In Clonakilty, two newlyweds are about to open a coffee bar and concept store
It’s already creating quite the buzz.
Renovations are continuing apace behind the doors of a shopfront on Clonakilty’s main thoroughfare, where local newlyweds Forbes Kelly and Aisling O’Leary plan to open a new coffee bar and concept store.
Revel Clonakilty will open this spring at 54 McCurtain Street in the heart of the town.
It’s not the pair’s first entrepreneurial endeavor. Forbes has run a coffee dock, Revel Culture Coffee, from a 1974 Eccles Topaz converted caravan outside Quill’s in Glengarriff for more than six years.
As a couple they’re full of surprises too; even their wedding was an impromptu party – much to the delight of their guests.
The cherry on top of magic little love story, it went like this; Forbes and Aisling met briefly around four years ago, before getting back in touch in June 2020, when they had their first date.
“In August 2021 Forbes proposed on my birthday on a mountain in Glengarriff where we love to walk,” said Aisling.
“We got married two months later in October 2021. We invited lots of family and friends to an engagement party which turned out to be a surprise wedding for which we only had 10 days to organise.
View this post on Instagram
“All very quick but as the cliche goes; when you know, you know!”
A curated coffee shop
Last year the couple got to talking about where they saw themselves in five years. Aisling’s long-held dream of running a concept store resurfaced. Fast forward a few short months and the dream is beginning to become a reality.
“What people can expect when they visit Revel is top-notch coffee, finger-licking treats and lots of items to browse and shop,” said Aisling, who will be stacking the shelves with items to suit every budget.
“Revel is a store that will constantly be changing stock and there will be various categories on the go. From apparel to locally-made furniture and interior décor to art.”
View this post on Instagram
“Clonakilty is our home town and we love it dearly. While we are both blow-ins, we have longstanding ties to Clonakilty and love to see the town thrive. It’s such a treat to be able to hop in the car and take a short spin out to the beach for a dip or a walk with the kids and our dog Polar.
The pair say the support for their new business has already been ‘tremendous’.
“Clonakilty is a fantastic town with a strong sense of community. The amount of people knocking on our door while we have been renovating has been great. People introducing themselves, welcoming us and offering help.”
So what’s on the menu?
Expect coffee from The Golden Bean for a start, alongside the odd guest brew to keep things exciting. Locally made goodies will also be in plentiful supply.
Right now, the plan is for Revel Clonakilty to open the doors in mid-March.
“It might be sooner, it might be later. We will keep everyone updated on Instagram (@revelclonakilty).” said Aisling.
View this post on Instagram
Revel Glengarriff (@revelculturecoffee) will also be reopening soon so keep a close eye on social media for updates.
