How to Open A Coffee Shop In Ireland - Complete Guide
Whether you're a passionate coffee enthusiast, an aspiring café owner, or someone exploring a new career in the coffee industry, this comprehensive guide is designed to support beginners with no prior business experience. We’ll walk you through every stage of setting up your coffee shop in Ireland — from business planning, startup budgeting, and equipment sourcing to legal requirements and service licenses. You’ll also learn how to build a menu, hire and train staff, and navigate the Irish hospitality market with a clear business strategy and careful planning.
With years of hands-on experience in the Irish coffee industry, The Old Barracks Coffee Roastery has helped dozens of independent coffee shops and specialty cafés start and grow successful businesses. Our team has been behind the success of several well-known and thriving brands, including:
Guji (with locations in Limerick and Cork), The Old Barracks Coffee on Dock Road, our flagship Coffee Bar and Roastery in Birdhill.
We're also proud to support exciting new ventures like: Grumble, a gelato bar opening in September 2025 and Kabisko, a new café concept launching in October 2025.
As your expert coffee consultants and business mentors, we’re here to guide you through the startup process and share the real-world insights that have helped shape some of Ireland’s most dynamic coffee spaces. Whether you're opening a small coffee kiosk or a full-service espresso bar, our guide gives you the tools and confidence to succeed in a competitive but rewarding market.
1. Crafting Your Business Plan
Your business plan is your foundation. It should begin with a clear vision for your coffee shop: what kind of atmosphere will you create? and what unique offering will you bring to the market? Identify your target audience — students, commuters, professionals — and choose a location that attracts them. Describe your menu and pricing strategy, and lay out your goals for the first year.
Anticipate potential challenges such as competition, supplier issues, or staffing difficulties. Being realistic in your plan gives you a better chance of overcoming early obstacles.
2. Legal Requirements
To operate a coffee shop legally in Ireland, there are several key steps every new café owner or food business operator must follow. You’ll need to register your business in Ireland with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and apply for a Tax Registration Number (TRN) with Revenue. Before opening, you must register your food business with the HSE at least 28 days in advance. Complying with Irish food safety law sand hygiene standards is essential, and you or a staff member should complete HACCP food safety training to ensure safe food handling. If you plan to play music, you’ll also need music licensing in Ireland from IMRO and PPI. Don’t forget to arrange appropriate business insurance for coffee shops, including public liability and employer’s liability cover. Meeting fire safety regulations and accessibility requirements in Ireland is also crucial. Taking these steps early will help you avoid delays and keep your café compliant with Irish law from day one.
3. From Machines to Beans
Choosing the right coffee shop equipment and specialty coffee beans is the foundation of a successful café. At The Old Barracks Coffee Roastery, we guide you through selecting essential gear like a commercial espresso machine, professional coffee grinders, water filtration systems, and barista tools that ensure consistency and efficiency. Equally important is your coffee bean selection— we’ll help you choose the perfect coffee blend or single-origin beans to suit your café menu, brand style, and target customers. With our experience supporting independent cafés in Ireland, we make sure you're set up for coffee shop success from day one.
4. Workflow Design & Staff Training That Deliver