Nine Irish establishments have been named among Europe’s 100 Best Coffee Shops, a ranking compiled by the online platform The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops. The list, which honored businesses at a recent gala in Brussels, evaluated cafes on criteria including coffee quality, barista expertise, food standards, and community impact. Coffewerk + Press in County Galway secured the highest position for an Irish entrant, reaching number 5 on the list.
Which Irish Cafes Made the Top 100?
The Irish presence on the list spans the country, from Galway to Dublin and beyond. According to The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops, the following locations were recognized for their contributions to the specialty coffee industry:
- Coffewerk + Press (Co Galway): Ranked no. 5.
- Unfiltered Coffee (Dublin): Ranked no. 16.
- Brew Lab (Dublin): Ranked no. 25.
- Kali (Co Galway): Ranked no. 32.
- Evalynn (Drogheda): Ranked no. 41.
- Boardwalk (Co Kerry): Ranked no. 48.
- Conway & Co (Co Offaly): Ranked no. 69.
- Lambert’s (Co Carlow): Ranked no. 78.
- Off Grid (Dublin): Ranked no. 96.
What Drives Success in Modern Coffee Culture?
The success of these nine cafes highlights a shift toward high-precision coffee preparation and community-focused business models. At Dublin’s Unfiltered Coffee, ranked at no. 16, the focus is on a “minimalist space devoted entirely to craft,” where owners treat coffee with the rigor of fine dining. Similarly, Brew Lab in Dublin (no. 25) leverages the expertise of founders Renata and Arvind Khedun, who hold titles as a five-time Irish Latte Art Champion and a 2018 Irish Barista Champion, respectively.
How Do These Cafes Influence Local Communities?
Beyond the cup, these businesses are increasingly acting as community hubs and design spaces. Coffewerk + Press, located on Galway’s Quay Street, functions as both a cafe and an art publishing house, Artwerk Press. Owner Dan Ulrich credited the cafe’s team for the ranking, stating that the recognition “speaks volumes about the passion, talent and standards within our industry.”
Other locations emphasize accessibility and local sourcing. Boardwalk in Killarney (no. 48) utilizes coffee roasted along the Wild Atlantic Way, while Evalynn in Drogheda (no. 41) has expanded to three branches, focusing on a diverse range of origins and processes to accommodate local demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How were the cafes selected for the list?
The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops assessed cafes based on several key pillars: coffee quality, barista experience, innovation, food and pastry quality, and community engagement.
What is the highest-ranked Irish coffee shop?
Coffewerk + Press in Galway City holds the highest ranking among Irish shops, appearing at no. 5 on the list.
Are there cafes outside of Dublin and Galway on the list?
Yes. The list includes businesses in Drogheda (Evalynn), Killarney (Boardwalk), Tullamore (Conway & Co), and Carlow (Lambert’s).
Have you visited any of these top-rated coffee shops? Share your favorite brew or pastry recommendation in the comments below. For more updates on Ireland’s evolving food and drink scene, subscribe to our newsletter.
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