avoid any hungriness during the stroll. My go-to is the Oat Flat

White or Iced Latte (weather depending), accompanied by an Almond Croissant or Sausage Roll. The shop is located very close to the Dart Station, so it has easy access from the city center. If you are in town, Shoe Lane has another location very close to Tara Station, you can get a coffee from there and take a stroll around the Liffey river, enjoying Dublin’s skyline. My favorite time to do so is during sunset, the views are always worth the walk.

2. Bodega, Howth

Howth is the perfect place to go at any time of the year for cliff walks with fresh salty air and awesome views. Why not make it even better by adding some nice coffee to the packet? If you plan on doing so, my recommendation is to do a pit stop at the Howth Market before starting your walk, more precisely to get a perfectly made coffee from Bodega. The shop makes the best coffee in the area, using Full Circle beans, a Dublin-based roster. You can also get yourself a treat while there, their pain au chocolate is unforgettable!

3. Dash Container, Phoenix Park

Going for a stroll at Phoenix Park is a classic of life in Dublin, and especially because of its great location – very close to the city center – the park is always full of Dubliners enjoying the day out. Recently the area got a really great addition for the coffee lovers, the DASH Container, located at the Whole in The Wall Pub just outside the Castleknock gate. Besides delicious coffee made with their own blended beans, they also have granola pots, smoothies, and toasties. Another plus is their pet-friendly policy, Dogs are more than welcome and they always have some water bowls and treats hanging around for your furry friends.

4. Happy Out, Bull Islands

Happy Out is Bull Island’s only cafe, serving specialty coffee and tasty, ready-to-order toasties. Located just across the wooden bridge, it is the perfect first stop when going to visit Bull Island and Dollymount, located on the north side of Dublin. The area is gorgeous and very popular among the locals, with beautiful views of Dublin and the sea, it is a great choice for when you want to enjoy a day outside with good coffee and pretty walks.

5. 3fe, Grand & Royal Canal

Dublin’s canals are one of the best spots in the city to go for a stroll and enjoy the cool views around, the nicest thing is the fact they are located on both sides of the city, the Grand Canal on the Southside, and the Royal Canal on the North. Doesn't matter which one you chose to visit, you can always stop for one of the best coffees in Dublin: 3fe, which has shops located close to both canals.

When visiting the Grand Canal, 3fe is just a short walk, in Sussex Terrace street number 7, their Iced Lattes are amazing and made with a dash of condensed milk, which makes anything nicer. If you are going for a stroll at the Royal Canal then it is worth visiting their shop at the Bernard Shaw in Phibsborough, it also has some really nice food options at the EatYeard if you are hungry.

These are my favorite spots in Dublin to treat myself to good coffee and pretty walks. I hope it gives some inspiration for your next stroll around the city. Which one will you visit first?

Author: Juliana Hansen