Well I was doing what I do best these days; amblin' about and enjoying the mild, dry day. This is the prosperous thriving side of village Ireland, with lots of eateries from Italian to Thai, street food to sandwich bars, but drive 50 miles to Boyle to see a crumbling, down - at - heel place at the other end of the spectrum.
President Higgins may take the government helicopter to Belfast, maybe even fly to Castlebar but I doubt if Boyle is on his or his helicopter's radar.
Anyway Castlebar is the home area of Enda Kenny, now invisible but former Irish Taoiseach (2011 to 2017). It's typical of politicians to bring wealth to their constituencies and of course themselves and here is a fine example of political patronage and gombeenism. As I strolled I turned down a side street and I came across this place.
Now as one who can resist anything but temptation I was instantly drawn by the sights & smells of expensive chocolate followed by the waft of equally expensive coffee. So text to my wife and in I go. Two cappuccino, two desserts (strawberry tart & chocolate mousse - both delicious) and €17 paid. Sorted.
So to sum. It's quality. The coffee and cakes are super and the prices reflect the image. There's free WiFi too. A nice touch is the mini milk chocolate bar on the side of the coffees. Service was friendly and our welcome and departure were friendly. We'd return in a heartbeat after all its chocolate. read more