Our story starts with Maggie, whose early passion for food led her to pursue culinary arts. Post-graduation, Maggie’s career progressed through various hotels and restaurants, culminating in experience within renowned kitchens across Dublin, London, France, and Australia. Her training at Cathal Brugha Street and subsequent roles at prestigious establishments such as Arbutus in Soho, the Merrion Hotel, Hugo’s restaurant in Dublin, and the internationally acclaimed Waterside Inn proved to her that good food was her passion.
During this time, the dream was always to return to her home county and start her own business.
And that’s how Little Acorn came to be. Choosing Baltinglass, not far from her hometown of Knockanna, Maggie then went on to create a menu that reflects both her passion for food and for the local producers who make it possible. With the foundations all in place, Little Acorn soon became known for its warm and cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food.
Her vision is simple: to create a space where good food and good company come together.
My vision for this cafe is simple but deeply personal. I’ve always wanted to create a space that feels like an extension of the community—a place where people can come together, slow down, and enjoy the little moments in life.
This cafe isn’t just about serving great coffee or food; it’s about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and at home.
When you walk in, I want you to feel like you’ve stepped into somewhere special—somewhere that’s warm, inviting, and full of character.Whether you’re catching up with a friend, getting work done, or simply taking a break from the day, this place should be your second home.
I’ve always believed in the power of food to bring people together. That’s why I’m committed to offering high-quality, locally sourced coffee and food
At the heart of it all, though, is the community. This isn’t just a business—it’s a place where people can meet, connect, and feel like they belong. I hope this cafe becomes a space where families and friends can gather, and where anyone can find a moment of peace in their busy lives.
In the future, I dream of expanding, but I don’t want to lose sight of what matters most—authenticity, sustainability, and connection. I’m excited for the journey ahead and can’t wait to see how this cafe becomes a part of the community.
I started this journey out of a deep passion for food, coffee and people.
For years, I dreamed of having my own place and creating a place where I could blend my love for great food and coffee with my desire to build a community space. It wasn’t an easy road at times starting from scratch, learning the ropes, and navigating the ups and downs of the business.
But every challenge has been worth it because it’s always been about more than just running a cafe. It’s about creating an experience, a space where people can pause, connect, and enjoy life’s small pleasures. And though the journey is just beginning, I’m excited to continue growing and sharing this dream with others.
After spending years working in 5star Merrion hotel, Michelin star restaurants, I wanted to take all that I learned, keep the same great flavours and a little more simple.
I think cooking for someone is so personal. I wanted the cafe to be all things that mean something to me.
That sparked the idea: I wanted to create a place that combined my love for cooking with the warmth of a community gathering spot.
After years of dreaming, learning, and planning, I finally took the leap and opened this cafe, turning that vision into reality.
