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Dublin Speciality Coffee Shops: My Ultimate Guide
Dublin’s independent coffee shops are thriving, and as anyone who has ever met me knows, I am on a mission to explore them all. After a good few requests to list my favourite Dublin coffee spots, I am finally sharing them here. Bring this list along on your next city break, and you’ll always have your next caffeine fix on hand. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Bold of me to assume, I know, but trust me, there’s something here for everybody.
I worked in a coffee shop for a few years in college, and since then coffee has quite literally become a lifestyle for me. The sound of the espresso machine woke me up in the mornings more effectively than any alarm clock. My three flat whites a day kept me going through every all nighter and study break. I studied in a new coffee spot every weekend. These days, no workday would be complete without my oat flat white.
Over the years, I’ve tried and tested so many coffee places around Dublin, it’s always hard to decide which one to choose. I often find myself at a crossroads, unsure of the direction I want to go, since every road leads to great coffee. To save you the stress of it all, I’ve listed my favourites here. I even created a map to make it super easy for you to find the nearest quality coffee fix!
So without further ado, let’s get into the coffee!
1. 3fe
Where? Grand Canal Street Lower and Sussex Terrace locations
What’s near here? Pop in on a walk around Dublin Docklands or on your way to catch the Dart somewhere less business-centred.
3fe is not only a coffee shop, but also a roastery and barista training centre. You can find speciality coffee shops all around Dublin using and stocking beans roasted at 3fe. Some of them are even on this list! I like to get mine right at the source — in the lovely coffee shop that started it all. The staff are always exceptional, the coffee is skilfully made and consistently high quality every single time, they make huge strides in the way of sustainability and top it all off, they serve delicious brunch as well. My tip: try the 3fe Iced Cappuccino during the summer months — it’s one of the most delicious iced coffees I’ve had in Dublin. Check out their website to buy coffee or book a fun coffee skills class for you and a friend.
2. Network
Where? 39 Aungier Street
What’s near here? The perfect stop while exploring lively Camden street, just minutes away from St. Stephen’s Green and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Network is hands down the coolest coffee shop of the bunch. The minimal interior, the rap soundtrack and the magnetic spoon that comes with every coffee makes for a modern and motivating coffee experience every time I go in. It gets quite busy, but half the charm is in squeezing up among freelancers and students and getting a spot of work done with a great flat white.
3. Five Points
Where? Harold’s Cross Road
What’s near here? There isn’t all that much to say about Harold’s Cross, but Five Points is a destination in itself. Pop in for a coffee and take a stroll down to Bushy Park, stopping by a local bakery to stock up on picnic goodies.
I wish Five Points was my local coffee shop. The warm atmosphere, the smell of freshly baked pastries in the air, and the dog friendly policy make it a pleasure to stay and sip a coffee for an hour or two. They’re also one of the only places in Dublin that doesn’t charge extra for non-dairy milk — a real plus for the oat milk fiend I have become. Plus, they make the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever tasted — get in early, as they sell out by mid morning every time.
Seriously the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had — it really deserves a special mention.
4. Two Pups
Where? Francis Street, The Liberties
What’s near here? Two Pups is hidden away in a side street right opposite St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s practically the definition of a hidden gem — you’ll find it by the lightning bolt painted on the front door.
Two Pups is one of those coffee shops that’s always busy — and for good reason. The coffee is great, the food is hearty, and the interior is cosy and inviting. My tip: try the mini brownies — they’re absolutely irresistible.
5. Two Fifty Square
Where? Williams Park, Rathmines
What’s near here? Tucked away in Rathmines, Two Fifty Square is a local favourite. A great spot to visit while exploring Portobello, and the perfect starting point if you fancy a long walk to the city centre.
Two Fifty Square is a loft-style space serving fantastic coffee and brunch in the heart of Rathmines. It gets pretty packed with families at weekends, but it’s the perfect place for brunch with friends or a productive working morning on a weekday. Their menu is creative (I had a delicious matcha blondie here one time) and though the food is a little on the pricy side, it sure is filling and delicious.
