Afternoon tea is one of the most enjoyable dining experiences that you can take part in, especially around Christmas.
Lounging in a gorgeous room, sipping uniquely flavoured tea while enjoying deliciously small bites is a great way to spend an afternoon and, during December, many hotels and restaurants switch from their regular offerings to a more festive variety, jam-packed with warming flavours and spices. Often, afternoon tea is one of the best dining options at this time of year as the dessert tier can really highlight festive flavours.
This year, we've noticed that heaps of locations around the country have decided to offer festive afternoon tea ahead of the big day, so we've rounded up some great options for you to try out this December.
Dromoland Castle, Clare
Known for its stunning surroundings, this historic spot in Clare is serving up afternoon tea fit for royalty. Guests will be welcomed with mulled wine, before enjoying a festive three-tiered selection that includes scones, festive pastries, mince pies, delicate finger sandwiches and more. To round out the afternoon, guests will be treated to a plate mince pies, Christmas ice cream and eggnog. Festive afternoon tea at Dromoland Castle is available from December 1st until January 6th, subject to availability, for €47.50 per person. Click here for more info.
The Westbury, Dublin
Taking a nostalgic turn, festive afternoon tea at The Westbury is inspired by the elegance of times gone by. With bite-sized brioche, silver teapots, and an in-house piano player, this afternoon tea sounds like a great way to while away the day. The dessert section will truly highlight the most wonderful time of the year, with chocolate snowmen, Christmas opera cakes and more set to feature. Prices start from €55 per person or from €70 per person with Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV or Perrier - Jouët Blason Rosé NV. Available from November 18th 2019 until 6th January 2020, click here for more information.
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Dublin's five-star Merrion Hotel is well-known for its afternoon tea offering, with the festive version even more special than usual. The tea stand will feature delicate finger sandwiches, gingerbread, Viennese bridge rolls, meringues, mince pies, gateaux and more, plus there is a gorgeous vegan afternoon tea available for those following a plant-based diet. Prices start at €59 per person and as a special treat, from December 16th to 23rd, afternoon tea will be accompanied by Christmas carols. Click here for more info.
Wineport Lodge, Westmeath
Afternoon tea at Wineport Lodge is the perfect all-rounder this Christmas, with coeliac friendly varieties available to ensure the whole family can enjoy tea together. You'll get to take in the gorgeous views of nearby Lough Ree while you dine and prices start from just €30 per person, making this one of the most reasonably priced selections available this Christmas. Available until December 22nd, click here for more info.
Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
Available until January 5th, afternoon tea at Mount Juliet will feature festive favourites such as gingerbread men, mince pies as well as gâteau opera, cinnamon and orange madeleines, mini apple and raspberry tarts and, of course, delicious finger sandwiches and savouries, accompanied by a cranberry drink with mulled wine foam. Prices start from €40 per person, click here for more info.
Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links, Dublin
Portmarnock Hotel has but a tasty spin on classic afternoon tea, so if you're not into the traditional offerings, then this one is for you. Their sea-themed tea features sweets like pistachio mascarpone cheesecake and choux, as well as a range of seafood savouries like crisp smoked haddock dumplings. Prices start at €38 per person and can be booked here.
The Shelbourne, Dublin
Festive afternoon tea is available in the newly renovated Lord Mayor's Lounge at The Shelbourne until New Year's Day 2020, with a range of seasonal treats like whiskey-cured smoked salmon with Lakeshore mustard on Guinness bread on offer. Delicious desserts include A Taste of Christmas, with cranberry jelly, eggnog mousse and poached winter fruit, a Christmas Sleigh of Black Forest gateau, and the Snowball, a dark chocolate mousse with orange gel and brownie pieces. Classic afternoon tea costs €62 per person, Champagne afternoon tea is €79 and children’s festive afternoon tea is available for €30 per child. Click here for more.
