11 of the best places to go for coffee in Northern Ireland
There's a latte of quirky cafes opening! āš
Last updated 12th Apr 2018
Belfast's coffee shops are nearly as popular as pubs these days.
In a country famous for its cup of tea and Ulster Fry, the Northern Irish are increasingly turning to coffee as a quick fix to ease the daily grind.
The hipster movement has led to a new trend, with independent cafes popping up everywhere.
We've picked out some of the best for the coffee connoisseurs to try out.
New figures released ahead of UK Coffee Week reveal that we now consume 95 million cups a day - that's a lot of cappuccinos and flat whites!
So, when that craving for caffeine calls, where do you go to get your fix?
11. Ground Espresso Bar, Portadown
The famous Co.Armagh Pump House has been converted as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment. Great caramel squares, chocolate brownies and a stunning view overlooking the River Bann.
10. Tribe Coffee, Saintfield
It's quirky! A newly converted horsebox serving freshly ground coffee and homemade fair trade baked goods. Their main cafe is in the Tonaghneave Forge courtyard off the Main Street.
9. Railway Street Cafe, Newcastle
Climbing the Mournes or visiting Murlough soon? Located opposite the famous Slieve Donard hotel in the idyllic seaside town of Newcastle serving great coffee and artisan food.
8. Trait Coffee, Comber
This one will definitely catch your eye if driving along Castle Street. One of Northern Ireland's newest cafes serving speciality coffee, lunch & light bites.
7. 3hree Kings Coffee, Portstewart
Another cafe with with an 'unreal' view! Opened in 2016 and owned by the duo behind Bob and Berts. Located on the main busy promenade of Portstewart. Kids and family friendly and very popular during the summer months.
6. District, Ormeau Road, Belfast
Another addition to Belfast's growing speciality coffee scene, adding to the small cluster of great places along Belfast's busy Ormeau Road. Serves Bailies local roast.
5. Kaffe O, Ormeau Road, Belfast
This small but well-known coffee shop overlooks the Ormeau Road. Inspired by the amazing coffee culture in Copenhagen, it stocks hand roasted Nordic coffee. They make a great flat white and bake amazing chocolate mocha balls.
4. Root and Branch, Ormeau Road, Belfast
If you're a coffee connoisseur then this is the place for you. Root & Branch is an exciting new speciality coffee roaster just off the Ormeau Road. There's nothing they don't know about coffee! Recently opened a second cafe at Ormeau Baths.
3. General Merchants, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast
Very stylish, always busy with a great atmosphere. Combine your caffeine fix with a walk around Stormont. Its sister cafe 5a on Lockview Road in Stranmillis and The Merchant's Daughter on Ormeau Road both do fantastic coffee and food. Warning - their peanut butter balls are to die for.
2. Guilt Trip, Orangefield Lane, Belfast
Instagrammer's paradise. Ulster rugby stars Darren Cave and Callum Black are tackling a new coffee and donut shop venture in east Belfast. The donuts here are amazing - so fresh, massive and tasty with a huge selection of flavours.
1. Established, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
Located on the historic cobbled streets of Belfast's buzzing Cathedral Quarter, their staff pride themselves on delivering the most meticulously brewed cups of coffee. Sampling the finest beans from all over the world, a modern and unique setting perfect for breakfast, lunch or just a causal coffee with friends.
Coffee culture in Northern Ireland is booming and it's only going to get bigger and better.
Want to keep up to date with Belfast's ever changing coffee scene? Check out the Belfast Coffee Map and follow @belfastcoffeemap on Insta.