limerickman Frank Ryan Serves Irish Coffee To Marilyn Monroe And Arthur Miller, 1956
The creation of Irish coffee is credited to a chef named Joe Sheridan, who worked at the Foynes Airbase in Limerick in the 1940s. The airbase was a transit hub for transatlantic flights, and on one particularly cold and stormy night, Sheridan decided to add a little Irish whiskey to the coffee he was serving to help warm up the weary travellers.
The passengers were delighted with the concoction, and soon the popularity of Irish coffee spread throughout Ireland and beyond. The drink became a staple in Irish pubs and restaurants and is now enjoyed in many parts of the world.
In Limerick today, visitors can sample delicious Irish coffee at many cafes and pubs throughout the city, including some that claim to serve the original recipe created by Joe Sheridan at the Foynes Airbase.