Wexford café and creative hub announces their closure

A popular creative space and café in Enniscorthy has announced their closure…

Y21 Studios Café, has announced that it will be closing its doors on November 1st, 2025.

The café, which has been a hub for local art, culture, and community, shared the news in a heartfelt message to customers.

One of the owners, Alfie O’Sullivan, explained that despite their best efforts, it was impossible to continue operating in the current climate:

“Despite our best efforts, the ongoing financial challenges in Enniscorthy over the past two years have made it impossible to continue operating sustainably.”

Alfie reflected on the original mission behind Y21 Studios, which was to create an inclusive and vibrant space that brought together food, art, music, and community.

“From the beginning, our goal was to bring inclusive and exciting cultural experiences to Enniscorthy, combining food, art, music, and community under one roof. While we’re proud of what we created, sadly, it just hasn’t worked out as we had hoped,” Alfie said.

He also expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported the café since it opened, acknowledging the role that the community played in keeping the vision alive.

“We want to sincerely thank everyone who supported us during our time here, your visits, kind words, your friendship and your encouragement along the way has meant the world to us.”

Alfie clarified that no upcoming classes or workshops will be affected by the café’s closure, meaning the creative and educational side of Y21 Studios will continue for the time being.

The announcement marks the end of a much-loved chapter for Enniscorthy’s cultural scene, with Y21 Studios having served as a gathering point for creativity and connection in the town.

Although it may be the end of the café and studio in Enniscorthy, one is led to believe that Alfie’s next venture is about to begin at a new premises in Wexford town.

Last month, it was revealed that four Wexford business owners were joining forces to open a new creative hub on Wexford’s Main Street.

The new Wexford town project is being led by Wally O’Neill of Red Books, Kristyna Simkova of Y21 Studios in Enniscorthy, Alfie O’Sullivan of Creative Grounds and Y21 Café, and Alice Kavanagh, co-founder of Kotori’s Corner. All four have long been committed to supporting community, culture, and the circular economy, and now bring their combined vision to one of the town’s most prominent spaces.