Starbucks to open 30 Irish outlets

The world's largest coffee chain Starbucks' plans to open in Ireland are thought to be at an advanced stage.

Media reports today indicate that the firm has commissioned an architectural firm in Dublin to design up to 30 stores for opening later this year.

The first outlet may be opened in Northern Ireland with further shops to open throughout the Republic after that.

Last month Starbucks opened in Paris, its first outlet in France.

The company was founded by Harold Schultz in the American city of Seattle 17 years ago and now has 7,569 stores throughout 32 countries worldwide.