Is this the best view from a café in Cork?

In the picturesque village of Whitegate, and facing out to the beautiful sea, sits what must be one of the prettiest cafés in Cork.

Corkbeg Café on Vaughan’s Pier celebrated its two-year anniversary last month and is going from strength to strength, not just as a purveyor of fine food, but as a community hub where locals and visitors alike mix and mingle over the finest coffee and home baking.

A converted shipping container,It was the brainchild of architect Andrew O’Brien, who wanted to create a centre for the community using the sea as a backdrop and the talent of local bakers and produce suppliers in as sustainable a manner as possible.

The café won a Building of the Year – Tourism, Leisure & Hospitality Building and Architecture Award 2025 earlier this year.

Having sourced the perfect building, Andrew’s next move was to secure the employment of Gráinne Gormley, who has been in restaurant management for more than a decade.

Gráinne designed the interior and the fit-out to make the most of the space, while keeping the overall look inviting for the displays of artisan baking.

“It’s all about your staff and your suppliers,” she says, “seek out the best, treat them well, and watch the business flourish.”

The pier that the café is built on was originally the spot where coal was delivered from the boats, but it had gone into disrepair in recent years.

In bad weather, it would disappear under the water and so a lot of work was undertaken to turn it into a permanent and safe pier for the café above.

The village of Whitegate was crying out for a focal point for the community, so when the café opened, it was a godsend.

One lady tells me that she has her morning coffee natter with her friends here, while mothers meet up after the school drop off for a get-together and chat.

Gráinne and her husband Craig are musicians and have been known to whip out the guitars and serenade the diners at no extra cost!

They invite musicians to perform there, and the village comes alive.

Gráinne has ordered an awning that will stretch out over the seating area in the evenings, and with the outdoor lights and the sounds of the sea, it will surely be magical.

They will be playing once per month for the months of June, July, August, and September this year, with plans to expand next year.

As for the food in the Corkbeg Café, you’ll be spoilt!

Sinéad Breathnach, who is a certified gluten-free baker, supplies the most beautiful breads and cakes, their sausages rolls come from O’Flynns, and a local lady supplies all the other home baking.

There is a great ing trade during the week from the refinery, Gráinne says, “and at the weekends we welcome visitors from all over Cork, and this includes their doggies who are more than welcome.

“In fact, the team have created ‘Puppichinos’, so your furry friend doesn’t feel left out.”

Dotted around the walls is the work of local artists. Exhibitions are always on the go here and they display the crafts of the talented locals as well.

Gráinne has two full-time staff and three part-time. The café is open seven days per week and all year round.

I received a great welcome on arrival, and the other costumers did too. The local news was touched on, the working men and women made plans for the day over their lattes, and the mums and babies bonded in the summer sunshine.

I asked one lady if it was just as pretty in the winter.

“It’s even nicer,” she said, when you’re inside with good company and good coffee, watching the spray hitting the windows, it’s like being on a boat.

“That’s one if the reasons I’m here every day!”

There is a loo with the facility, and there is a ramp up to the counter and down to the seating area for anyone with mobility issues.

There is also plenty of space for parking, both beside the pier and across the road.

Corkbeg Café is open from 8am to 4pm seven days per week. Treat yourself to the spin - it’s well worth it.

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram. Eircode P25 F5T6.