New café in Dripsey a 'great addition' to the community, says Cork senator

A new café that has opened for business on the site of the former Griffins Garden Centre in Dripsey is a "great addition" to the community a senator has said.

The Boathouse Café is set to open six days a week with the exception of Sunday, and is run by couple John and Kiera Buckley.

This is the second premises operated by The Boathouse, with their café in Coachford open from Tuesday to Sunday.

The Boathouse in Dripsey has an indoor seating, with additional patio seating also to be made available.

The cafe is located on the premises, previously operated by Griffins.

In March 2021, Margaret Griffin announced that she was stepping back from the business after 35 years.

 Griffins was renowned across the city and county, attracting people of all ages to its garden centre, restaurant and during the Christmas festive season, to visit Santa's grotto. 

News of its closure at the time was met with great disappointment.

McD's Garden & Home store reopened a garden centre on the Dripsey site for a brief period, but that closed last year.

Speaking to The Echo local Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynch The Boathouse is a very welcome addition to the Dripsey area.

"It is great to see that space being used again. I really wish them the best and I hope that it goes really well for them.

“They only opened their business, The Boathouse in Coachford a few years ago and it has been a resounding success. So I have no doubt that this will work out really well," said Ms Lynch.

“It is a massive space and it was such a loss to the community when Griffin’s and then McD’s closed.

“It is always a pity to see a property like that vacant. So I am delighted to see The Boathouse have taken it over and will breathe new life into the place.”