Matcha has become one of the most talked-about additions to the menu at The Boathouse Café, bringing a vibrant splash of green, a smooth flavour, and a wealth of health benefits to customers in Dripsey and Coachford. For John Buckley, who owns The Boathouse Cafes in Coachford and Dripsey with his wife Kiera, introducing matcha to the café’s offerings has been both a personal and professional milestone.
“Matcha is a type of green tea, but it’s quite different from the regular tea you might brew at home,” John explains. “It’s made from specially grown tea leaves that are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine, bright green powder. Unlike traditional green tea, where you steep and discard the leaves, with matcha you consume the whole leaf, which makes it more nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a great choice for people looking to support their overall wellbeing.”
The health benefits of matcha go beyond its nutrient content. It is known to support metabolism, provide a calm but focused energy boost, and help reduce inflammation in the body, a benefit that resonates particularly with John and his wife, Kiera Buckley. Kiera lives with arthritis in her back, making anti-inflammatory foods an important part of their daily diet.
“Kiera has always been passionate about good food that also supports health,” John says. “Matcha has been a fantastic addition because it not only tastes great but also fits into the kind of food we value, fresh, wholesome, and beneficial. For us, it’s about more than flavour; it’s about feeling good after what you eat and drink.”
John is also careful to emphasise the importance of sourcing high-quality matcha. “Good quality matcha makes all the difference,” he says. “It’s smoother, richer in flavour, and retains more of the nutrients that make it so special. You can taste and feel the difference, and it allows us to experiment with it in creative ways on our menu.”
The café offers matcha in a variety of forms, from classic lattes and blended drinks to seasonal specials that mix the green tea powder with natural flavours, making it a versatile option for those seeking an alternative to coffee. Customers have embraced it enthusiastically, drawn not only by its distinctive taste and striking colour but also by the wellness benefits it provides.
Reflecting on how Irish eating habits have changed over the years, John says, “The last 10 years in Ireland there has been such a culture change. Health and fitness is such a big way of life in Ireland now, and people are much more conscious of what they’re putting into their bodies. We want to be part of that positive change by offering food and drinks that taste amazing but also make you feel good.”
The popularity of matcha at The Boathouse also reflects a broader trend in Irish café culture, where customers are increasingly seeking options that combine indulgence with nutrition. John’s background in health and fitness during his time in the Navy, combined with Kiera’s experience in farm business management, has given the couple a deep appreciation for quality food that supports a healthy lifestyle. Their philosophy is evident across the café’s menu, from full Irish breakfasts and festive toasties to Kiera’s signature Northern Ireland cakes.
“The full Irish is without doubt the most popular,” John laughs, “but our customers also love trying something new, and matcha fits perfectly into that mix. It’s a drink that makes you feel good while still being delicious and enjoyable.”
The Boathouse Cafés have grown significantly in both locations- Coachford and in the former Griffins Garden Centre in Dripsey. What began as a vision for a coffee shop featuring Kiera’s cakes has expanded into a thriving café, restaurant, and coffee trailer. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we’re always looking to fine-tune our offerings and explore new ideas,” John says.
For the Buckleys, matcha is more than just a menu item, it’s a symbol of their commitment to quality, health, and community. “It’s about giving people options that taste great, are good for them, and encourage them to think about what they’re putting into their bodies,” John explains. “We love seeing our customers enjoy it, and it’s been wonderful to watch how enthusiastic people are about it.”
As The Boathouse continues to evolve, matcha has secured its place as a staple on the menu, demonstrating how a simple green powder can combine flavour, creativity, and wellness in one cup. For John and Kiera, it’s a perfect reflection of the café’s philosophy: food that nourishes, delights, and brings people together.
