Doncha just love serendipity, even the word has a positive ring to it. We pass by Ballina about…read moretwice a year. It self-promotes itself as Ireland's salmon capital with a sign at the edge of town proclaiming so. Ballina means 'mouth of the ford' and it nestles in the Ox and Nephin Beg mountains. So we pick up some wild salmon at 80 euro a kilo. The town has had inhabitants for near 700 years. We've become used to calling into Dave's cafe for one of the best coffees anywhere around. So up the alleyway more than ready for great coffee and horror of horrors it was closed: it was 4:30pm maybe he closes mid afternoon, who knows but having built up to great coffee it was time to explore. I knew there was a Costa in town but I didn't really want to go there and found this place just across the road on a Main Street. The coffees were superb - a flat white and cappuccino - and both under €3. Serving staff were a friendly bunch and it was a cosy place away from the cold rain outside. Dave might have lost four coffee sales a year. Hope he can cope.

Went here with my girlfriend; what an amazing place it is!…read more The coffees are amazing, and when the focaccia's came we just realised these are the best. Ever. The orders came quick, although it was packed! This was a big plus point for them; excellent. We will definitely be coming back again! Do come too!

If you know whats good for you, you'll get yourself down to The Sweet Beat on Bridge Street! They…read moreoffer breakfast, lunch and smoothies/coffees to go. Fresh and healthy superfood salads, juices, dairy free sweet treats, daily hot specials, 3fe coffee and teas - all offered with dairy free milk options. I had the superfood salad of massaged kale, chickpeas, and spiced cous cous (with cranberries, pomegranate and pesto) for lunch. For €7.50 it filled me up for the day and is far more exciting then the dull packaged leaves and uninspiring dash of olive oil salads you get in other establishments. These salads ARE the dish, not just a bit of green on the side - they demand your attention and don't disappoint on taste! Less than a 5 minute stroll from O'Connell St, in the summer it'd be lovely to get a salad to go at lunch time and eat it along the riverside. I imagine the menu will expand as the business does, as chef-cum-proprietor Carolanne is Ballymaloe trained and well travelled! They maintain an active social media presence @sweetbeatsligo and already have a loyal following of customers - including me! Watch this space, as it expands into something brilliant, its thrilling to see young businesses like this bringing the heart back into Sligo town.

A must when visiting the area. Super food. Tasty, fresh and good for the soul. Good selection of…read moresalads, soup of the day and larger "dailies" as an option e.g. Best bourguignon and patatas bravas!! also a variety of milk options for your coffee choice!!

This place is a must go to! Really cute little bakery. Wraps, Panini's, salads. I got a yogurt,…read moregranola, with fruit, it was small but fresh and tasty. Super cozy environment. I would Definitely come here again. Tip: CASH ONLY NO CREDIT CARDS.

We needed a coffee break while walking around the Galway area. This is off the main street into an…read morealley so it was kinda hidden. The menu looks great so I decided to have brunch even though I already had breakfast. I got a latte, strawberry pancakes and a raisin scone. You order at the counter and they will bring the food to your table. I'm normally not a pancake person, but when I saw other customers eating it I was craving some all of a sudden. They were fluffy and scrumptious. The scone was a tad try but not bad with the butter it came with. The hot latte was perfect on that one cold day we visited. If only I hadn't already had breakfast, I think I would have ordered even more food.

This is such a very chic cafe. It is very hidden just off the main street at the end of a dark…read morealley and Voila!!!! I've ordered a very soothing Hot Chai Tea Latte with just enough spice to have the flavour but not over powering. I've also tried 3 different cakes. My favourite is the chocolate brownie where they warm it up for you another good choice is the Rocky Road. As I've arrived before closing and wasn't able to try their sandwich. The service was great, as you ordered at the counter and they will bring everything and serve it on your table so you get to enjoy the time in the cafe with buddies, read your book or browse online with free Wi-Fi.

