The people of Donegal have voted in force for the most beautiful places to visit for a cosy cuppa.

Cafes and tearooms for good tea, scones and a sneaky bun have excelled of late. So much thought is put into beautiful decor and so much time goes into great menus and homemade bakes. Donegal Woman is delighted to celebrate some of the best hidden gems.

We asked our readers to nominate their favourite cute cafes and the results are a tempting selection of places all over the county. Here are the top 10 winners:

Coffee Go Leor

1. Coffee Go Leor, Falcarragh

This was an overwhelming winner, and it’s no wonder. The amazing cakes are just a treat to look at. The cafe has been opened on Main Street Falcarragh for two years and has become a delight for people seeking tea and tasty sweets.

Coffee Go Leor – Image via Facebook

2. The Lily Rose, Buncrana

This sandwich bar and coffee shop is a very pretty picture in the town centre. The cosy cafe has delicious treats and yummy lunches. There’s also a beautiful Little Lily van that roams the county – bringing vintage style tea to you!

3. The Buttercup Tearoom, Ballybofey

Tucked away from the main street, this is a quaint and much-loved hidden gem. They have the old-fashioned cosy tearoom style all wrapped up, with vintage cups and plates, table settings and intimate surroundings. Look out for the bright yellow facade behind the Villa Rose Hotel the next time you’re in town.

The Buttercup Tearoom – Image via Facebook

4. Hatter Tea Room, Stranorlar

The Twin Towns have a great selection of new cafes of late, and The Hatter Tea Room is a hot favourite for its top quality coffee. The entertaining Alice in Wonderland decor adds a curious element to your tea break. You can have your own tea party with great treats and lunches, and their afternoon tea is top of the range. Plus, they are now open in the evenings, with wine and Prosecco!

Hatter Tea Room, Stranorlar – Image via Facebook

5. Tina’s Tea Cakes, Newtowncunningham

This inviting coffee house has all you could want in a cafe and the desserts look simply divine. It may be off the beaten track, but the homemade speciality cakes are what brings in the crowds.

Tina’s Tea Cakes – Image via Facebook

Tina’s Tea Cakes – Image via Facebook

6. Maddy’s Sweet Treats, Rossnowlagh

Locally roasted coffee, handmade cakes and homemade preserves for scones – this is an adorable spot opposite the Friary at the south Donegal seaside resort.

7. Honeypot Coffee House, Letterkenny

Locals LOVE this cafe that has quirky decor and a mouth-watering menu. The breakfasts here are standout delights and there are always great events and competitions running on their Facebook page.
Pancake stacks here go above and beyond delicious, but their shakes really are something else.

Honeypot Letterkenny – Image via Facebook

8. The Olde Glen Tearoom, Glen

A friendly cafe in the heart of Glen village where you’re guaranteed good food and conversation. It’s a great place to time out after adventuring around Lough Salt. The Glen County Fair runs on Saturdays during the summer behind the cafe and bar, bringing the picturesque village alive with food producers and artists.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIgPzcOBSQj/?taken-by=theoldeglentearoom

9. The Beach Hut Coffee Shop, Bundoran

Newly-opened this summer, the Beach Hut is a pretty maritime themed eatery. It’s in a perfect place at Tullan Stran, because with such good ice cream and cakes on offer, you’d need a long walk on the beach afterwards!

10. Thyme Out Cafe & Tearooms, Alcorn’s Garden Centre Letterkenny and Glenveagh Castle

Escaping the town and spending an hour at Thyme Out Letterkenny is good for the soul. It’s a bright and beautiful space set within garden centre that has floral everything – the tablecloths, cups and saucers are so recognisable in snaps as everyone photographs their cakes and brownies.

You can have high tea like a queen at Thyme Out in Glenveagh Castle too – which is an excellent way to refuel after a walk in the National Park.

Thymeout Glenveagh – Image via Facebook

That’s all folks! There are many suggestions here for you to plan your next tea break, we hope you enjoy trying somewhere new. Plus, if your favourite coffee shop isn’t on the list, feel free to suggest it to others in the comments below.