COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Insomnia, Starbucks and local pub chains lead through scale, heritage and habitual demand
In 2025, leadership in Ireland’s cafés/bars category was driven by strong brand equity, broad outlet networks and resilient consumer demand. Insomnia Coffee Co maintained a leading share among chained cafés, supported by an expanded network of more than 175 shops throughout Ireland and the UK, and continued revenue growth back toward pre-pandemic levels.
Costa Coffee focuses on network expansion and strengthening consumer engagement
Costa Coffee emerged as the most dynamic brand within cafés/bars in terms of units/outlets in 2025, driven by continued network expansion and strategic placement in key retail and traveller locations where on-the-go coffee demand remained robust. The brand’s app-based loyalty programme and seasonal menu promotions helped strengthen consumer engagement, widening its footprint even as broader cost pressures tempered segmented growth.
Independent cafés dominate as fragmentation and preference for local experiences persist
Independent foodservice retained the largest value share in Ireland’s cafés/bar category in 2025, reflecting a highly fragmented market and strong consumer preference for local experiences. Independent outlets, particularly in neighbourhoods and regional towns, benefited from closer community integration, bespoke menus and unique ambience that fostered loyal customer bases.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Cafés/Bars industry in Ireland with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Cafés/Bars industry in Ireland, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Cafés/Bars in Ireland report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Cafés/Bars in Ireland?
- Which are the leading brands in Cafés/Bars in Ireland?
- How are multinational and local operators competing and expanding in Ireland?
- How are consumer lifestyle trends and eating habits shaping Cafés/Bars in Ireland?
- How is the Cafés/Bars industry adapting to a post-COVID-19 market environment? Where are the opportunities amidst the challenges?
- How significant are health considerations in shaping the future of Cafés/Bars in Ireland? Which of these trends hold the greatest potential demand?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Cafés/Bars in Ireland - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Coffee remains central to daily routines and social life
Café culture strengthens as consumers maintain high coffee consumption habits
Specialist coffee chains accelerate growth as consumers favour reliable quality
Cafés with faster service and takeaway focus outperform as value and convenience influence choices
Cafés/bars value sales to rise as coffee culture and social dining remain resilient along with growing remote work
Cafés enhance fulfilment for remote workers with workspace appeal, Wi-Fi and flexible service formats
Sustainability initiatives to rise as cafés adopt circular economy practices
Insomnia, Starbucks and local pub chains lead through scale, heritage and habitual demand
Costa Coffee focuses on network expansion and strengthening consumer engagement
Independent cafés dominate as fragmentation and preference for local experiences persist
Consumer Foodservice in Ireland - Industry Overview
Growth supported by digital convenience, sustainability, and evolving consumer priorities
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Inflation drives price sensitivity, shifting demand toward affordable foodservice formats
Digital ordering and delivery surge as consumers prioritise convenience and speed
Personalised experiences and loyalty programmes gain importance amid rising competition
Tourism recovery and tech adoption to fuel growth despite cost pressures
Automation and hybrid formats emerge as key strategies to tackle rising costs
Eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing essential for long-term competitiveness
Affordable menus and digital engagement secure McDonald’s leadership
Tech-driven delivery and rapid expansion propel Apache Pizza as Ireland’s fastest-growing brand
Chains and independents innovate with health-focused menus and sustainability-led store formats
Chains thrive on tech and scale, while independents battle cost and delivery challenges
Digital tools and eco-friendly practices redefine innovation
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Cafés/Bars
- Chained Cafés/Bars
- Independent Cafés/Bars
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- Chained Bars/Pubs
- Independent Bars/Pubs
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- Chained Cafés
- Independent Cafés
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- Chained Juice/Smoothie Bars
- Independent Juice/Smoothie Bars
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- Chained Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
- Independent Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
Cafés/Bars
This category encompasses all establishments where the focus is on drinking (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages). While a wide variety of snacks and full meals are offered, it is not uncommon for consumers to only order a drink. As a general rule, establishments deriving 50% of their income or more from the sale of drinks are included here.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Cafés/Bars research and analysis database.
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