A Kildare café you may not know has won top award
The café was also praised for art exhibitions regularly hosted at the venue
Gra Café in Naas has been named among the country's top food destinations after receiving a prestigious Best in Ireland 2026 award from the McKennas' Guides.
The popular café, owned by Susan MacMillan, was recognised by acclaimed food writers John and Sally McKenna, who singled it out for its outstanding coffee, food and unique atmosphere.
In their review, the McKennas praised Ireland's thriving café culture, arguing that many Irish cafés now surpass those found in comparable towns across France and Italy.
"The next time you are sitting in Susan MacMillan's lovely Gra having a delicious cup of coffee, you should sing hallelujah!" they wrote.
The reviewers said Gra continues to "push the envelope every day", serving expertly roasted and carefully curated coffees while also offering freshly prepared sandwiches, speciality teas and house-made peanut butter created by grinding fresh nuts on site.
Beyond its food and drink, the café was also praised for its cultural offering, with the McKennas highlighting the art exhibitions regularly hosted at the venue.
They said the combination of exceptional coffee, quality food and creative surroundings makes Gra a destination that appeals to all the senses.
"Gra embraces all the senses, and makes everyone's life better," the guide states.
The Best in Ireland awards are among the most respected accolades in the Irish food industry, with John and Sally McKenna travelling the country each year to identify exceptional restaurants, cafés, pubs and food producers.
The latest recognition adds to Gra Café's growing reputation as one of Kildare's leading independent cafés and is expected to further cement its status as a must-visit destination for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers alike.