Coffee shops I love

The ambience in some coffee shops makes the experience so much more than a cup of coffee.  There's the smell of baking bread and brewing coffee, the sound of chat and laughter, the luxury of comfortable seating while chatting with pals or even sitting alone, reading or writing.

My favourite is An Tearmann (pronounced 'On Charmin') Kilcullen, Co Kildare, where I spend half an hour most Saturday mornings -tough job but someone's got to do it - while waiting for my badminton playing thirteen year old.

You could say it's a bookshop and craftshop all rolled into one.

The scones are straight from the oven, still warm and melt in the mouth.

Another favourite is Cupcake Riverbank Arts Centre  in Newbridge Co Kildare.

From your table you can watch Newbridge pass by.

while soaking up the theatre atmosphere.

It's a pity more coffee shops don't open at night. Surely a more sociable and alcohol-free (and much cheaper) alternative to the pub?

Any favourite coffee shop recommendations?