This dog-friendly garden centre coffee shop is a hidden gem (with excellent toasties)
Add this one to your adventures list.
Plant lovers with pooches have long been welcomed at Future Forests Garden Centre in Bantry, but dogs are also allowed in their lovely coffee shop The Coffee Bee.
The lush garden centre, run by couple Maria Collard and Mattie Keane and opened by Maria’s father Mike Collard in 1987, is a wonderland for plant enthusiasts, offering a massive selection of gorgeous trees, shrubs, fruits, roses, and perennials.
They even prioritise sourcing Irish-grown options whenever they can. But the real magic lies in their unexpected gems – you never know what unique and exciting plant you might discover next down there and it’s a joy to wander the blooming stands in search of goodies for your own garden.
Once you’re finished browsing, The Coffee Bee serves very good coffee from Carrow Coffee Roasters, speciality teas and tasty desserts (hello Sicilian lemon cake), as well as a mighty toasted sandwich and homemade soup.
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Looking for some extra inspo for your day trip? Model Roz Purcell, a regular at The Coffee Bee, recommends pairing your visit with a scenic hike in nearby Gougane Barra; the perfect summer adventure for you and your pup.
The cafe is located at Future Forests Garden Centre, Kealkill, Co. Cork (P75 H958) and open Thursday to Saturday 10am-4:30pm and Sunday and Bank Holidays from 12 noon -4:30pm.
