Coffee, Coffee, Coffee! – Three of the best Liberties cafés  

Over the last few years, Dublin has revamped itself into a hipper environment for the young students. One of the main improvements has been the numerous cafés in Dublin 8.

With the price of coffee being relatively high, it is important to find the right places that will live up to standard every time. Here are a few of the area’s best coffee shops, that will leave you feeling like Lorelai Gilmore enjoying a cup of joe in Luke’s Diner.   

3. Marlowe & Co  

Marlowe & Co is a small, quaint corner coffee stall in The Tenters in Dublin 8.

Being beside two local schools, the line for this delicious coffee is filled with eager parents, students, and residents simply walking their dogs, needing a caffeine buzz before work, or looking to enjoy a nice hot coffee. This café is open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday and Tuesday, 8 am to 7 pm Wednesday and Friday, and 8 am to 2 pm Saturday and Sunday.   

In addition to a coffee stall, Marlowe & Co is a grocery store, with a small walk-in shop selling organic produce, fresh-baked bread, flowers, niche books, and other items for all to enjoy.

There is also a nice selection of pastries and cakes for customers to enjoy with their coffee. They also make fresh sandwiches and toasties for those who need more substance.   

Even though the coffee here tastes fantastic, the main draw factor of Marlowe & Co is the kind, chatty, and hardworking staff, who are attentive and conversant with each customer. With just a limited number of benches and one table outside, Marlowe & Co is the best place to get coffee. 

Marlowe & Co is an important part of the community and is loved by many. This place is well worth a visit, and there is something for everyone with various drink options, including coffee, teas, hot chocolate, and a fridge full of cold, refreshing options.   

2. Legit Coffee Co 

Legit Coffee Co is based in the heart of the Liberties, on Meath Street. This café has quite a rustic feel and is heavily influenced by the founders’ French and Brazilian heritages. Although it looks small outside, Legit has a large seating area and a kitchen where they make breakfast and lunch options.

This place is perfect for enjoying coffee while working on your laptop as it has a quiet and enjoyable atmosphere. This café opens from 8.30 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday and 9.30 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday.  

Legit Coffee Co. has a brunch menu to accompany your drink of choice, including avocado toasts, breakfast baps, açaí bowls, omelettes, French toast, and granola. A large French-inspired patisserie counter also has sweet and salty croissants, sausage rolls, brownies, cookies, and other sweet treats.

Legit uses ethically sourced, Brazilian-style yet locally roasted coffee beans for its coffees. The coffee shop also offers customers coffee equipment, reusable and environmentally friendly coffee cups, and merchandise such as tote bags. The café’s online website is well set up and allows you to view the menu and merchandise without in-store pressure.

With friendly staff and community spirit, Legit Coffee Co adds so much to The Liberties and is well worth the visit, even if it is just for a quick coffee on the go.

There is one table outside the café and one right in front of the window, with a perfect view outside, for those who enjoy the ambiance of Meath Street on a busy day. Legit has excellent coffee, food, and customer service and is a must-visit café in the Dublin 8 area.   

1. Rumi   

Rumi is a café-bar located on Francis Street in The Liberties. Three sisters run this café, which offers a tasty Turkish experience. The space is decorated with bright Turkish rugs, and the ceiling is decorated with clouds to mimic the sky.

The coffee shop is well lit and has big windows, perfect for people-watching. Rumi offers a comfortable, sit-down spot for the community to enjoy coffee, lunch, and a chat with friends. Rumi opens from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, meaning your coffee craving does not have the usual midday limit.   

Rumi offers many drinks, pastries, cookies, overnight oats, Turkish treats, and toasted sandwiches.

The long hours mean the café is perfect not only for a quick breakfast or a nice brunch with friends, but even a pick-me-up before dinner. If you find yourself lucky enough to see a free table in the café, you should sit to enjoy your treat and the hustle and bustle of the busy and well-loved coffee shop.     

The staff at Rumi is very kind and attentive, making the experience enjoyable and friendly. Unlike many coffee places in the city, Rumi is affordable and well worth the purchase.

They use a delicious local coffee blend from Imbibe Coffee Roasters in Dolphin’s Barn. The café is also dog-friendly and has limited outdoor seating for customers to enjoy on the rare but appreciated sunny days.