Top 10 Cycling Friendly Coffee Stop Locations
In 2021, we shared a list of 10 cycle-friendly coffee stop locations that were popular across Ireland. That list proved to be hugely popular and as a result, we have decided to revisit the data in 2023, and are excited to reveal some exciting updates.
While a few familiar coffee shops have maintained their popularity, we have also discovered some new additions to the list. So, whether you're looking to discover a new spot or revisit your regular haunt, read on to find out which cycle-friendly coffee shops made the cut this time around. (The list is in no particular order - they’re all just very popular in their respective areas.)
This analysis has been provided by See.Sense, using anonymised data gathered from users of See.Sense lights connected to their free app. See.Sense is our Official Bicycle Lights and Data Insights Supplier and will continue to provide member insight blogs throughout 2023. Find out how to get involved at the bottom of the article.
Nutbutter Grand Canal Dock
Gallery Quay, 2&3, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, D02 R205
Nutbutter, a healthy and tasty cafe located in the Grand Canal Dock area of Dublin, is a favourite destination for cyclists looking for a break from their rides. With a menu focused on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, Nutbutter offers a range of breakfast and brunch dishes, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and coffee drinks. Their popular items include avocado toast, granola bowls, and smoothie bowls. The cafe also features stylish and modern decor, with outdoor seating available for customers to enjoy on sunny days. For cyclists looking for a healthy and delicious meal, Nutbutter is an ideal stop in the Dublin area.
Food U
Pier Rd, Scilly, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Located in Kinsale, County Cork, Food U is a restaurant that prides itself on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Their diverse menu includes breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, salads, hot dishes like stews, curries, and roasts, baked goods, pastries, and specialty coffees and teas. The cafe also features the unique pour-over coffee brewing method that produces a clean and complex flavour. Additionally, Food U boasts a rotisserie that roasts locally sourced, high-quality meats to order, seasoned with herbs and spices. The cosy atmosphere and commitment to innovative cooking techniques make Food U a must-visit for cycling foodies and coffee lovers.
Glendalough Green
Laragh, Co. Wicklow
Glendalough Green (previously featured in our top 10 blog from 2021) is a food and beverage company based in Glendalough, County Wicklow. The company produces a range of healthy and sustainable food products, including cold-pressed juices, smoothies, salads, and snacks. Glendalough Green's products are made from locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients whenever possible, and are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours. They also offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. In addition to their food products, Glendalough Green operates a cafe in Glendalough where customers can enjoy a variety of healthy and delicious dishes.
The cafe features a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Overall, Glendalough Green is a great option for anyone looking for healthy and sustainable food options in the Glendalough area. Their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and their dedication to sustainability make them a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
Joli
57 Manor St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 XN26
Joli Coffee and Wine is a popular cafe and wine bar in Stoneybatter, Dublin that attracts many cyclists. They offer a wide range of coffee and tea drinks, as well as a curated selection of wines and craft beers. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, small plates, and sharing boards, all with vegan and gluten-free options available. Joli also has a welcoming atmosphere, with plenty of seating and a cosy vibe. They often host live music events and wine tastings, making it a perfect spot for a night out or a relaxed afternoon with friends.
Goats Gruff / The Strawberry Hall
Lower Rd, Astagob, Dublin 20, D20 RH59
Goats Gruff, Strawberry Beds, D20 RH59
Goats Gruff is a popular food truck located in the Strawberry Beds area, Dublin. Started in August 2019, the food truck serves specialty coffee, fresh pastries for breakfast, sourdough wood-fired sandwiches for lunch, and Neapolitan pizza in the evening. Their pizzaiolos use Neapolitan techniques to ferment the dough over 48 hours, and the pizzas are topped with the best local and imported ingredients. The food truck is located beside Strawberry Hall, which restored its beer garden last summer. With a boho-style garden and a sandstone tent, Goats Gruff is a perfect spot for cyclists to enjoy a morning coffee, a spot of lunch, or a pint of Guinness 0.0 in the sun.
The Copeland Distillery
Manor St, Donaghadee BT21 0HF
Located in Donaghadee, County Down, The Copeland Distillery is a whiskey distillery established in 2016 by three friends, including former professional cyclist Philip Cavan, making it the first whiskey distillery in the county in over 125 years. While they offer guided tours and tastings, they are also popular with both whiskey and cycling enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a caffeine break at their cafe, which has outdoor seating, and cyclists can appreciate that the distillery has hosted cycling events and fundraisers. They even produce a limited-edition "Cyclist Whiskey" aged in ex-bourbon barrels and port wine casks, paying tribute to Cavan's cycling career.
Trait Coffee, Comber (Co. Down)
33 Castle St, Comber, Newtownards BT23 5TF
Comber is a popular stop-off for many cyclists in North Down, with the memorial park being a common rest area. However, we noticed that a growing number of cyclists are stopping at Trait Coffee on Castle Street. This specialty coffee shop is renowned for serving high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, including espresso-based drinks, pour-over coffee, and cold brews. In addition to coffee, Trait Coffee offers teas, hot chocolate, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. The modern and minimalist interior creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, which appeals to both locals and visitors. The on-site roastery ensures that only the freshest coffee is served, and their commitment to ethical sourcing and fair prices for suppliers make Trait Coffee a unique and special destination for coffee lovers in Comber.
JACK Coffee Bar, Belfast (County Antrim)
402 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1HH
C.S. Lewis Square in East Belfast is a public space that celebrates the famous author and features sculptures inspired by his work. It's also home to JACK Coffee Bar, located on the ground floor of the EastSide Visitor Centre. The cafe serves high-quality coffee made from locally sourced and freshly roasted beans, along with a range of espresso-based drinks, pour-over coffee, cold brew, nitro coffee, teas, hot chocolate, sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked pastries. The cafe's modern and stylish interior creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, and their on-site roastery ensures only the freshest coffee is served. JACK Coffee Bar at CS Lewis Square is a must-visit destination for coffee lovers in Belfast, thanks to their commitment to ethical sourcing and fair prices for suppliers.
Paper Cup, Belfast (Co. Down)
13 Block, 11 ARC Queens Road, Titanic Quarter BT3 9DH
Paper Cup is a top-notch coffee shop near the Titanic Museum in Belfast. Their locally sourced and freshly roasted beans are the secret behind their high-quality coffee, which is a must-try for coffee lovers. The menu features not only espresso-based drinks but also specialty drinks like matcha latte and chai latte, along with a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and cakes. The cosy and inviting interior, with its rustic design, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and there are plenty of seating options, including outdoor tables. Plus, Paper Cup operates an on-site roastery where they source their beans from small-scale farms and cooperatives worldwide, paying fair prices to their suppliers. A convenient stop for cyclists exploring or passing through the Titanic Museum area, Paper Cup made our top 10 in 2021 and is still a popular choice amongst See.Sense users.
The Promenade Cafe
7 North St, Ballycastle BT54 6BN
For cyclists traversing Northern Ireland's stunning coastal roads, the Promenade Cafe in Ballycastle is a must-visit spot. Highlighted as a favourite coffee stop in our 2021 blog, this cafe remains a popular choice today. Conveniently located for those travelling along the coast, it's also an ideal break spot enroute to Rathlin Island. Once known for Viking raids and smuggling, Rathlin Island is now a haven for wildlife and rugged natural beauty. Whichever direction you decide to go, be sure to savour the delicious coffee, tasty snacks, and breathtaking views from the comfort of the cafe in Ballycastle before resuming your journey.
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