In the picturesque town of Killeshandra, nestled among the lakelands of County Cavan, a quiet and wonderful revolution is taking place. It's a revolution of slowing down, of savouring the moment, and of enjoying high-quality, local food. At the heart of this movement is Fika 33, a family-run café that is more than just a place to eat—it's a destination.
What makes Fika 33 so unique is its beautiful marriage of two seemingly disparate concepts: the soulful Swedish ritual of "fika" and the hearty, uncompromising tradition of a "proper Irish fry."
The result? A contender for the best breakfast experience in the county.
What is "Fika" and Why Does it Matter?
To understand Fika 33, you must first understand "fika" (pronounced fee-ka). In Sweden, fika is a cornerstone of daily life. It is not just "a coffee break." It is a concept, a state of mind, a ritual.
Fika is the act of intentionally pausing your day to sit down with a coffee (or tea) and a treat (like a cinnamon bun). But the coffee and bun are secondary. The real purpose of fika is to slow down, connect with the people you're with, and be truly present. It’s a moment of mindfulness, a deliberate antidote to the rush of modern life.
In a world where we often grab coffee on the run or eat a sandwich at our desks, the idea of fika feels both luxurious and essential. It's a commitment to well-being and community. And it's this very ethos that the family behind Fika 33 has brought to Killeshandra.
The "Proper Irish Fry": An Unwavering Commitment to Tradition
On the other side of the menu, you have the "Fika Full Irish." This isn't a "fika-inspired" breakfast. It is not a light, Scandinavian-style plate. It is, in no uncertain terms, a proper Irish fry—a robust, traditional, and deeply satisfying meal that honours its roots.
This is where Fika 33's genius truly shines. They haven't diluted the Irish breakfast. They've elevated it by applying a fika-like mindset to its creation:

• Mindful Sourcing: Just as fika is about quality time, the Fika Full Irish is about quality ingredients. The menu proudly boasts its local heroes: award-winning Barry John Sausages, premium meats from McGurren Artisan Butchers, fresh free-range Dermot King Eggs, and, crucially, the iconic Drummully Boxty.
• A Plate of Place: This isn't a generic fry-up; it's a taste of Cavan. Each component is chosen with the care and intention that fika demands.
• No Rushing Allowed: The "fika" philosophy is the perfect companion to the Full Irish. A Full Irish is not a meal to be rushed. It’s a feast to be savoured.

The Perfect Blend: Fika Meets Fry
At Fika 33, you are invited to have your Full Irish breakfast in a "fika" way.
Imagine this: You're not rushing to get in and out. You're seated in a warm, welcoming, family-run space. You're served a plate that is a celebration of the best local producers. The sausages are sizzling, the boxty is perfect, and the coffee is exceptional.
You are encouraged to take your time. To talk. To read the paper. To simply sit and enjoy the moment before you explore Killykeen Forest Park or the nearby lakes.
This is what makes Fika 33 Killeshandra's hidden gem. They’ve managed to do something truly special. They’ve taken one of the best parts of Swedish culture—the art of slowing down—and applied it to one of the best parts of Irish culture: the hearty, welcoming, and completely authentic Irish breakfast in Cavan.
In a fast-food world, Fika 33 stands as a beacon of slow, mindful, and delicious quality. It's an invitation to pause, to connect, and to eat an absolutely outstanding breakfast. They’ve proven that the perfect companion to a proper Irish fry isn't just a cup of tea—it's a moment of fika. And it's an experience that every visitor to Cavan needs to have.