Best Coffee Spots in Kerry: 5 Local Cafés Worth Visiting

County Kerry is famed for its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, and that charm extends to its coffee culture (iamofkerry.com) From must-visit spots to hidden gem cafés in County Kerry, there’s no shortage of places to fuel up on a great cup of coffee. Whether you’re an international tourist planning a Ring of Kerry road trip or a local exploring a new corner of the Kingdom, these five cafés (featured in our Instagram Coffee Tour series) offer the best coffee in Kerry with a side of atmosphere and adventure. Let’s dive into our top picks – each a unique experience blending great brews with the character of its town.

Beaufort – Carrauntoohil Coffee Hut

Carrauntoohil Coffee Hut sits at the base of Ireland’s highest mountain, offering coffee with an unforgettable view.

Tucked away in Beaufort at the foot of Carrauntoohil (Ireland’s tallest peak), the Carrauntoohil Coffee Hut is a true hidden gem. It’s a mountain-side stop for artisan coffee, treats, and stunning views near the start of the Carrauntoohil hiking trails ( carrauntoohilcoffeehut.com ). This humble hut (built from a converted shipping container by a local family) greets you with sweeping vistas of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Hikers finishing a climb – or road-trippers taking the scenic route – will find a warm welcome here just 15 minutes from Killarney. Picnic benches outside let you sip your latte while gazing at green valleys and rugged peaks in every direction. It might just be Kerry’s most scenic café (and we’re not saying it isn’t!).

 

Despite its remote feel, Carrauntoohil Coffee Hut serves up top-notch quality. They brew specialty beans from local roasters and locally roasted coffee with homemade baking to match ( park4night.com ). You can treat yourself to rich hot chocolate (made with real chocolate flakes) or indulge in fresh-baked brownies, carrot cake, and cookies – often straight from the on-site oven. The menu is simple but heartfelt: toasty sandwiches, sweet bakes, and excellent coffee, all enjoyed amid sheep-dotted fields and crisp mountain air. It’s the perfect reward after a hike (because nothing tastes better than coffee with a spectacular view ( tripadvisor.com ). Even if you’re not climbing Carrauntoohil, pop by for a pick-me-up and soak in the serenity. This little hut captures the magic of Kerry: friendly faces, hidden gem scenery, and that feeling that you’ve discovered a well-kept secret.

Glenbeigh – UpCycle Mobile Café

UpCycle Mobile Café, an upcycled horsebox at Glenbeigh’s GAA Field, is a quirky stop for coffee on the Ring of Kerry.

Rolling into Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry scenic drive ( iamofkerry.com ), you’ll find one of Kerry’s quirkiest coffee spots: UpCycle Mobile Café.

This delightful upcycled horsebox-turned-café is parked at the entrance to the Glenbeigh GAA Field, just outside Glenbeigh on the road toward Rossbeigh Beach. It’s hard to miss – a vintage horse trailer painted up and serving top-tier coffee out the side window. UpCycle Mobile Café offers specialty coffee, delicious hand-baked goods, artisan cold drinks, and even ice cream from an upcycled horsebox ( jackscromane.com ). 

What makes UpCycle truly special (besides great coffee) is its personality. The café is run by Dan and Nicole – a local Kerryman and a New Zealand native who met traveling – and they’ve poured their heart into this little enterprise. The vibe is friendly and down-to-earth; you might get into a chat with the owners about your travels as they pull your espresso. Visitors rave about the velvety lattes and the home-baked treats (don’t skip the brownies or whatever sweet creation is on offer that day). UpCycle proves that sometimes the best coffee experiences come in small, upcycled packages. It’s sustainable, quirky, and utterly charming – a must-visit for caffeine lovers exploring Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way. 

Killarney – Good Boy Coffee

Good Boy Coffee in Killarney is known for specialty brews, fresh bagels, and a dog-friendly welcome – a local favorite tucked down New Market Lane.

In the heart of Killarney town, Good Boy Coffee has quickly made a name for itself among Killarney coffee shops as the go-to spot for great coffee and even better bagels. Tucked away on a quaint laneway (New Market Lane), this little café is a dog-lover’s dream come true – literally, as it’s proudly dog-friendly (the name Good Boy is a nod to our four-legged friends). Good Boy Coffee roasts its own beans in small batches, brewing some of the best specialty coffee in town. Pair a smooth flat white or pour-over with one of their freshly toasted, filled bagels and you’re set for a fantastic start to your day in Killarney. Locals and visitors alike have fallen in love with the place; one reviewer even called it “our favourite coffee/brunch stop in Killarney” with the tastiest coffee, amazing bagels and delicious cakes, all in a dog-friendly environment ( tripadvisor.com ).

