Flat white nation: How Ireland’s coffee obsession grew — and why the beans may be running out

From Lisbon epiphanies to climate-driven supply shocks, Ireland’s love affair with coffee runs deep — but can it last?

“Coffee isn’t a new thing in Ireland any more,” says Julie Murray, head of coffee culture, at Bewley’s, Ireland’s largest commercial roaster. “We have a sophisticated palate, even on global terms, we show up very well in terms of coffee quality"

It appears we are now a nation of fully-fledged coffee drinkers. Recent studies show over 75% of adults drink an average of three cups daily, with many believing the cup of Joe has taken over from tea as the country’s favourite brew.

A swift daytime perambulation of any urban high street reveals coffee shops on every corner, takeaway cups in myriad passing hands. From a hospitality perspective, coffee consistently outsells what was once the national beverage of choice.