New bilingual café opens in Derry's cultural centre Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin

A new bilingual café Crann Beatha has opened in Derry's Irish language and cultural centre Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin.

The owner of the new café which opened its doors on Monday, Una McCole, previously ran the Eskimo Café just up the street from the centre and has now decided to move the café a couple of blocks down to Great James' Street. 

The café will act as a hub for anyone who enjoys speaking Irish and of course those who are still learning. This will no doubt appeal to many in Derry as the language has experienced a recent boom in the city.

Crann Beatha is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, as well as on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.

There's much to choose from the menu at the bilingual café, with a variety of sandwiches, salads, the customer favourite Irish stew and daily specials available. Una said that Crann Beatha will continue to serve popular dishes from the Eskimo Café as well as expanding the menu. 

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Commenting on the opening of the café, Una said: "It’s a real privilege to be based in such a unique and exciting space as the Cultúrlann! As someone born and raised in Donegal, it’s wonderful to be able to combine our café offering to this hub of activity that celebrates the rich cultural heritage which I grew up loving.

"We’re also excited to bring our own touch to the space, with a commissioned piece of wall art from the wonderful Peaball, newly installed booths, and a few other pieces you’ll have to visit to discover for yourself." 

Director of the Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin centre, Siubhán Nic Amhlaoibh said: "After a long time neighbourly relationship, we’re delighted to welcome Una and all the café team to their new home in the Cultúrlann. The café is the heart of our building, and is a vital space for the meeting of our community and neighbours.

"We’re excited to collaborate with Crann Beatha on our upcoming events and extend a warm welcome to Una’s existing clientele. Tá fearadh na fáilte romhaibh!"