Step inside Good Boy and you’ll find a cozy, modern space with friendly baristas behind the counter (and often a pup or two lounging happily at their owners’ feet). The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm bagels hits you immediately. Popular menu picks include their creamy flat whites (often hailed as some of the best in Kerry) and their signature bagel sandwiches – think local smoked salmon with cream cheese, or turkey and stuffing on an “everything” bagel. The vibe is upbeat yet relaxed; you might catch impromptu conversations between strangers or get a tip from the staff about hidden trails in Killarney National Park after your coffee. Good Boy Coffee is proof that sometimes the best coffee in Kerry can be found in an unassuming alleyway with a simple formula: great beans, great food, and a warm welcome (to you and your furry friends). Don’t be surprised if you end up lingering for another cup – or coming back the next day for more.

Killorglin – Patchino’s Coffee & Treats

Patchino’s Coffee & Treats is a cheerful mobile café in Killorglin, serving barista-quality coffee and local baked treats from a cute trailer.

Heading into the vibrant town of Killorglin (famous for the Puck Fair festival), you’ll discover Patchino’s Coffee & Treats, a new addition to Kerry’s coffee scene that’s already winning hearts. Patchino’s is a mobile coffee dock – essentially a cute trailer set up in The Fairfield (town center) – and it has everything you need for a perfect pit stop. They serve barista-quality coffee and a range of freshly baked goods, using all local suppliers for ingredients. Sustainability is part of their ethos as well, with compostable cups and eco-friendly practices, so you can feel good about your coffee break. The owner, Patch (yes, that’s his nickname), is a seasoned hospitality pro, and it shows: customers often mention the friendly banter and personal touch he brings. In fact, you’re guaranteed a good chat and laugh with Patch while you wait for your brew ( jackscromane.com ) it’s like catching up with an old friend

Patchino’s may be small in size, but it’s big on flavor and community spirit. Their menu features expertly pulled espresso-based drinks (locals claim the cappuccinos are top-notch) and sweet treats that hit the spot. On any given morning, you might find an array of muffins, scones, or brownies baked by a nearby Killorglin bakery, or even gluten-free goodies – all labeled and served with care for those with allergies. This little café on wheels has become a gathering spot for locals on their coffee runs and a delightful surprise for tourists passing through. Killorglin is along the Ring of Kerry route, so if you’re exploring the hidden gem cafés in County Kerry, be sure to swing by Patchino’s for a caffeine boost. Between the excellent coffee, the hometown hospitality, and the cheery atmosphere, you’ll understand why some say it’s among the best coffee in Kerry. Plus, you’ll get to experience a slice of daily life in a Kerry town – maybe even catch some Puck Fair stories from Patch if you ask!

Killarney – J.M. Reidy’s

J.M. Reidy’s is a café, bakery, and pub all rolled into one unforgettable venue – right in the heart of Killarney on Main Street. From the street, Reidy’s wears a vintage facade that looks like an old-time sweet shop (which it once was, back in the 1870s!). Step inside, and you’re greeted by a labyrinth of cosy nooks, old-world decor, and a palpable sense of history. During the day, one doorway leads you into a quaint coffee shop where baristas serve insta-worthy flat whites and treats from an in-house bakery, set amid original antique counters and shelves ( thetaste.ie ). By night (after 7pm), another entrance takes you into the lively pub side – complete with a hidden courtyard, a gin bar, and live music drifting through the rooms. It’s no wonder Reidy’s is considered an iconic Killarney experience; it’s like time-traveling to a bygone era, but with free WiFi and top-notch coffee on hand.

 

For daytime visitors, J.M. Reidy’s offers high-quality specialty coffee crafted by skilled baristas, plus a large selection of pastries and cakes baked fresh on-site every morning ( reidyskillarney.com ). You might enjoy a creamy cappuccino with a fluffy scone or a decadent slice of chocolate cake, all while perched in a snug corner surrounded by memorabilia from a century ago. Many of the furnishings and even old ledgers on display date back to the 19th century, giving the café side an authentic charm that’s hard to beat. Come evening, Reidy’s seamlessly transforms into a spirited pub (you don’t have to go anywhere – the whole space just comes alive). Locals and travelers gather for craft cocktails (the **“Mrs. Reidy” gin cocktail is a favorite), wood-fired pizzas, and traditional music sessions. The fact that you can spend an afternoon with a latte and a book, then stay on for a pint and live music after sunset, all under the same roof, is what makes J.M. Reidy’s so special. It’s truly a hidden gem of Killarney nightlife and cafe culture combined. If you’re touring Killarney coffee shops, put Reidy’s on your list – it’s an experience that captures the best of both worlds in County Kerry’s most famous town.

Now it’s your turn: have you discovered a favorite coffee spot in Kerry that we didn’t mention? We’d love to hear about it! Share your own recommendations or coffee adventures in the comments, and feel free to tag @iamofkerryireland on Instagram when you post about your coffee on the Ring of Kerry or anywhere in this beautiful county.

Let’s keep the inspiration brewing – your tips might lead someone to their next great coffee find in the Kingdom.

So grab another cup, and join the conversation! Cheers!