6. Kaph
Where? Drury Street
What’s near here? Kaph is right in between Camden Street and St. Stephen’s Green, making it the perfect medium between commercial and artsy Dublin. A regular haunt for arts students, yoga lovers and start-up founders.
Kaph has become somewhat a running joke among Dublin students — it is definitely a bit of a pretentious place to go (and to work), but the quality of the coffee can’t be denied. They use 3fe roasted coffee beans for their regular brew, and also serve the best matcha latte I’ve had in Dublin. While the upstairs can get a bit tight for space, it sure has a pleasant, chatty atmosphere.
7. Two Boys Brew
Where? Phibsborough, Dublin 7
What’s near here? I always pop in here on my way to the Botanic Gardens — arguably my all-time favourite place in Dublin. It seems far out, but it’s just a 10 minute bus ride from the city centre!
Two Boys Brew has a beautiful modern interior, expertly trained baristas, and an all-day brunch menu featuring great veggie options (my favourite dish is called ‘Beans,’ and it is exactly what it says on the tin). Another neighbourhood favourite, this time in a very up-and-coming part of North Dublin.
8. Foam Coffeehouse
Where? Terenure, Dublin 6
What’s near here? An unmissable spot if you’re staying in Terenure or Rathgar — great coffee and even better blueberry croissants. Take a stroll around Bushy Park afterwards for a guilt-free treat.
9. Urbanity
Where? Right in the heart of Smithfield
What’s near here? A lovely spot along the way to the Jameson Distillery or on a trip to the Lighthouse Cinema. Throw in some thrift shopping at Dublin Vintage Factory, and you have a perfect Sunday planned.
10. Coffeeangel
Where? No less than 5 locations around Dublin: just off Dame Street, Pembroke Street Lower, Trinity College, just off Grafton Street on South Anne Street, and at IFSC. Check my map for details.
What’s near here? Coffeeangel is the most reliable speciality coffee chain when it comes to locations. You’re always bound to find one in the city centre, especially in the Trinity College and Grafton Street area.
11. Joe’s Coffee
Where? Arnotts and Montague Street — and a bonus one in Kildare Village if you’re doing some outlet bargain hunting!
What’s near here? All Joe’s locations are perfect stops if you’re doing a bit of shopping — whether it’s on Henry Street, at St. Stephen’s Green, or in Kildare Village!
12. Bear Market
Where? Blackrock, Camden Street, Pembroke Street Lower and IFSC — check my map at the beginning of this post for details!
What’s near here? If you find yourself in Dun Laoghaire or Blackrock, be sure to make the trip down to the Blackrock location of Bear Market, featuring an indoor-outdoor garden space. Alternatively, the Camden Street location is very central — right opposite Dublin’s famous gay bar, The George.
13. Love Supreme
Where? Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
What’s near here? The chances of ending up in Stoneybatter as a tourist are fairly slim, but be sure to visit this place if you’re near the Jameson distillery or Phoenix park. It’s Instagram famous!
A post shared by Love Supreme Coffee (@lovelovesupreme) on Jun 7, 2019 at 6:38am PDT
14. Accents Coffee & Tea Lounge
Where? Stephen Street Lower
What’s near here? Just off St. Stephen’s Green, Accents is a cosy place to stop while out shopping or running errands in the city centre.
Accents is a good finishing item, because I don’t exactly go there for their coffee. Instead, I would take a deep dive into their menu and enjoy a vanilla chai latte or a peanut butter cup hot chocolate instead. They’re open until 11pm, they have cosy couches in the basement, and are definitely the Central Perk of Dublin coffee shops.
That wraps up my Dublin speciality coffee guide! If you’re planning a city break to Dublin anytime soon, be sure to save the map at the beginning of this post for easy access to the best coffee spots around town. You’re always bound to be just around the corner from your next great flat white or espresso. If you’d like any more Dublin recommendations, please let me know in the comments below or over on Instagram — my DMs are open!
And while you’re here, check out my Lisbon Speciality Coffee Guide, and my Guide to Becoming a Vegetarian!
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