Best Coffee Shops In Dublin

There’s so much to do on a couple’s trip to Ireland’s capital. Whether you visit Dublin Zoo, check out the Guinness Storehouse, or just hit the shops, you’ll never be short of ways to fill your days. 

But all that exploring can get tiring, so make sure to leave time to catch your breath at one of the best coffee shops in Dublin.

Relaxing with your other half over a hot drink creates special memories that might even become the highlight of your getaway. Of course, if you’re a true coffee lover, finding the best coffee in Dublin is probably near the top of your to-do list anyway..  

Discover The Best Coffee in Dublin

Did you know that Dublin is the second-most coffee-obsessed capital in the world? With 181 coffee shops per 100,000 people, there’s plenty of choice and something for all tastes.

But when there are too many options, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed! Don’t worry: we’ve put together our guide to some of the best coffee places out and about in Dublin to help you get started.

1. Bewley’s Café, Grafton Street

You’ll be in good company when you enjoy a coffee at Bewley’s of Grafton Street. Situated right in the heart of the city in the middle of Grafton Street, it’s the perfect pitstop for exploring the city or doing some shopping. Since it opened in 1927, generations of Dubliners have chosen Bewley’s as their spot to meet, chat and enjoy a cuppa. For many locals, a trip here is filled with nostalgia from treasured childhood visits. 

During 2020, Bewley’s announced that the café would close permanently for financial reasons. Thankfully, this didn’t happen, so it’s still there for you to enjoy during your search for the best coffee in Dublin!

As a famous Irish tea and coffee brand, Bewley’s roast their own Fairtrade coffee. You’ll also find a wide selection of teas and tasty pastries. The café’s open fireplaces are also popular and the perfect place to warm up on a cold afternoon. 

When you visit Bewley’s, you’re not just visiting a coffee shop. You’re stepping into a very special piece of Dublin’s living history. 

2. Queen of Tarts

If you’re someone who cares about your food just as much as your coffee, then Queen of Tarts is the place for you. You’ll find this popular Dublin café on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar.

Sisters Regina and Yvonne Fallon founded the café in 1998 after studying to become pastry chefs in New York. They use only the finest ingredients for their beverages and food and want customers to both “nourish and treat” themselves when they visit. Menus change with the seasons and they prioritise using Irish suppliers. 

If you’re feeling hungry, call in for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Or for a smaller treat, enjoy a cookie, cupcake, brownie or tart alongside your favourite hot drink. Relax on the café’s outdoor terrace and enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of city life as it passes by.

3. Clement and Pekoe

This well-known Dublin coffee spot has branches on both the north side (Blessington Street) and south side (South William Street) of the city. However, each branch has a slightly different focus.

South William Street is a neighbourhood café, with all that you would imagine from one of the best coffee spots in Dublin. Blessington Street also houses a Kombucha kitchen and space for the brand’s wholesale and retail interests. 

Clement and Pekoe take pride in their selection of coffees from roasters around Ireland and Europe. The café is also on a mission to help tea lovers discover the wide range available and to venture beyond the standard tea bag.

If you visit the South William Street branch, keep your eyes peeled for the café’s bespoke coffee cups. These eye-catching cups have been designed in collaboration with various artists. Best of all, they’re compostable, highlighting the café’s focus on sustainability.

4. Beanhive Coffee

Fancy a full Irish with your morning coffee? Make a beeline for Beanhive and start your day the right way. And if a traditional fry isn’t your thing, the café has some great vegan options on offer too. Their scones, wraps and sandwiches are also a hit with customers.

When it comes to coffee, Beanhive is famous for its incredible latte art. Check out some examples for yourself on their Facebook page. From zebras to Batman and from unicorns to Marilyn Monroe, anything is possible on top of your brew!

This is a popular but small spot, so be sure to get there early if you want to make the most of your visit.

5. Cocobrew

If you like a story to go with your coffee, Cocobrew is the place for you. The café started life in a VW van, touring the country and catering at events such as festivals, markets and weddings.

The van is still on the go, but you can count on finding Cocobrew Café in Temple Bar. The brand’s ethos focuses heavily on people. Their coffee is ethically and sustainably sourced, making sure no person is taken advantage of. Health and fitness is also a priority and you’ll find a wide selection of superfoods on offer at Cocobrew.

In keeping with the health and fitness theme, Cocobrew’s own coffee has been developed with an eye to a healthy mind and body. It’s hard to resist a coffee that offers sharp mental focus and fat-burning benefits!

Call in to discover more, and keep an eye out for their beautiful van if you’re out and about elsewhere in the country. 

6. The Fumbally

Located in the Liberties, the Fumbally is all about community. The local area is important to the café, its adjoining meeting space (the Stables) provides a unique location for cultural and educational events.

When the pandemic hit, the Fumbally adapted by adding a shop which provides great food and takeaway meals. 

However, the café is still the main focus. So if you’d like to enjoy your coffee in a place that means a lot to the locals, this café is one not to miss.

7. Happy Out Clontarf

If you’re sticking around Dublin for a few days, you have to take a trip out to Clontarf. Located on Bull Island right beside the sea, Happy Out is one of Dublin’s most-loved takeaway coffee spots. 

Run from a shipping container, you can collect your coffee from Happy Out and take a stroll down the promenade along Clontarf or take a few steps from the cafe and you’re right on Dollymount Strand beach. They also have delicious toasties and pastries to pair with your coffee. 

It’s the perfect spot for a sunny winter’s walk or a warm summer stroll. Less than a 20-minute drive from the city centre or a short train or bus ride away, taking a trip to Happy Out is definitely a must. 

8. Dash 

Another “container cafe”, Dash is another place slightly out of the city but definitely worth a visit. Located just on the edge of the Phoenix Park, it’s the perfect place to get your coffee fix when exploring the park or Dublin Zoo. 

Their signature “triangle coffee” is inspired by the infamous triangle in Phoenix park where people would meet with their friends. The cafe’s ethos is quality, community and sustainability, but most importantly, excellent coffee.

Be sure to check out DASH if you’re down that neck of the woods. If you’re feeling peckish too, their infamous almond croissants never go amiss. 

9. Red Bean Roastery

Our very own Red Bean Roastery on the ground floor of the Samuel hotel Dublin serves delicious signature coffee with a selection of treats and sandwiches. Enjoy one of Dublin’s finest barista coffee spots overlooking the River Liffey in our 4-star hotel. Take in the views from the warmth of our cosy café or take a coffee to go and stroll down the Dublin docklands. 

Your Base For Discovering The Best Coffee in Dublin

The ideal way to discover the best coffee in Dublin is to try somewhere new every day. And since that requires somewhere to stay, why not try one of our comfortable and modern rooms here at The Samuel Hotel?

We’d love to welcome you to our city-centre location. We’re close to major public transport links, giving you total access to everything Dublin has to offer. 

Check out our hotel rooms in Dublin city to see the range of options we have to offer.