Whether it’s helping you through your study cram sessions, used as a motivation to get out of bed in the morning or your go-to for a little catch up with friends, it’s clear that coffee is a holy grail for students. In a time where the highlight of our day is going out on our daily walk or grabbing a takeaway coffee, we thought it would be helpful to our fellow students to compile a list of 5 of our favourite coffee spots near UCD that would be considered student favourites. If you’re looking for a caffeine fix, looking for a new hang-out spot or simply browsing out of boredom, you came to the right place!
- Blue Bird Coffee Roasters, Clonskeagh
Address: University College Dublin, Newman Building, John Henry, Stillorgan Rd, Belfield, Dublin 4.
Located in the heart of UCD campus, Blue Bird Coffee Roasters is the most convenient coffee spot for study breaks. Situated in the Newman building, it’s a quick walk from the library. This café offers a variety of options including roasted coffee, sweet treats, freshly made soup and sandwiches to go. Being a student café, they offer great student deals making it that bit easier to justify breaking your bank daily for a few coffee breaks and helps settle the morning debate whether to bring in your keep-cup or spend another €3 on a coffee.
For more information, you can check out their website here.
- Café Diem, Donnybrook
Address: Ever Ready Unit, Brookvale Road, Dublin4, Donnybrook, Co. Dublin.
Café Diem is located a bit further afield in Donnybrook. If you’re looking for a brisk walk and a coffee to clear your head in order to ‘seize the day’, this is the place for you. Café Diem is a unique hidden gem in Donnybrook owned by Mo, a friendly man from Morocco, hence the name. Its competitive prices make it student friendly and affordable and the relaxing atmosphere and European décor make it almost seem like a little European getaway, making it an idealistic study spot and safe space.
For more information, you can check out their website here.
- Café 105, Clonskeagh
Address: 105 Clonskeagh Rd, Clonskeagh Drive, Rathmines, Dublin 6.
Café 105 is another student favourite offering a click and collect service and takeaway coffee. This café offers delicious coffee, breakfast, brunch and lunch and is a popular spot for students who like brunching. Whether it’s to relieve exam stress or to reward yourself after exam season, café 105 is on the more expensive side, but is worth every penny for the service they provide. You can also enjoy a takeaway coffee and have a walk along one of the nearby river banks and take in the beauty of its surrounding areas. There is always a buzz around the place and the friendly staff and good taste give this place a reputable name.
For more information, you can check out their website here.
- Bear Market Coffee, Blackrock
Address: 19 Main St, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
This is one of the newest arrivals on the coffee scene in South Dublin and it has risen to fame and gathered a huge following fast. Located right next to Blackrock Beach, it is by far the most scenic spot on our list. Bear Market Coffee focuses on ‘good vibes and great coffee’, which is what every student wants to hear. This café is reasonably priced and their urban jungle décor provides a great ambiance, making it a great hangout space for students. It’s the perfect place for coffee lovers and they are best known for their flat white and caramel macchiato. Their latte art is admired by many and you can guarantee that their coffee will taste as good as it looks.
For more information, you can check out their website here.
- Thru the Green, Windy Arbour
Address: Dundrum Road, Windy Arbour, Dublin 14.
Thru the Green isn’t your typical coffee spot. Located in a container on Dundrum road, this drive thru café is another fan favourite coffee spot worthy of a place on our list. This place is perfect if you’re in a rush – just simply drive to the drive-thru window, order a coffee and off you go. If you don’t have a car, don’t fret, they also provide takeaway coffee for people on foot and there are benches provided if you need a place to sit down and relax. Their coffees are also student friendly, costing around €3. About a 20-minute walk from UCD campus, it’s a great option if you’re looking for some fresh air and a wide variety. There’s also tasty treats available if you’re feeling peckish.
For more information, you can check out their website here.
We hope you enjoyed our list and that you get the coffee fix you deserve. The coffee scene is growing with a whole new generation of passionate baristas and a wider variety to choose from. In a time where getting a takeaway coffee is as exciting as it gets, remember to continue to support local coffee shops and smaller cafes so they can make it through this challenging time and continue providing you with coffee you love.
