The MacCurtain Street café will shut its doors in the coming weeks
Tara’s Tea Room(Image: Facebook)
The owners of a well-known café and afternoon tea spot in Cork city have announced that they will be shutting their doors for good in the coming weeks. Tara’s Tea Rooms on MacCurtain Street will soon close after more than twelve years of doing business in the city centre.
Tara’s is the latest Leeside business to announce its closure, marking a particularly challenging time for the hospitality industry. The ownership at Tara’s cited difficult trading conditions as the reason for the closure, describing the challenges facing the business as ‘insurmountable.’
The café opened in 2013 with a unique, shabby-chic style, and it quickly became a popular spot for afternoon tea, offering a wide variety of fresh, daily-made dishes and cakes. In a post on social media, the owner thanked their customers for their loyalty, kindness, and the many memorable moments they had shared in the café over the years.
Tara’s doesn’t currently have a set closure date, with the final trading day depending on stock levels, but the café is expected to shut for good sometime in the next few weeks, so anyone who wants to pop in for one final afternoon tea should book sooner rather than later. For those who have vouchers to Tara’s, ownership confirmed that they will be honoured up until the final day of service.
In the post announcing the café’s closure, they said: “It’s with deep regret that we announce that Tara’s Tea Room will be closing in the next couple of weeks. We make this decision with very heavy hearts, but the time has come to say goodbye.
“Since opening in 2013, we have been proud to offer simple, freshly made dishes and cakes. It has been a pleasure to serve you all, your loyalty and kindness over the years means the world to us. From milestone celebrations to everyday meals, we have been honoured to be part of so many memorable moments.
“The closure comes as a result of difficult trading conditions, which have proven to be insurmountable. Our final day of trading will depend on stock levels, and we will keep you updated on Facebook and Instagram. Our opening hours over the coming days may vary for the same reason. Thank you for your understanding at this very difficult time. Gift cards will be honoured through the final day of service.
“We would like to thank every guest that has walked through our doors since December 2013, Tara’s existed because of you all, we are heartbroken to say goodbye.”
It’s been a tough few years for hospitality businesses here on Leeside, with many shutting their doors after being unable to keep up with the rising costs. The VAT cut announced in Budget 2026 will take effect on July 1, reducing the rate to 9%, in a move designed to alleviate pressure on the hospitality industry. However, many businesses face a tough six months of trying to stay afloat before benefiting from that relief.
Here in Cork, the healthy grub spot Loving Salads shut its doors right before Christmas. The little restaurant and takeaway was very popular during the lunchtime rush, for salad bowls, soups and healthy sweet treats. The Loving Salads brand is also known for catering events and for a popular food stall at markets around Cork.
The prime spot on Academy Street is now up for rent, with Barry Auctioneers and Valuers searching for a new tenant to take over the turnkey property.