When it comes to road-tripping in Ireland, expect stunning coastal roads, mountains, lochs and all things green and gold!

But scattered across Ireland’s natural landscape are plenty of stops to refuel, serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner and most importantly, coffee and cake.

In this blog, we’ve lined up the best food stops along some of Ireland’s most incredible routes, perfect for all manner of motorists.

a river running through a city next to tall buildings

Thunder Road Café

  • Location: Fleet Street, Dublin
  • Open: Monday – Sunday

If you’re looking for a taste of the states, Thunder Road Café in Dublin serve up bold, American-style comfort food, including Smoked Ribs and an excellent range of burgers.

Inside, you’ll find a classic retro biker-themed café, making it excellent for motorcyclists who want to soak up the atmosphere and socialise with like-minded people.

As this spot is in the city centre, if you’ve got time, why not explore the city for a while before heading back on the road? Nearby, the M50 motorway will take you out of the city centre and onto your next spot.

city skyline across body of water under blue and white sunny cloudy sky during daytime

The Strand Cahore 

  • Location: Cahore, County Wexford
  • Open: Thursday – Sunday

For beach-lovers, this stop is not one to be missed, especially in the summer months when the sun is shining, and you can pull the roof down on your classic car and feel the wind in your hair.

Located in County Wexford, overlooking the beach and pier at Chaore Point, and sweeping views over the sea to Wicklow head, this food stop is only an hour’s ride out from Dublin.

Serving up takeaway coffee and pastries from their ‘Sea Biscuit’ hatch on the front terrace, this is a perfect place to come for breakfast before spending a few hours on the beach.

grass field and mountain during day

Avoca Molls Gap Shop & Café

  • Location: Ring of Kerry, County Kerry
  • Open: Monday – Sunday

The Ring of Kerry is a 179-kilometre circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. It’s famous for its views across the wild Atlantic, charming little towns and plenty of history (there are even a few waterfalls along the way!).

This next stop is located at a mountain pass with views of MacGillyCuddy’s Reeks, an eye-catching siltstone mountain range.

Avoca Molls Gap offers delicious pastries, lemon drizzle cake, coffee and even a traditional Irish gift shop where you can pick up a few Irish-themed goodies to take home with you, or even a cosy blanket to keep in the car!

There’s plenty of parking over the road, so you won’t be stuck for knowing where to park, making it an easy stop to plot on your route.

An old stone castle sits on a grassy hill.

BOX’D Coffee Co

If you’re on the road and you’ve not got time to stop, then BOX’D Coffee Co is a Drive-Thru joint that has an extensive coffee menu, from mochas to matcha. This coffee stop is sure to satisfy a wide range of different taste buds.

If you do have a bit more time on your hands, then there is outside seating where you can drink a beverage (or two!) before hitting the road again. Located in County Cork, why not drive out to Blarney Castle or take a ferry trip out to the infamous Spike Island, once a notorious prison.

Mint Coffee

  • Location: Blackrock, County Dublin
  • Open: Monday – Friday

The perfect brunch spot, just a stone’s throw away from Dublin City, this stylish little eatery is on the way to Seapoint and Forty Foot – a historic swimming location for over 250 years, perfect for a quick dip on a hot day.

Whether you want to sit in or take away, Mint Coffee offer melt-in-the-mouth toasties and ice cream pots to fill you up as you explore the vast County Dublin coastline.

So, whether you’re chasing coastal sunrises, carving through mountain passes, or just looking for an excuse to stretch the legs and grab a great coffee, Ireland’s top motoring cafés add an extra layer of satisfaction to every journey.

These stops aren’t just about giving your car, campervan or bike a breather, they’re about soaking up amazing views, meeting fellow road-trippers, and turning a good drive into a great memory.

So plan your route, keep the tank topped up, and don’t forget to leave room for cake. After all, in Ireland, the road is just as important as the destination.

To pick up motoring essentials such as screen wash, oil or coolant, head over to Halfords.ie or visit your local store.