A new independent coffee shop with ambitions to become a home for books, culture and ideas has opened in the heart of Waterford City.

Ithaca Cafe, owned and run by Mark McLoughlin, quietly opened its doors on July 13 on Bolton Street and is already attracting a growing mix of local customers and curious passers-by.

Located beside Bank Lane, in premises previously occupied by Bill Martin’s pub and a gift shop, Ithaca combines speciality coffee with an emerging bookshop and plans to create a space where people can meet, read, discuss and discover new ideas.

For McLoughlin, the project is the realisation of a long-held ambition.

Having previously worked in the technology sector after studying electronic engineering, he wanted to create somewhere that offered more than just coffee.

The vision is to provide a place where people can find “refuge, inspiration, and a good book”, bringing together coffee, literature and conversation in the city centre.

The distinctive interior has been designed by Jason Kook and takes inspiration from the Bronze Age.

Metallic finishes, textured plaster and atmospheric wall lighting give the café a distinctive character and create a setting unlike many of the city’s more traditional coffee shops.

The cultural side of Ithaca is already beginning to take shape.

The Waterford Philosophical Society meets at the café on Monday evenings, while there are plans for open mic nights, readings and other gatherings in the future.

The aim is for Ithaca to become a place where people can spend time, exchange ideas and engage with the wider arts and cultural community in Waterford.

There is also a strong focus on local and quality produce.

Ithaca serves Badger & Dodo coffee, including a Guatemalan single-origin coffee and a decaffeinated option.

The food offering includes overnight oats, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and sausage rolls, with contributions coming from local suppliers.

The café is located at 8/9 Bolton Street, just off Lombard Street and directly opposite Bolton Street car park, making it easily accessible for those visiting the city centre.

Ithaca Cafe is open 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and 9 am to 3 pm on Sundays.

With its combination of speciality coffee, books, distinctive design and plans for regular cultural events, Ithaca is hoping to carve out a unique place in Waterford’s city-centre scene.

For more information, Ithaca Cafe can be found on Instagram and Facebook.

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