The tradition of 'taking tea' started in the 19th Century to banish that 'sinking feeling' mid-afternoon and it has become a treat to end an afternoons sightseeing or just an excuse to cosy by a warm log fire. From luxury hotels to country castles with breathtaking landscapes, we have selected a number of the finest tea experiences in the land. Afternoon Tea has never gone out of fashion because it represents the opportunity for a small indulgence that doesn’t break the bank.

 

the merrion afternoon tea

1. ART AFTERNOON TEA IN FIVE STAR STYLE

THE MERRION HOTEL, DUBLIN

When you have shopped until you have dropped then pop into the Merrion Hotel and enjoy an Art Afternoon Tea, served in 5-star style and watch the world go by.
Art Tea at the 5 Star Merrion Hotel is a little bit of indulgence for the Art lovers out there. Served in the Drawing Rooms you can choose from a selection of delectable treats inspired by 19th and 20th-century work of J.B Yeats, William Scott and Louis Le Brocquy that are beautifully served on fine china and elegant tea accessories.

 

2. DELECTABLE AFTERNOON TEA

TANKARDSTOWN HOUSE, CO.MEATH

How else would you commence your stay on a Country Estate but with some good old fashioned ‘Afternoon Tea for Two’? Meath’s most elegant location for a little indulgence; enjoy afternoon tea in the royal county with all the little extras to make it a special occasion.

 

3. A COUNTRYSIDE SETTING RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

HAYFIELD MANOR, CO.CORK

With so much to see in Cork city, you should include time for a little break for afternoon tea in a countryside setting right in the heart of the city. 

Choose to relax in the spacious lobby or tranquil Drawing Room, and soak up the Manor atmosphere as you enjoy a delicious assortment of pastries and cakes freshly prepared in the Patisserie.

 

4. AFTERNOON TEA BY PICTURESQUE GARDENS

HUNTER'S HOTEL, CO.WICKLOW

Hunter's Hotel is Ireland's oldest coaching inn located in County Wicklow. With a long-standing tradition of friendliness, hospitality and good food, its picturesque gardens along the banks of the River Vartry are a delightful setting for a delicious Afternoon Tea.

 

5. COMPANY AND CONVERSATION IN LUXURIOUS SURROUNDINGS

MOUNT JULIET HOTEL & ESTATE

Your choice of afternoon tea ensures an enjoyable afternoon of company and conversation in the luxurious surroundings of Mount Juliet House.

 

castle leslie afternoon tea

6. A TREAT FOR ALL AGES
CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE, CO.MONAGHAN

Afternoon Tea at Castle Leslie is a treat for all ages. Set in a beautiful castle with cosy interiors and beautiful, grand furniture, the staff here are on hand to cater to your every need. Enjoy a selection of elegant savouries and homemade sweet treats in the Drawing Room where it's easy to get swept away with the old-world hospitality.

 

7. A RITUAL NOT TO BE MISSED IN CO.ANTRIM
BUSHMILLS INN, CO.ANTRIM

Afternoon tea is served beside the open fires, toasting those cold little toes after a walk along the Giants Causeway - this is a ritual not to be missed.

 

8. AFTERNOON TEA IN THE DRAWING ROOM

BALLYMALOE HOUSE, CO.CORK 

You can have afternoon tea in the drawing-room by the fire or in the conservatory filled with scented geraniums and winter jasmine which looks over the gardens and river. There are benches dotted throughout the gardens where you can sit in summer and read or listen to the sounds of the farm. In winter the drawing-room is warm and peaceful. The perfect place to relax after a long walk by the sea and look out at the wild Irish sky.

 

9. AN ASSORTMENT OF EXOTIC TEAS BY CORKSCREW HILL
GREGANS CASTLE, CO.CLARE

Driving down Corkscrew Hill in Co. Clare can be intimidating so take a turn into Gregans where you can enjoy some little nibbles with an assortment of exotic teas. Join the team in the Corkscrew Bar where the open fire is always glowing and you can sit back and relax in comfortable, luxurious surroundings. This the perfect place for afternoon tea after a day’s sightseeing or hiking.

 

10. AN EXTRA TOUCH OF FINESSE
CASHEL HOUSE HOTEL, CO.GALWAY

Cashel House is worth a detour to wind up for afternoon tea overlooking the fabulous gardens of Cashel House, full of bird song and leaving full of joie de vivre. Afternoon Teas are served on fine bone china offering guests that little extra touch of finesse that is rarely found in hotels nowadays.

 

glenlo abbey afternoon tea

11. OPULENT AFTERNOON TEA
GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL, CO.GALWAY

Indulge in a dainty assortment of treats including freshly baked scones, decadent pastries and seasonal sandwiches as well as an elegant selection of loose-leaf herbal teas. Served in the intimate and elegant Kentfield Suite or the timeless Riverview Restaurant.

 

12. AFTERNOON TEA WITH A TWIST
CASTLE DURROW, CO.LAOIS

You don’t have to take much of a detour off the N8 to find Castle Durrow.
Wonderful relaxing armchairs in rich colours set the scene for your Afternoon Tea with a twist.
The pleasure gardens, river walks and adjoining woodland are terrific for working up your appetite.

