Ireland AM presenters spark debate about child-free cafes

Ireland AM launched quite a heated debate

The Old Barracks Coffee Roastery in Birdhill is now offering a child-free experience, but it comes with a hefty price.

The cafe offers a "tranquil" experience to customers for €15.

Owner Alan Andrews introduced the idea after his daughter said she didn't want to go to a cafe with him.

"I realised that I'm not the only person in this scenario that loads of parents bring their kids with them because they want to go for coffee, and I felt that she was upset at that or annoyed at that and didn't want to do it."

The topic was brought up on Ireland AM and caused a divide between the panel.

Journalist Aoife Grace Moore explained why she thought it was an unfair decision.

"Because it's a public access space. And I say this as a single childless woman, when you say you want a child-free space, you don't want women there.

"What you're doing is cutting women out of this as well. I know there are men like Tommy who pull their weight and go to the cafes with their children, but for the most part, it's women."

Muireann O'Connell said there are other places where woman and men can bring their children during the day.

Sinéad O'Carroll admitted she's worried these spaces will become normalised.

"I'm fine with these individualised spaces, but I wouldn't like the idea that there are too many child-free zones and that adults and kids are kept separate."

What do you think of the child-free cafe?