Brought to you by MINI Ireland
Colin Harmon told us why it's not just hurling they're good at down that neck of the woods.
Kilkenny and Waterford might be one of the biggest rivalries in hurling, but they're well able to go toe-to-know on places to eat. The cafes, coffee shops and restaurants in both counties have only been getting better over the past few years, and that doesn't look like changing any time soon.
Colin Harmon, four-time Irish Barista Champion and the man behind 3fe Coffee, told us a few places to look out for. If this is the kind of thing you're interested in,
have a look at his blog.
Thinking of trying out some of these places for yourself? MINI Ireland is offering a
48-hour test drive of their 2019 range.
Some of the best desserts and treats you’ll find anywhere are served out of a tiny patisserie in Kilkenny that goes by wonderful name, Cake Face. Owned and operated by Laura and Roy Gannon, the couple have built up years of experience with some of the best pastry teams in France and the UK before returning home to set up this wonderful little spot. They’re constantly changing the offering so there’s always something new and delicious to try.
A trip to Waterford always entails a visit to one of smallest and best specialty coffee shops in the country, The Arch on George's Street. This tiny cafe, literally built in an old archway, serves great coffee to the shoppers and workers of Waterford city six days a week and is a great place to sit and chat with the owners Neil and George.
Further outside the city is Grow HQ, home to the “Grow It Yourself” movement that aims to promote home grown food and education around it to people all over Ireland. This recently built headquarters hosts classes, demonstrations and special guest events whilst also serving up the food they grow on site in their own cafe for the many thousands of visitors they see each year.
Further afield and into a town I spend many happy times in as a child, Tramore now hosts one of the best bakeries anywhere in the country. The Seagull Bakery serves freshly baked bread from Wednesday to Saturday, specialising in sourdoughs and rye’s with a few others to boot. Even if you’re just passing by it’s great to get in and grab a loaf or two of what is some of the best bread around.
Further south in the town of Dungarvan is one of the iconic restaurants in the country, The Tannery. Owned by Máire and Paul Flynn, The Tannery has been serving some of the best food in the country for over 20 years out of this beautiful little seaside town. Order everything they recommend (it’s always great) and stay the night in their beautifully fitted out townhouses around the corner from the restaurant. It’s also the perfect place to reward yourself for a cycle or run down the Waterford Greenway that starts back in the city, at just about 50 km it’s a great reason to visit in itself.
If you’re feeling a little more flush you can book yourself into the Cliff House Hotel in nearby Ardmore, boasting a Michelin star restaurant, a luxury spa and some of the best views from a balcony anywhere in the country, overlooking Ardmore Bay.
There’s a MINI for every lifestyle. So to prove it, we are giving you 48 hours in a MINI to see just how versatile the range can be. Are you up for the challenge? Discover the range at www.mini.ie or book now right here.
Brought to you by MINI Ireland 
