business
Irish Emigrant Returns to Open Successful Café in Carrigallen
A proud Irishman who worked in Australian cafés returned home to Carrigallen and opened Morning Glory Café, inspired by the vibrant café culture he experienced abroad. Despite initial skepticism from locals, the café has thrived over two and a half years and won a Connacht Tourism Award for Best Newcomer in 2023, becoming a community hub for locals and visitors from surrounding counties.
Owner (name not provided), Jard Alexander
Morning Glory Café opened April 2023; won Best Newcomer award in 2023; nominated again in 2024 for Best Café. Located in Carrigallen.
"Inspiring story of an Irish emigrant who returned home and proved the doubters wrong by building a thriving business in a small rural town."
business
Açai Bowls Boom in Regional Cafés Following Australian Trend
Açai bowls have suddenly become ubiquitous across cafés in the Shannonside region, with Morning Glory Café in Carrigallen crediting their explosion in popularity to the introduction of the Brazilian berry-based dish about a year into operations. What the café owner initially dismissed as a fad has proven wildly popular with customers, selling thousands of bowls.
Morning Glory Café Owner, Jard Alexander
Açai bowls available at Morning Glory Café and multiple other cafés across the region. Topped with options including granola, blueberries, banana, peanut butter, and Nutella.
"Local café owner explains why açai bowls have taken over every café in the region—and how it went from suspected fad to thousands sold."