Fiffi's Speciality Coffee

If you love coffee ...

you're in the right spot

Downings

Ramelton

A little bit about us

I began my journey in hospitality in Donegal, working in a restaurant for many years and learning the foundations of service, hard work and consistency. It was an environment that shaped my work ethic early on and gave me a real appreciation for the industry.

When my wife got the opportunity to pursue her career in Dublin, it marked a turning point for us both. The move pushed me to step further into hospitality in the city, where I went on to manage a 120-seater fish restaurant in Howth. It was a fast-paced, demanding role, but one that gave me invaluable experience in running a large operation and understanding what it takes to deliver quality at scale.

Not long after, I was approached with an opportunity to run a coffee shop — something that immediately resonated with me. Coffee had always been a passion of mine, and this was my chance to truly immerse myself in it. It was there I learned the craft properly — the precision, the attention to detail, and the care required to create the perfect cup. I began to see coffee not just as a product, but as something that brings people together and creates moments in everyday life.

Despite gaining experience, I always had a strong drive to build something of my own. I wanted to create a space where everyone felt welcome — somewhere built on quality, warmth and affordability. That vision led me to take the leap and start small, with a horsebox coffee cart.

That horsebox became the foundation of everything. My father played a huge role in helping me bring it to life, working alongside me to get it fully set up. My mother supported the business with fresh bakes, and my wife was the constant support behind the scenes — always encouraging me to keep going, even on the toughest days.

And there were plenty of tough days. I spent many mornings and afternoons looking out over an empty car park, wondering if it would all work. Building something from the ground up is never easy, but slowly, people began to come. Word spread, customers returned, and a community started to form.

After two years, an opportunity came to move the business to Downings, beside the well-known McNutt of Donegal. It was a big step forward and a chance to grow what I had started. About a year and a half later, with the continued support of customers, family and the local community, I was able to upgrade to a modular coffee shop — something that once felt far out of reach.

Then came another milestone. In November last year, I opened a 26-seater café in Ramelton on the Shore Road. It was a moment I never thought possible, especially in today’s climate, but it stands as a reflection of how far the journey has come.

Looking back, this business has been built on hard work, family support, and a genuine love for what I do. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way — from those early customers at the horsebox to those who continue to walk through the doors today.

And this is only the beginning. I’m excited to keep growing, keep improving, and to show what’s next ….