Fabiolas Patisserie

Just up the hill from Doolin village, keep an eye out for the Brian Hackett Jewellery sign on the former Doolin Crafts Gallery, as there are plenty of treats in store here - not only Brian’s beautiful hand-crafted jewellery, but also some seriously delicious things to eat, as his partner Fabiola's fabulous little bakery and café is next door.

The tiny bakery is irresistibly set up in rustic style, with hessian-lined baskets of treats displayed at the front of the counter. The problem will be which one(s) to enjoy here in the charming café - or at outside tables in fine weather - and what to save for later.

For anyone on a self-catering holiday, good bread is a godsend, so you could take home a loaf or two (spelt perhaps, or garlic…) along with some smaller treats. Although many appeal mainly to the sweet-toothed (meringues, berry & nut muffins, traditional brownies...) you’ll also find also some delicious savoury flavours such as local St Tola goat’s cheese muffins, or pesto & tomato brioche.

With sturdy wooden tables and chairs, little glasses of wild flowers set on cheerful multi-coloured striped cloths, and interesting artwork on the walls, the café has simple continental style – and it looks out onto a stone patio with plants spilling onto it and a fine view over farmland and the village.

Giving the little café a sense of space, it’s a lovely spot to sit and enjoy Fabiola’s gorgeous food (with excellent coffee, or artisan fruit juices) in fine weather.

You may also spot Fabiola’s baking at some other places in the area as she supplies a number of other establishments including the Curtin family’s renowned Lisdoonvarna pub, The Roadside Tavern, where she provides all the homemade desserts – which they rightly describe as “a must-try”...

And to that, add “a must visit”, as this really is a delightful spot.