Well the other reviews just about sum it up but to reiterate this is some of the smoothest coffee…read moreI've ever had. As someone who genuinely enjoys the taste of coffee this latte was the best one I had on my trip to Ireland! That being said, if you're someone who likes flavors, iced coffees, and loads of sugary taste in your coffee you likely won't enjoy it. The cafe itself is adorable and the staff is so friendly. I highly recommend if you're a coffee lover in Galway!

This has always been a spot Meghann has enjoyed stopping when visiting Galway. The cafe is…read moreabsolutely beautiful with multiple seating options to overlook a very popular area. The drinks are well crafted, there is plenty of art to admire, and it faces towards the west so it is always filled with warm sunlight. We highly recommend this cafe on your next visit to Galway!

Great food and great service. The portions are a good size so you really get value for money…read more Service is quick and there's a really nice atmosphere. When I worked in the town, this was my main spot for lunch. Never disappoints.

This is a wonderful local spot for lunch or tea. I cannot recommend it enough. The service is great…read moreand usually a local young person. The interior is cozy but not cluttered. The sun patio is gorgeous and full of flowers. The baked goods are made in house and are so so delicious. The soup of the day is always delightful and the sandwiches and quiches are perfect. The little carrot salad on the side is a treat. I come here every time I come to Ireland and have for 12 years. If you are visiting the area, don't miss it.

This is a beautiful tea room set on the harbor in the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan. The…read morefront of the building faces the water and the rear faces a walled garden. Inside the tea room is finished in modern Irish decor. This was a lovely place to stop for tea and a snack. They serve tea, coffee and other drinks, plus an assortment of pastries and cakes. We ordered tea for two and shared a single piece of coconut cake with a sable crust that was topped with a lemon custard sauce. The tea and cake were very good.

I really liked this place! It's a little difficult to find, but once you do, it's a lovely oasis to…read moresit down in a cute courtyard and have a pause. They serve great food - we got a salad with trout and a duck wrap. The duck wrap is a must have for those who love duck - I've really never seen it on menus before and the wrap had big, plump pieces of duck in a fantastic Asian-inspired sauce. The one thing that I felt was less optimal were the scones. They are truly adorable - tiny and so cute with some powdered sugar sprinkled on top - but I felt could have been a little bit moist. Thankfully, they were served with a delicious mix of jam, butter, and whipped cream, and the whole flavor combination was delightful. I could also see this place as a good place to work. There's a whole upstairs that overlooks the old train station. There are some larger tables that are perfect for laptops. In all, a great place to have a pit stop while driving through Connemara and on the Sky Road. And, in case you're wondering, make sure you get gas HERE in Clifden first before you drive back to Galway - there really are very very very few gas stations on the road back :)

FOOD: I normally dislike scones because they are dry and lack flavor, however, I LOVED the pair of…read morescones from Steam Cafe today! So good! SERVICE: The staff members were very welcoming and personable!

We had a nice lunch sitting in the back looking out the window. Stopped in because I'm a Walsh.read more

Went to Walsh's while visiting Connemara/Clifden area. We traveled for two weeks and I think this…read morewas the BEST breakfast we had the entire time. Good atmosphere and the staff was very nice. 5/5 - quiche with goat cheese, spinach & potato. It paired perfectly with the salad which was a mix of leafy greens, chickpea salad, and pickled beets. All amazing but the beets were the best I've ever had. Flat white was good too! 5/5 - pancakes, streaky bacon, & maple syrup. My husband ordered this, it was really good. 6/5 - lemon blueberry muffin & plain croissant. We got this take away for a snack later. I'm sad I didn't try to there because it was amazing and I would have ordered more. They really know what they are doing with the pastries.

Where do I start. Hair in a vegetarian breakfast and also in kinder bueno pancakes. Vegetarian…read morebreakfast comes out with 2 sausages. Better places to go in Ashbourne for breakfast. Place is cold aswell inside.

Just had an amazing lunch of goat cheese/beat/walnut tart and a very yummy potato leek soup. You…read morewalk up to the counter and order takeaway- there are two tables outside but it was a bit cold and windy when I was there. I definitely recommend this place.