As the New Year comes into fruition, and as coffee shops continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’, I believe there is no better time to shine a light on 5 Dun Laoghaire coffee shops who have flourished during the pandemic and are continuing to provide great quality coffee matched with outstanding local service.
Dun Laoghaire is a town that offers considerable activities from walking the Pier to swimming at the Forty Foot and Sandycove. However, it is also a town that provides arguably the best coffee in the entirety of Dublin. The Dun Laoghaire coffee scene is enriched in quality and quantity, so much that you could pick up your favourite coffee beverage from a different shop each day of the week. Quite impressive for a small town!
Let’s dive into the local coffee shops, explaining why they are unique and why they deserve a visit. If I’ve missed your favourite coffee shop, then let me know in the comments below!
Shoe Lane Coffee (https://shoelanecoffee.ie/)
Unit 107 Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Shoe Lane Coffee officially set up in Dun Laoghaire in 2018, following its launch in Tara Street in 2016. Shoe Lane’s success has been exemplified through its rich artisan-style coffee and its wide range of pastries which are provided by top quality local suppliers.
With regards to their handling of COVID-19, Shoe Lane has implemented a card-only policy, masks are a necessity and there is a limited number of customers in the store at once. From my experience, the order time to collection time is done perfectly, reducing the anxiety of waiting in a small store with other customers.
As I’ve explained, Shoe Lane is a wonderful coffee shop which deserves your visit. If the coffee and pastries aren’t enough, then maybe their message of being dog-friendly might push you over the edge.
TWOBEANS Speciality Coffee Bar (https://www.twobeans.ie/)
11 George’s Street Lower, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Opening in 2012 in Dun Laoghaire, Two Beans have established a wonderful reputation in the town for great coffee
Two Beans provides fully traceable, direct traded, single-origin coffee which allows customers to understand the roots of the coffee and the environment in which it was created. Two Beans also only use milk produced in Ireland which is also certified by the National Dairy Council. This allows them to further support Irish dairy farmers.
If you have ever been to the Two Beans store, you will know that their baristas have a pure love for creating coffee. The baristas not only have a love of creating but they also exhibit wonderful knowledge of coffee. From their piccolo lattes to cappuccinos, their coffee has a significant taste and makes you fulfilled. Their adaption to the ‘new normal’ has been done to perfection. Contactless payment is preferred, and customers stand on floor signs to enable social distancing. Two Beans is an exceptional local coffee shop which you should strongly consider paying a visit.
Hatch Coffee (https://www.hatchcoffee.ie/)
4 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Co. Dublin
Hatch Coffee located on the outskirts of Dun Laoghaire, is described via its owner, Mealla, as a “bustling coffee hub”. Hatch has gained an outstanding reputation for its coffee, customers have noted on various review sites that the service may be slow due to the pandemic, but the coffee is worth the wait. This is true, Hatch has adapted their safety measures so that only one till is in use and only two staff members can work at any time.
Despite the wa
If you are thinking of going for a family visit to Hatch, they give wonderful customer service to the little ones. They provide excellent hot chocolate and if your lucky they may provide a free lollypop. So, if you’re just looking for a family day out, or a place to visit after a swim, or even dropping in during walking the dog (they are dog friendly and there is also a filled water bowl), Hatch provides a wonderful atmosphere matched with great coffee.
The Art of Coffee (https://theartofcoffee.ie/dun-laoghaire/)
Unit 1, Adelphi House, George’s Street Upper, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
The Art of Coffee is a Dublin coffee chain with multiple locations around the city. One thought that comes to mind when thinking of coffee chains is that the coffee quality reduces the more the brand becomes established, for the Dun Laoghaire branch this is not the case. Upon entry into this coffee shop, you receive an open and comforting environment. The staff is ever welcoming which gives you that local feeling.
If you like coffee complemented with a healthy lunch menu, then The Art of Coffee will fit your needs. The store offers a wide variety of ciabattas and wraps which have a high reputation. The entire menu is also sourced locally and freshly produced in-house daily, to further satisfy sandwich lovers.
The location of the Art of Coffee is ideal for people visiting the People’s Park or even going for a game of tennis in Clarinda Park. Next time you’re around this part of Dun Laoghaire, make sure to visit the wonderful staff.
Le Chocolat de Frèd (https://lechocolatdefred.com/)
96 George Street Lower, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Le Chocolat de Fred is unique to Dun Laoghaire as it is a French chocolate café. Their motto “French Soul on Irish Soil” is evident through the menu. The French-style offerings here are quite incredible, as they offer crepes, galettes, waffles, and wrapettes.
If you love treats, hot chocolate, and artisan-style coffee, then this French café is the place for you. The staff are pleasant and always provide you with a welcoming smile. The store is French, but the local service has Irish written all over it
As the restrictions continue to set in, pick-up coffee is growing in popularity and hopefully this blog has inspired you to try out the best coffee in Dun Laoghaire. Whether you're located in the heart of Dun Laoghaire or whether you're situated in towns nearby (remember to stay within your 5k 😉), these coffee shops will provide you with a spark and I guarantee they will lighten up your day. Remember to leave a comment if I have missed out on your favourite Dun Laoghaire coffee shops. Tell me why I need to visit them and I will give them a shot.
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