How did CARROW come to be? 

We (Paola & Andrew) lived in Colombia for four years, traveling the country and visiting some amazing coffee farms. It was a real eye-opener and led us to start roasting our own coffee in our apartment in Bogotá. When we returned to Ireland in 2017 we wanted to share this interest in coffee so we decided to open a roastery. 

Tell us something about yourself non-coffee related!

We are also farmers, growing vegetables and raising sheep at Carrowgarry Farm on the shores of Ballysadare Bay. From next year the farm will be certified organic (and the coffee roastery already is).  

What's the biggest learning you've taken away from 2022?

Geopolitics affects us all and some level of self-sufficiency is important. Our solar panels will be going up soon. 

BEST coffee you ever had… Where? 

One particular gesha that we drank with the farmer while overlooking his plantation in Cauca, Colombia still stands out. 

What do you want to change most about the coffee industry ?

Many coffee drinkers are still unaware how much fertilizer is used on a lot of coffee farms. By asking for more sustainably-grown coffee (and paying a fair price for it) roasters and consumers can help to change this. 

Favourite food item to pair with an espresso drink… What ya having?

There’s a café in São Paulo that serves coffee with cheese. They go surprising well together. Nothing wrong with a digestive biscuit either.