McDonalds is moving into the gourmet coffee market with the launch of the first Irish "McCafé" on Grafton Street today.
The new-look McCafé was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Dermot Lacey.
The new look café will sell a wide range of speciality coffees, gourmet cakes, pastries and muffins.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Will Cooke, director of operations, McDonalds Ireland said "Coffee consumption in Ireland is on the increase as never before and we are hoping to be big players in that market."
McDonalds restaurants at O'Connell Street, Tallaght and Kylemore Road are also to be upgraded at a cost of about €200,000 each to include tiled coffee parlours with wooden flooring and leather-backed seating.
McDonalds opened its first Irish restaurant in 1977 on Grafton Street, Dublin. Today, there are 65 restaurants around the country employing approximately 4,000 people.
