At the entrance to Laragh on the right side of the green Clodagh Duff’s shop/café looks humble enough from the outside but - with clear signs flagging it as an organic Café/Deli – it draws you in for a further look. And it is so worth it.
Once inside, you will find all manner of marvellous foodie delights including artisan Irish Pandora Bell chocolates, organic fruit and veg, freshly baked bread, De Cecco pasta, old fashioned boiled sweets, organic duck and hen’s eggs, farmhouse cheeses, fresh milk and so many more specialist treats and daily basics.
There is a clever blend to cater for all customers, so you will find jars of Tahini sitting next to tomato sauce, and fancy organic ‘Tea Pigs’ herbal teas on offer alongside the boxes of Barry’s.
The back half of the shop then offers a simple but inviting café space, where wholesome freshly made homemade soups, hotpots and sandwiches are served alongside very good coffee, tea and freshly made cakes.
There are tables and chairs out in front of the shop too where casual diners, including plenty of walkers and cyclists up in the hills for the day, can enjoy their coffee, light bite and paper in the sunshine.
A very useful little place to know about, and with long opening hours.
Also, a useful connection to remember when visiting the west of Ireland - Clodagh's sister, Philippa Duff, is one half of the dynamic duo that brought The Sea Hare to Connemara. Together with SInead Foyle (of the legendary Clifden hospitality family - her sister Clodagh Foyle runs Dolphin Beach House on the Lower Sky Road) Philippa made their Cleggan popup a national name, before moving to a more permanent home at the Alcock & Brown Hotel in Clifden in 2022.
