Work up an appetite for breakfast by walking from Inistioge to Thomastown along the 11km walking trail (takes 2 to 3 hours depending on pace) – and back, to work it off!
Mocha’s Vintage Tea Rooms, Kilkenny city
Mocha’s Vintage Tea Rooms is perfect for a bit of time out or a decadent breakfast with the girls over a glass of something bubbly! The décor is a quirky cross between an antique shop and a French café. With an ever-changing menu, excellent service and a warm welcome, you’ll be coming back time and time again for its old-world charm.
- Open 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays
- Less than a 5-minute walk from MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
Enjoy the small outdoor seating area on warm, sunny days.
Jen's Café, Kells
South of Kilkenny city, and less than a five-minute drive from Kells Priory, Jen’s Café is a picturesque haven that’s hidden on the upper level of the stunning, historic Mullin’s Mill, and well worth the walk along the wooden creek path from the priory ruins car park, guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs!
- Open 10am – 5pm daily
- 15km from Kilkenny city, with parking available
If it's delicious homemade food in a cosy and relaxed location you are looking for, then Jen's Cafe is the place for you.
Nicholas Mosse in Bennettsbridge
Nicholas Mosse pottery is one of the most distinctive ranges of pottery made in Ireland. The workshop is based in a sixteenth century mill in Bennettsbridge, belongs to the Mosse family, and through viewing windows in the quirky country shop, you can see the potters and decorators at work hand-throwing and hand-painting each piece. But we’re here for the food and breakfasting in the on-site café is truly an experience, as you soak up views of the idyllic old mill on the River Nore, surrounded by geese, ducks and goats! The menu features scones and light bites using simple and local ingredients. It’s the perfect peaceful place to spend a couple of hours.
- If you like your lie-ins, this is the place for you. The café opens at 11am Monday to Saturday and at 1.30pm on Sundays
- The shop stocks the full Nicholas Mosse range as well as factory seconds
The Mosse family were millers, and the café uses flour from the mill right across the river, run by Nicholas Mosse’s brother. You can’t get more local than that.
Fennellys, Callan
If queuing isn’t your thing, get up early to beat the crowds and point your car in the direction of Callan. Find the beautiful old bar in vibrant blue on Bridge Street, and that’s Fennellys café, cosy, arty and welcoming. Here you’ll find stand-out dishes on both the sweet and savoury ends of the spectrum, including a thick wedge of Granny’s homemade brown bread or smashed avocado and tarte citron for ‘breakfast dessert’. A great mix of old and eclectic décor.
- 11 Upper Bridge St, Callan South. Opens at 7.30am!
