A cafe space for Children and Adults

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Hannah Lopez and Michelle Barry Cashman join Noel McGuinness to talk about Café O Play, a recently opened cafe space with a separate activity section for children. Hannah talks of the evolution of the project, offering a place for parents to enjoy a cafe atmosphere while their children can play in an adjoining space, whilst still being supervised by their parents.

They talk of their search for a premises which would provide what they needed in terms of space and kitchen facilities and the success of similar services in Hannah’s home town in Canada. They talk how the space also acts as a communal place for support for parents, who can discuss matters as they arise with other parents who are availing of the space.

We hear that there is space for roughly 30 participants at any one time and the space is open Mon, Weds, Thurs and Friday.

Hannah discusses her experiences of Ireland over the previous fourteen years and dealing with home sickness for her home country. They talk of differences in facilities which are available in Canada compared to the Irish environment.

They talk of the benefits of keeping the home environment tidy, whilst the children still get to partake in all the activities which would create this mess at home.

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