Student Bloggers

Currently Studying at: University College Dublin, Ireland 

Homeschool: Trinity University

One of my favorite pastimes is discovering and sampling new coffee shops and cafes in my area. I love the variety in both physical setup and product (i.e. the coffee and food itself). I also love the concept of a place which works equally well for such opposites as contemplation & gathering and work & leisure. Since arriving in Dublin, I’ve wasted no time in exploring the variety of offerings for a latte and a place to sit and watch the world go by. The first seven places I’ve tried are below.

Bluebird Café

Location: Belfield, Dublin; in the Newman building on UCD Campus.

Unique Factors: All coffee beans are roasted on-site after being purchased from small-scale growers in South America.

Favorite Item: Blue Bird Toastie (a sandwich stuffed with pulled pork and creamy mac n’ cheese).

Overall Vibe: Hip and cute all at once between the adorable little bird imagery and the bright, modern neon signage. A complete hub of student life. My greatest vice for the next three months.

Copper Alley Bistro

Location: 2 Lord Edward St, Temple Bar, Dublin; across the street from Christ Church Cathedral.

Unique Factors: Connected to the Harding Hotel, where we stayed during Arcadia Orientation. They serve throughout the day, but breakfast was included with our stay. Copper Alley itself is rich with Dublin history.

Favorite Item: Tie between mint tea (served in an enormous cup, which I love) and homemade granola (you know how the best food just tastes real?).

Overall Vibe: Quaint and classic but unpretentious. The service staff is incredibly kind, and the booths are comfortable enough to take a nap in.

Network Coffee

Location: 39 Aungier St, Dublin; near St. Stephen’s Green.

Unique Factors: Incredible light fixtures, pretty latte art, and clever serving ware- there was a magnet in my tray on which to balance the stirring spoon.

Favorite Item: Cappuccino.

Overall Vibe: Modern, sleek, and well-curated; all the décor went together cohesively. The food seemed to all be very natural and crafted with care.

Bear Market Coffee: Pembroke

Location: Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin; between St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square.

Unique Factors: Exposed brick walls, plenty of sunlight, and a somewhat hidden upstairs room with a winding wall-mounted bar to sit at.

Favorite Item: Caramel Macchiato.

Overall Vibe: Modern in a cheeky way. Open to the world around it (physically with windows and ideologically with its attention to ingredients and welcoming atmosphere). Playful in its use of its mascot.

Bear Market Coffee: George

Location: 3 South Great George's Street, Dublin; near Dublin Castle.

Unique Factors: Painted rebar and forms the structure for the majority of the seating, with the actual tables and chairs being made from mid-toned wood; large decorative sign in the window.

Favorite Item: I enjoyed my cappuccino, but not as much as the drink I had at the other location.

Overall Vibe: Industrial but warm. It’s in the heart of Temple Bar, so it balances a large customer base of tourists with enough authenticity to draw in some locals. Very cool.

 The Art of Coffee

Location: Alto Vetro, 1 Grand Canal Quay, Dublin; right on the Grand Canal Dock.

Unique Factors: Beautiful view of the boats and water; situated on the ground floor of a high rise. Serves breakfast and lunch.

Favorite Item: Chai Latte

Overall Vibe: Busy at the register, unstressed at the tables. Far from the madding crowd of tourists. Big windows let in lots of natural light, and all the varying chairs are comfortable.

Phoenix Park Tea Rooms

Location: Chesterfield Ave, Phoenix Park, Dublin; between Wellington Monument and the zoo.

Unique Factors: Gazebo-like main structure, tons of outdoor seating, and an old-fashioned wood-paneled interior.

Favorite Item: Lemon Poppyseed Bread (homemade!)

Overall Vibe: Sweet and classic, something out of the rosiest glow of a bygone era. Pleasant and calm usually, though this is sometimes broken by the chaotic arrival of small children and their parents after a day at the zoo. Life seems to slow down in here.