The Final Draft > Smithwick’s Hipster Guide to Coffee in Kilkenny
Smithwick’s Hipster Guide to Coffee in Kilkenny
Smithwick’s Hipster Guide to Coffee in Kilkenny
Kilkenny has a name for itself when it comes to the artisanal, the crafted, and the curated. It’s a city known for the passion and care that its people put into everything they do, from the vendors at the farmer’s market to the craftsmen to the potters and, of course, the master brewers here at Smithwick's.
Well, the same goes for the coffee scene here! The city is bursting with fantastic cafes that really care about the coffee they serve, meaning that the coffee connoisseurs among you can easily find a fantastic brew to fuel your day. Here are seven of the best:
Aran Artisan Bakery and Bistro
Aran on Barrack Street is a truly special little spot that’s famous for a lot more than just its coffee - in fact, it's been named one of Ireland’s top 100 restaurants and is also renowned for its superb sourdough. That excellence carries through to its coffee, which they source from a local roastery and is extracted into a smooth, nutty and aromatic brew.
Happy Valley Coffee
The Happy Valley Coffee Box is a delightful mobile coffee shop that was brought to life during the pandemic and has become a much-beloved staple in Kilkenny (and elsewhere) since then. Serving some of Kilkenny’s best coffee, they source their beans from the Irish company Calendar Coffee.
There are great little savoury treats and pastries available here too, so keep your eyes open for the gorgeous green coffee box - you can visit their Instagram page to find out where they’ll be.
La Bottega
La Bottega is a beautiful little Italian deli and store where you’ll find all manner of delicious Italian ingredients and produce as well as salads, sandwiches, perfect pastries, pizza slices, and a magnificent cup of coffee. This is a great spot for a quick bite and a great cup of coffee on the go - and just three minutes’ walk away from us at the Smithwick’s Experience!
Cakeface Patisserie
Cakeface is a cafe, cookery school and coffee roastery on the Medieval Mile in the heart of the city. It’s run by Laura and Rory Gannon, a husband-and-wife team who met during a three-month stint at Ballymaloe cookery school and have since turned their love for great food and coffee (and each other) into one of Kilkenny’s favourite cafes.
The coffee here is famously good. They source green coffee beans from all over the world and roast them right there on site - a process you can even witness for yourself if you take a class at the Cakeface cookery school. The baristas know their cortados from the cappuccinos and will serve you an expertly brewed coffee in the cafe - and if you want more of where that came from, you can buy a bag of their home-roasted beans to take home with you, too.
Low Lane Cafe
Low Lane Cafe on St Kieran’s Street is a place that pours love into every cup of coffee. It’s the baby of Robyn and Mark Butler, who cut their teeth in coffee powerhouses like Storyboard and 3fe before moving back to Kilkenny during the pandemic and setting up Low Lane themselves.
Low Lane is about exceptional quality 3fe coffee extracted to perfection. For those of you who like your coffee with a little something extra, even the syrups here are homemade. Low Lane is the only cafe in Kilkenny brewing filter coffee, hand-poured using the Hario V60. If you have time to grab a breakfast bap here with your morning brew, we highly recommend that too.
Cafe La Coco
Could this be the cutest cafe in Kilkenny? Cafe La Coco on Patrick Street is a beloved and adorable little spot, serving delicious whole foods and truly beautiful coffee in a warm and bustling atmosphere. The ethos here is captured perfectly in their motto/catchphrase - “make it awesome!”- and they certainly do.
Word on the street is that the lattes here are particularly good, and they rustle up a fantastic, iced coffee in the summertime.
Fragola Cafe
Fragola cafe on William Street has all the usual coffee drinks you’d expect from any decent cafe, but it’s got so much more going on too. Is this Kilkenny’s most fun coffee shop? You can get some elaborate concoctions here, with incredible flavours that you don’t find just anywhere. From lavender and coconut to salted caramel fudge, you’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re looking for something a little bit different. The sweet treats here are pretty special, too.
For those who prefer a traditional brewery over trendy spots, the Smithwick’s Experience offers an ideal outing for groups and tourists alike.
Looking for somewhere to stay during your trip to Kilkenny? We’ve got some incredible offers coming up in May, with up to 20% off hotel stays around the city. Stay tuned for more on this next month!