Roots Community Shop & Café opened in the pretty little West Limerick village of Kilmeedy in December 2020, but the premises have been home to a shop serving the people of Kilmeedy and beyond for well over a hundred years. Records show that the premises were opened circa 1880 by James and Ellen Gayer as a haberdashery, drapery and grocery store. Today it is home to a community shop and café thanks to the power of community spirit and social enterprise.
As a social enterprise Roots’ ethos is to provide a service to the community whilst simultaneously supporting local producers and suppliers. While stock changes seasonally, it is a retailer for locally produced honey, Guiry’s eggs, Ballyhoura Apple Farm juices and Athea Pudding to name but a few. It is always looking for and open to opportunities to work with local food entrepreneurs and producers.
Seasonal vegetables from Kilmeedy Homegrown (another local community project) and other local suppliers as above are sold in Roots and are key ingredients in dishes served.
The menu - which was developed under the guidance of well known West Limerick chef Aaron O’Brien (formerly of Adare Manor) - features light bites, soups and lunches made in house and where possible using the locally grown produce. The temptations on offer range from healthy options such as a granola pot (with an excellent local coffee by Ponaire, perhaps) to a very good rendition of the Irish fry or a breakfast bap and dirty fries, to toasted sandwiches or wraps, and home baked treats including fresh scones.
The staff are always warm and friendly and visitors come away thinking how lucky the community is to have this resource on its doorstep.
More than just a place to pick up a few groceries, grab a good quality coffee or a quick bite to eat; it’s a vibrant hub that brings people together and supports local development.
Well worth a visit.
