In Montreal there is a café on almost every block (sigh)! Unfortunately not the case in Limerick. Having been here for a while, the following have become my favourite cafés (so far) in Limerick and I've added a little note as to why. If your a real café lover you know there is a different café for every occasion!
CAFÉ NOIR
(there are now 4 of them in the City, so you are well served!)
8/10 for this place. The food is splendid especially if you love your french onion soup! The salad/ sandwich bar is full of gorgeous fresh ingredients and the portions are generous (great options for vegetarians!). The coffee is great and the decor is french imitation cool. They play french music which always makes me feel nice and although I have yet to meet a french person there, the french café charm is definitely in the air. There is one on Robert Street close to the Milk Market which is handy and you can sit outside ( it can be a bit cramped inside) but personally I prefer the one on O'Connell Street as it's a little more spacious and quite.
SAGE CAFÉ
Catherine St Limerick
8/10 for this place. It's simply lovely and clean. The decor is warm and stylish. The food is nice with some vegetarian options but the best thing about this place is it caters to the yummy mummy and her pram! There is a mothers & babies toilette with changing table which is very very handy. The prices are reasonable and the quality of the food is very good. My only complaint is that it is often too full! They have a little waiting area but as a rule, I don't wait for a seat in a café, it's not a 5 star restaurant, and I don't like feeling rushed when I do get to sit down so this is one for off peak times only for me :)
FRENCH'S CAFÉ
13 Catherine Street (across from Sage Café)
7/10 When Sage's is too full, head over to French's. The decor (bar the big windows that flood the place in light) is a bit of a let down but the food is most certainly not! If you want eggs to perfection, real french crepe and strong coffee, this is the place for you! I love the eclectic mix of people who come here. Business people, families, students, all feel welcome by the lovely staff. The prices are great and the atmosphere has a real charm. If your not a snob about your cafés, French's is the kind of place you can hang around for hours without being made to feel like your over staying your welcome! It's also right across the street from a stationary shop so you can sip your coffee then head over for your never ending stationary needs!
THE HUNT MUSEUM
Rutland Street
8/10 for this place. If you have visitors it's a must see in itself. Sunday's are free and Monday's are 2 for 1 for the entry fee, or you can just go there for the café. It has loads of room and the views on the river are beautiful! The food is lovely, especially the pastries and the prices are very reasonable! It's nice and quiet if you want to do a bit of reading and I love the little gift shop too!
www.huntmuseum.com
Olio & Farina (O&F)
Little Catherine Street
I give this place a 9/10 for decor, charm, coffee and food! This little Italian gem will not disappoint! The prices are a bit higher then elsewhere but the quality of the food is amazing! Traditional Italian dishes and loads of goodies to take away! If your looking to impress or really treat yourself, this is the place! A friend of mine works there and really loves it. I always think that if the staff are happy it must be a good place to go! Check out the website:
limerick@olioefarina.com
THE SAVOY HOTEL
Henry Street
8/10 - One thing I don't like about Limerick is that you can't get a café opened after 6! We don't all want to go to the pub you know! This place is beautiful! Go straight for the second floor where you will find plenty of space and maybe even someone playing the piano. The decor is lovely and it's always nice and warm (I hate eating or sipping coffee in a freezing place!). This is my place of choice for a nice relaxing late night coffee alone, or with friends. Sometimes it's nice to go out just for a little desert and coffee!
I may need to add to this list as I am forever looking for new places to discover and when I do, I'll be sure to let you in on them! Hope this list is helpful!
Bon Café! - Vievie :)
Forever linked with luxury, gold is back! This season, and I suspect the next two, it will definitely be part of the must have colour palette! Not just in jewellery but tops, trousers, shoes, bags. The great thing about gold is you can wear it like a neutral. A gorgeous rich, deep neutral! Tread carefully though! Gold comes in many hues and some say understated luxury while others say cheap bling! There is plenty of gold to be found in the shops at the moment so take your pick, big or small, it will blend beautifully with the rest of your wardrobe! These are some of my favourite picks from here and there:
A nice gold jumper dresses up any simple look. The one above is from ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-WOMENS-CREAM-GOLD , About €8. The one on the right is from New Look for about €35.
Gold collar from asos for about €22. ( I think Penny's are doing similar ones for less.)
Gorgeous belt that will look great regardless of trend! Asos, about €25.
Sporting my favourite "goes over everything" faux fur vest from Penny's and off to do some shopping with my boys!
Really like this rich tapestry-like print on my jumper. The one from asos is cute too and down to €60. Mine is original vintage and at €3, I'm even more delighted with it! 
This season there are loads of "must have" pieces and if your on a budget, like me, you will need to be choosy about what you get. I recently found a few things on ebay which are bang on trend and much better value than in the shops. What's even better, they come to you at your door! Who does't like getting little gifts in the post? Check these out before you fork out your cash! 
Lovely vintage looking blouse! Over jeans or black/leather leggings, it's chic and comfortable... two of my favourite qualities in a top! It's less than €10 and the shipping is free! Like! Like! Like! Check it out: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-Vintage-Long-Blouse-Shirt
These ones on the left are Versace and the ones below are from River Island. Both bright jeans with funky prints and yet I think the ones from River Island are better looking. Don't get me wrong, I love a good palm tree print as much as the next girl but somehow it just doesn't seem to fit my Irish surroundings. Personal choice really but if you can pull these off you deserve whatever attention you get!
In Montreal there is a café on almost every block (sigh)! Unfortunately not the case in Limerick. Having been here for a while, the following have become my favourite cafés (so far) in Limerick and I've added a little note as to why. If your a real café lover you know there is a different café for every occasion!
