Mullichain Cafe

The Mullichain Cafe sits on the quay at Saint Mullins, on the banks of the River Barrow in County Carlow. It occupies a four-storey former canal storehouse that once handled goods moving along the river, and the building’s original character has been retained in the conversion, including its Canadian pitch pine beams and lime plaster walls.

Martin and Emer O’Brien restored the old warehouse and opened the cafe in 2009. The kitchen focuses on homemade fare such as soups and cakes alongside coffee, and the cafe holds a beer and wine licence. Upstairs there is a small collection of books on history, myth and folklore for visitors who wish to sit and read for a while.

As well as a place to eat and drink, the cafe operates as a bike hire point, making it a useful base for exploring the walking trails and cycling routes that follow the River Barrow. It runs seasonally, opening from around March through October, so it is worth checking current days and hours before travelling.