We've made a list of Donegal's popular cafe vans that provide visitors and locals with essential fuel for taking in the most scenic hot spots.
The Shack at Marble Hill. Photo: @Farrenwide on Instagram
When we’re out and about exploring Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way there is usually a need for a pit-stop for coffee. Thankfully there has been a burst of cute mobile cafes setting up along the county’s most scenic spots so visitors can spend even more time outside taking in amazing views.
When the weather is good we all flock to Donegal’s best spots. So to help you plan your day around your all-important coffee and snack breaks, we’ve found some of the most popular cafe vans out there. You can use this list as a guide for choosing your next local adventure to get the best views in Donegal – there’s a clear reason why these cafes have set up in special spots.
The Pod
The Pod is in a fantastic spot to capture some dramatic skies at the Largy Viewpoint. Visitors get to enjoy great coffee and treats while taking in the amazing views at Fintra Beach. You can fuel up here before tackling the trek to Slieve League.
Caffe Banba
Caffe Banba parks up at Malin Tower to provide visitors with coffee as they take in the incredible views. The windy location often calls for a brew to heat you up, but you may get lucky with the sunshine this summer.
Ireland’s most northerly bakery provided coffee and cakes to the Star Wars filming crew when they were in Donegal – so they must be out of this world!
Wild Atlantic Tae
These guys definitely deserve credit for the best name on the WAW. The van parks up at Fanad Lighthouse and offer tea, homemade cheese toasties and Bailies Coffee Company coffees, among other treats for hungry tourists. Being amazed by the breathtaking scenes at Fanad Lighthouse works up an appetite.
Pirates of the Coffeebean
– Another cafe with a puntastic name! This cute truck parks up at Narin/Portnoo Beach and recently enjoyed a boost after the beach was named Ireland’s ninth best beach on TripAdvisor.
The highlight of this stand is the incredible popcorn you can get with your premium coffee. The flavours range from sweet strawberries and cinnamon to the unusual salted seaweed popcorn.
You can also find them on the Glengesh Pass – don’t pass up on the popcorn whatever you do.
The Happy Camper
This cafe needs no introduction as it has to be the most famous in Ireland at this stage! They’ve had an incredible journey of ups and downs in the past month but everyone is glad to see them up and serving amazing fluffy pancakes in the great Glenveagh once more. The upbeat team are sure to leave you smiling after a visit.
Bunglas Ice Cream
Stand on top of Slieve League cliffs and you’ll be immediately drawn to the jaw-dropping views. But you’ll soon realise there’s another hidden gem at the tourist hotspot. Bunglas Ice Cream van, owned by Pat McShane, is a big draw with holiday-makers. There are some really delicious flavours for all tastes. Plus, you can get a picture-perfect Instagram shot with a cone in centre focus.
9ine Hostages Coffee Co.
This roadside cafe in Manorcunningham overlooks Letterkenny and is a welcome pit-stop of drivers and cyclists. They do roasted coffee from Bailies, great breakfast fuel foods in the morning and amazing Scarpello & Co breads. You have to try the brownies – they say they’re the world’s best!
Millannies
Millannies Mobile Coffee Experience, along the beach at Portnablagh, provides perfect seaside views and and brews. Anyone enjoying the impressive beach here near Dunfanaghy needs to try their much sought-after hot chocolate – whatever the weather.
The Shack
Although not technically mobile, this cafe is a pretty picture with the same offerings as our other businesses. A scenic location and top coffee for any day out – The Shack at Marble Hill beach welcomes many families in search of ice cream and a place to chill out in the sunshine. They pride themselves on speciality artisan coffee, which always goes well with some delicious Mullins ice cream.
Doe Castle Coffee
This is a brand new coffee shop in a spectacular spot on Sheephaven Bay near Creeslough. You can now sip a Lavazza coffee and admire the impressive stronghold from the outdoor or indoor seating areas. There are treats and HP ice creams for the family too, so you can turn an educational experience at the historic location into a fun day out.
Better Brews
An Grianan of Aileach at Burt provides the setting for this van which offers barista style espresso coffee, teas and hot chocolate along with homemade treats.
Marion O’Brien greets tourists from all over the world here each summer and gets to enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the Wild Atlantic Way. Where could you get better views than at Better Brews?
Better Brews
Where is your favourite place to get coffee on a day out in Donegal? Have we missed out on a hidden gem? Let us know in the comments or on news@donegalwoman.ie
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May 4, 2017
Bennys chip van in Glencolmcille is fantastic van to stop at and on route to and from sliverstrand
August 9, 2017
Check out Country Coffee Shot in Rathmullan. Great coffee and fantastic home bakes – too good to refuse!
August 9, 2017
Eaden out in Dunfanaghy is amazing too ☕️️?
September 27, 2017
Gotta be the candyvan in the diamond lodgings car park behind Specsavers in Donegal Town. Not only selling traditional style sweets but also the best fresh ground coffee I’ve ever tasted. Lisa’s a great character as well..