Child-friendly cafes to go to if you have kids (and to avoid if you don’t)

When you’re a parent of young children, the struggle to find a local cafe where you can sit back, sip a coffee and not feel like everybody hates you just for bringing your offspring along, is real.

And realer still? The struggle to find somewhere where you can enjoy a relaxing, quiet lunch, away from the horrors of screaming children running around and using the legs of your chair as a somewhat lacking hide-and-seek device…

So whether you want to find your fellow toddler tribe, or if you’re determined to avoid the buggy-brigade at all costs, then check out this list of Dublin cafes and eateries that welcome minions as much as they welcome their sleep-deprived mums and dads.

Cinnamon

Ranelagh, Dublin 4

Image credit: cinnamon.ie

What many dub as Dublin’s home of the Yummy Mummy army; it practically doubles as a creche between 9am-3pm, with privileged children from all side of the city dubbing it home of the best babychino around.

Two Fifty Square

Rathmines, Dublin 6

Image credit: fromchinavillage.com

The abundance of space in this high-ceiling, airy cafe means there’s always room to manoeuvre your buggy; a welcome change from the usual squeeze and shuffle of Dublin cafes.

Milanos

Throughout Ireland

Image credit: Tripadvisor

Between the sheer delight that children get from pizza (and Milano’s signiture dough balls), you can’t go wrong by bringing your youngsters here. Added perks include special kids’ deals and an army of high stools that are always available.

Two Boys Brew

Phibsborough, Dublin 3

Image credit: Two Boys Brew Facebook page

This is where Dublin’s ultra-trendy parents go, although it’s usually with an infant that’s still small enough to carry around a body hammock (anyone who knows Two Boys Brew’s popularity –and subsequent queues– knows better than to bring along high-energy children who might be tempted to use the area as a marathon training ground)

Avoca

Suffolk Street, Dublin 2

Image credit: avoca.com

You’re as sure to enjoy a wholesome feed here as you are to hear the clang-bash-whollop of children banging cutlery, breaking toys and jousting their siblings. Maybe it’s the lure of the giant, sugar-coated scones that minituare humans love so much, or maybe it’s the incredibly jovial and hospitable staff that has the parents coming back for more? Either way, all we know is that Avoca is a place that young families frequent, so visit/ avoid accordingly.