‘Social hub for area’: Longford's Rose Cottage exceeds expectations in first year
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Co-owner Jack Macken said they are happy providing a communal hub for people in the area.
The Rose Cottage in Ballinalee celebrated one year in business recently and so far the café is 'exceeding expectations' and flourishing.
The café was opened in August 2025 by well-known brothers and Colmcille footballers Jack and Enda Macken.
The historic property was formerly the Rose Cottage where General Seán Mac Eoin, a soldier during the War of Independence leader of the North Longford Flying Column, had his headquarters during the Battle of Ballinalee, November 4, 1920.
Rose Cottage has been beautifully restored and reimagined as a War of Independence Centre and coffee shop.
Jack said the first year of the business has 'definitely exceeded' his expectations.
"It's gone very well and it's been kind of a social hub for the community and for a lot of people around North Longford. It's nice to be able to kind of breathe life back into somewhere that has a lot of history behind it."
Jack said they feel lucky they are are able to keep the story and the history of the area alive and it definitely means a lot to local people.
He stated the most satisfying aspect has probably been creating a social hub for the people from the area.
"It is seeing how happy it's kind of made the community around us and providing a communal hub for the people around the area."
Jack said not everyone is happy or comfortable with travelling to Longford town and having to find parking in the town.
"Giving somewhere close by to people and providing high quality food and high quality coffee and just a meeting space, that has probably been the most satisfying part."
He stated they have 10 staff members and they are grateful to them for their work during the past year.
Jack said they have a coffee trailer in Arva, county Cavan and he is opening another café in Newtownforbes soon.
He stated in terms of the future development of the Rose Cottage they are exploring the possibility of an outdoor seating area so they can cater for more customers outside.
"The feedback has been very positive. We pride ourselves on the quality of our food and our service and obviously our speciality coffee as well.
"So, it's always nice to kind of get affirmation from customers.
"That means the work you are putting in behind the scenes is being seen, and that everybody is happy with it so yes, the reviews have been very good, and we are very grateful for that."