Our Best Coffee Hangs ( West of Ireland Edit )
It's International Coffee Day!
No better excuse for you to visit one of the growing number of coffee shops on our little island.
Coffee tour of summer 2016
Last summer, my husband and I discovered our passion for the 'coffee hang'. There are so many amazing coffee shops here in Northern & Southern Ireland. Places with a cool vibe and awesome coffee. I am no coffee expert, I'm actually more of a tea drinker at home! But, I am partial to a skinny flat white or cortado coffee when out and about. So much so, apparently, that our friends like to joke with us about where all our money goes ...
I have far too many 'coffee moment' pictures, so when Ali of @ali_marriott mentioned about blogging some of my favourite coffee shops, 'International Coffee Day' seemed to be the right time to do so. So here goes. I'll share my faves and those I'm still dying to try.
There are way too many to share in just one blog post so they will be split into location (West of Ireland, The North Coast, Belfast etc) and shared during the month of October. I hereby declare October as 'Coffee Month'. Get out there and grab a sweet 'coffee moment' with someone special. Here are 2 beauties if you are ever fortunate enough to visit the West Country. It's just beautiful and holds a special place in my heart.
1. Shells Seaside Bakery & Cafe, Co. Sligo - @shellscafe
Set on the West Coast of Ireland, at the infamous surfers paradise 'Strandhill Beach', is my most favourite coffee hang, Shells. Always hustlin' and bustlin' - the vibe is most definitely 'surfer cool', and nothing quite beats sitting outside with the fresh sea breeze in your hair! Famous for serving up the 'Best Flat Whites in Ireland' I have to wholeheartedly agree. Unreal.
This coffee hang is so much more than good coffee, food and fresh air. For me, it's actually good for the soul. Soul food and surf. What more can you want?
The best flat white in Ireland. FACT.
Shells also have the most delicious menu available. We've eaten both breakfast and lunch several times here, and have never been disappointed.
Shells provide cosy blankets to keep away those chilly sea breezes - perfect for stealing snuggles!
The 'Little Shop' @ Shells stocks a stunning array of delights including: @linesandcurrent, @creightonschocolaterie, LAGOM by Linnea Dunne, prints by @garyreddin and much much more. Go check it out.
2. Pudding Row, Easky - @puddingrowsligo
Approximately 40 minutes west of Sligo is the quaint and historic village of Easky. Before summer 2017 I had never heard of the place but the wonderful power of IG led me to the hidden gem that is Pudding Row. Our friends from @ursaminorbakehouse (don't worry, you will hear all about them in the 'North Coast' post) visited here on their summer travels and I knew instantly that we had to make the trip. And ... Wow. Blown away. Lots of locally sourced food, fresh home-baked bread and delicious treats! The coffee is also superb. There is such a homely and friendly atmosphere here. We could have stayed all day.
Main St, Easky village
View of Easky Castle
The Historic Easky Castle can be seen from Pudding Row and is worth visiting. If it hadn't been for Phoebe we would never have found the 'secret tunnel' and staircase that led right to the top of the castle! Incredible views and you can just feel the history of the place as you make your way up and round what's left of the castle.
So there you have it. Two splendid coffee hangs in the West of Ireland. If you do get a visit in, be sure to IG it and let us know how you get on. Use the hashtag #MLDcoffeehang so we can see your experiences!
Bro-in-law @ianvennard selfie @ Strandhill
There are a few more places I've yet to visit in and around these parts:
3. @coffeewerkandpress - Galway!
Wherever and whenever, enjoy your coffee moment!
S
xo