Coffee has been a growing phenomenon among Irish consumers in recent years with 75% of Irish consumers stating they drink coffee, and seven in ten drinking more than one cup a day. Sales of fresh coffee are continuing to drive growth with overall sales of instant coffee declining year on year. Coffee until recent years was considered less favourable than tea, and although tea is still the most popular hot drink in Ireland, coffee sales are growing at it’s expense. With Irish consumers becoming increasingly conscious of their health and alcohol intake, many consumers are choosing coffee shops as a place to socialise as opposed to a pub or restaurant. (Ian Kennedy, Consumer and Market Insight, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board)
I work in a coffee shop for about 5 years now and I have to admit; I’m kind of addicted to finding new, good and artisan coffee places wherever I go. So I’m really happy to get this chance to visit a new country and a new city to discover the love of coffee, here in Dublin.
Before we took off to Dublin I looked up a few coffee shops that are located near the places of interest we would visit. I also decided to take my keep-cup with me, in order to support the environment and to cut down on waste! I only tried americano’s (espresso or double espresso with hot water) or flat whites (double espresso with steamed milk), in order to compare the quality and taste of these beverages with the coffees I already know.
On Monday we found a coffee shop next to our hotel called laine, my love. We had lunch here and I tried their americano. The coffee beans they use are roasted by ‘roasted brown’ and I really liked it. It was the perfect place to go and grab my morning coffee! Later this week I also ordered their flat white. It was the perfect combination of steamed milk and coffee, it had a really smooth taste and that I loved!
In the afternoon we found another small Italian coffee shop called Cafe bombo. Their coffee wasn’t as good as the others I had. Italian coffee beans mostly are roased darker and have a rather bitter taste. Some people like it, but for me personally they served quite a large cup and the taste wasn’t great. Luckily, the interior and atmosphere made up for it.
We also visited Shoe lane coffee on Tuesday. Their americano was very good! The interior was also very cosy and welcoming.
At Shoe lane coffee I also bought a copy of the third edition of the independent Coffee Guide Ireland. It lists some of the best coffee shops and roasteries of the country. A must for coffee lovers like me!
On Wednesday we quickly ordered some coffees at Coffeeangel near The National Gallery of Ireland because we were just walking around to discover the area. I had a nice americano, but the taste wasn’t too special.
And lastly, today, I ordered my morning coffee at FAT Sandwich, also located near the hotel. This coffee was roasted by 3fe (a Dublin-based roastery) but this one as well wasn’t quite too special. I also didn’t feel very well today, that might have clouded my opinion on this one.
If you love coffee as much as I do, Dublin is a great city to discover new roasteries, blends and tastes. You should definitely bring your own cup! You’ll help reduce waste and in return you pay a bit less (at most places)!
Dublincentive 