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The Little Acorn Café in Wicklow — a popular local spot that built a loyal following over six years — will close after its building was placed on the market, owner Maggie Roche has announced. In a video message Roche described the decision as sudden and emotional, and asked customers to visit in the coming weeks so staff and regulars can say goodbye.
Owner cites building sale as reason for closure
Roche, who has previously appeared on RTÉ’s Today show, said the news came unexpectedly and that the shop’s premises being put up for sale left her with no choice. In the message she thanked customers, suppliers, staff and friends for supporting the café since it opened.
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She described Little Acorn as more than a business — a community hub where “good homemade food” and hospitality brought people together. Roche added that, while this chapter is ending, her enthusiasm for food and the local community remains strong and she hopes the café’s story will continue in some form.
Local support and well-wishes
Messages of support arrived quickly. Model and influencer Roz Purcell posted that she was “very sad to hear this,” and wished Roche and the team well. Broadcaster and personality Madeline Mulqueen is also listed among the café’s well-known patrons.
Chef Oliver McCabe encouraged Roche on social media, saying he was thinking of her, the Little Acorn team and their families. He added: “When one door closes, another door opens,” and expressed confidence that something positive will follow for Roche.
Next steps and what readers should expect
Roche asked customers to drop in over the coming weeks so staff can be thanked in person and the café’s time in the community can be celebrated. She did not announce any concrete plans for relocation or a reopening date, only that Little Acorn is “simply changing” rather than disappearing forever.
For now, the closure marks the end of a six-year run for a café that became a familiar part of West Wicklow’s food scene and a regular stop for locals and visitors alike.
