Is there a better winter warmer than hot chocolate?
While there are many things to lament now that the weather has gotten considerably chillier - bad road conditions, inside out brollies you've only had a wet week (literally), choosing between layering in three hoodies or turning on that oh so expensive heat - one of the few lovely things about winter is hot chocolate.
Yes, you can consume hot chocolate year round, and many of us do, but I find myself ordering hot chocolate as opposed to my usual coffee far more frequently in the winter months, and it just fills that little treat void perfectly, whilst also warming the hands.
Naturally, the cafés in Ireland bring their A-game when it comes to this comfort drink, but there are ten who have ranked as the absolute best spots, with Limerick, Galway, Cork, Killarney, and Dublin all making it onto the list.
Betway Casino have collated this list using figures from Tripadvisor, Google and Instagram.
So... without further ado.
8. Rift Coffee
Limerick
Coming in at eighth is Rift Coffee, based on Upper Mallow Street, a specialty coffee shop serving the best of Irish and international coffee roasters, and, as it turns out, hot chocolate.
Close to People's Park, Rift has that cosy atmosphere which lends itself to being one of Ireland's top places for a hot chocolate, an ideal location to enjoy your bevvy, topped with a giant marshmallow (Ned Flanders style).
The Limerick café opens every day until 4:30pm.
7. Café Rose
Limerick
Limerick enters this list for the second time with Café Rose, based on Roches Street, with an impressive 4.8 star rating on Google.
Along with its hot chocolate offering, the café is praised for its breakfast and good value prices.
Café Rose opens 8am to 5pm daily, except on Sundays when they are closed.
6. Manna Cafe & Bistro and Little Lane Coffee
Killarney and Galway
Sixth place was a tie between Manna Cafe & Bistro in Killarney, and Little Lane Coffee in Galway.
Both come in with high Google ratings, with the Kerry café constantly getting praise for its lovely staff as well as their hot chocolate. Little Lane Coffee on the other hand is a specialty coffee spot in Galway, that also puts together a great hot choccy for those who need something to soothe the soul and not just have you bouncing off the walls from the caffeine.
5. Three Fools Coffee
Cork
Well now we know why Orlando Bloom popped into Three Fools back in the summer of 2022 - he's obviously a hot chocolate man. The café is known for their indulgent blend, with one reviewer saying it was the best hot chocolate he had ever had.
If you don't believe them, Three Fools opens daily until 5pm.
4. Esquires - The Organic Coffee Co and Lemon Jelly Cafe
Galway and Dublin
We have another tie on our hands, this time for fourth place.
Both cafés consistently come up on lists for great coffee spots, and now we know they do an amazing hot chocolate as well.
Esquires in Galway seems to be their top branch, ranking highly on Google, and with a whopping 512 positive Tripadvisor reviews.
Lemon Jelly Café in Dublin has a Google rating of 4.5, with over 4,000 people having left reviews. Known for their sweet offerings, whether you're getting a crepe for lunch or just after a "little treat", it's no wonder Lemon Jelly do a top hot chocolate too.
3. Shoe Lane Coffee
Dublin
Once home to Dublin's cobblers, Shoe Lane Coffee is located right in the heart of the city and serves up yummy pastries to go alongside your hot chocolate.
There is also ample seating, which makes this a hotspot for remote workers and students looking for a change of scenery, making it a top spot to check out while exploring the city.
Shoe Lane stays open until 6:30pm every evening.
2. Cork Coffee Roasters
Cork
Bridge Street's Cork Coffee Roasters takes the runner up spot, the second best hot chocolate in the Ireland.
It's a go-to location for Corkonians in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, with more seating than their other branches, and while coffee might be there main aim (with incredibly reasonable prices for this country) they can also whip up a mean hot chocolate.
1. Beanhive Coffee
Dublin
First place goes to the ever adorable Beanhive Coffee in Dublin. This Dawson Street café is best known for their latte art, which has to be some of the best and most creative in the country, and they apply this same artistry to their hot chocolates, as you can see below.
As someone who passes the street on a regular basis, I can say it's incredibly rare to find it not completely packed with people, so if you're after the best rated hot chocolate in the country, then I suggest you prepare for a queue. It will be well worth it.
Think there is somewhere that does a better hot chocolate? Let us know at hello@lovin.com.
Header images via Instagram / Little Lane Cafe & Shoe Lane Coffee
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