 

13. AFTERNOON TEA IN STYLE
MARlFIELD HOUSE, CO.WEXFORD

Enjoy afternoon tea in some style in Marlfield House. Sumptuous teas, accompanied by luscious cakes and some chit chat! The elegant and gracious surroundings of Marlfield House lends itself to relaxing over the delicious afternoon tea. Sit back and be pampered with crisp white linen, bone china and gleaming silverware in the surroundings of the drawing-room or on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Choose from dressed scones with Wexford berry compote and cream, Chocolate chip and hazelnut cookies and butter shortbread biscuits.

 

14. LUXURIOUS INDULGENCES IN KERRY
PARK HOTEL KENMARE, CO.KERRY

A visit to the Park Hotel is a must for those doing the Ring of Kerry. At the Park Hotel, overlooking the Roughly River and suspension bridge is one of life’s 5-star luxurious indulgences. Out on the veranda under a sunshade on a fine summer’s day or warm and cosy inside by the fire during winter, its afternoon tea in style!

 

15. TEA IN A GEORGIAN MANOR HOUSE

DUNBRODY HOUSE, CO.WEXFORD 

This captivating 1830s Georgian Manor House Hotel hides amid 300 acres of tranquil parklands on the idyllic Hook Peninsula yet is less than 10km from Waterford City. After a relaxing walk through the parklands, enjoy afternoon tea in the splendour of Dunbrody House.

 

dunbrody house high tea

16. A GEORGIAN AFTERNOON TEA
NO.1 PERY SQUARE, CO. LIMERICK

Settle into the elegant Georgian drawing rooms at No. Pery Square and indulge in a wonderful array of sweet and savoury items served with a selection of Cahill's Tea. Choose from numerous different Afternoon Tea options including the No.1 Champagne Tea, served with a glass of champagne, the Gentleman's Afternoon Tea, or the Little Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea

 

17. ENJOY TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA IN THIS 1720 GEORGIAN HERITAGE MANSION
LONGUEVILLE HOUSE, CO.CORK

Afternoon Tea in Longueville House is an institution in itself and is served in The Drawing Room & Mount Hillary Room of Longueville House in front of a roaring log fire. Afternoon tea is all about relaxation or catching up with old friends and loved ones and makes for a memorable afternoon.

 

18. THE GARDEN BAR
BARBERSTOWN CASTLE, CO.KILDARE

Lloyd loom furniture in a bright airy atrium with gentle airs on the grand piano set the scene for afternoon tea in Barberstown Castle. Enjoy the open log fire, overlooking the fabulous outdoor terrace and rose gardens in the Edwardian style Tea Rooms Restaurant.

 

19. AFTERNOON TEA BY THE FIRESIDE
CASTLE GROVE, CO.DONEGAL

Afternoon Tea at Castle Grove in a cosy and stylish affair. Sit back and relax next to a glowing fire in the Drawing Room of this beautiful country house and enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, mini savouries, scones with jam and cream and mini desserts, with limitless tea and maybe even a glass of prosecco.

 

20. RELAXING AFTERNOON TEA
ARDTARA COUNTRY HOUSE, CO. ANTRIM

Relax and enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea in the newly renovated Garden Restaurant at Ardtara - an elegant Victorian Country House in Antrim. Enjoy platters of freshly made sandwiches, homemade scones and tray-bakes, and a selection of traditional & herbal teas as well as the old world charm of this magnificent property.

 

butler house afternoon tea 

21. LADY ELENOR AFTERNOON TEA 
BUTLER HOUSE, CO. KILKENNY

Afternoon Tea in Kilkenny is a ritual best enjoyed at Butler House. It has even been said that Butler House serves one of the Best Afternoon Tea experiences in the country! The perfect way to celebrate a special occasion, or mark a milestone.
Our Head Chef and her team have created a decadent menu filled with sweet and savoury delights, all handmade in-house, along with a choice of bespoke teas and coffees. Add a glass of Prosecco for an extra special treat. 

 

 

22. AN ELEGANT AFTERNOON IN THE WALLED CITY
BISHOPS GATE HOTEL, CO. DERRY/LONDONDERRY

Enjoy an elegant Afternoon tea in the historical walled city of Derry- Londonderry at Bishop's Gate Hotel. Served in both the refined surroundings of the Hervey Library and the Gown Restuarant, guests will be transported to the glamour of a bygone era to enjoy a sumptuous combination of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, seasonal cakes and delicate sweet treats. 

 

 

23. AFTERNOON TEA WITH THE ROYAL TREATMENT
KILLARNEY ROYAL, CO. KERRY

The elegant Lobby Lounge at the Killarney Royal Hotel is a wonderful place to relax and catch up with friends or unwind and enjoy a quiet moment, with delicious savoury items, warm homemade scones, a medley of delicious mini-desserts and biscuits and of course, tea.
 

cahernane house hotel afternoon tea

24. AFTERNOON TEA AT THE HERBERT RESTAURANT 
CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, CO KERRY

Situated in the beautiful region of Killarney, on Co. Kerry, Cahernane serves up a delicious afternoon tea to delighted guests daily from 1 pm to 5 pm. You will be presented with the three-tiered platter of savoury treats, homemade scones and sweet delicacies as well as a selection of delicious teas or a glass of prosecco.