Ireland’s best spots for afternoon tea

One of the most soothing and enjoyable rituals, afternoon tea is served in the wonderful drawing rooms of the 16th century Farnham House and is a lovely way to catch up with friends, celebrate a special occasion, or just indulge in a little treat to share. Afternoon tea here is served from 1pm to 3pm daily; expect fresh scones from the bakery, a number of sweet treats from the cake shop and mouthwatering sandwiches including The Golfer: vintage cheddar, home baked ham and caramelised red onion on a tortilla wrap.

The Johnstown Estate makes for a welcome escape any time of the year. With luxurious accommodation and an impressive estate and spa, it’s a dream destination. Especially more so for its fabulous food. Afternoon tea takes place in The Atrium. Relax in soft velvet wing-back chairs amidst bespoke carpet and original Irish art, bathed in light from the double-height windows and glass ceiling. The pastry chef here likes to vary the afternoon tea menus throughout the year, changing them with the season and for special occasions such as Easter or Christmas.

This magnificent 19-bedroom luxury country house has been lovingly restored to its Georgian grandeur and is now a unique family-run hotel and exclusive use venue. One of the best things at Rockhill House is its afternoon tea. The traditional pastime is prepared and served fresh each day, with a menu that faithfully follows the traditional combination of sweet and savoury.

The ingredients include specialities such as poached Irish salmon, house cooked smoked ham and homemade Kinegar porter bread – and the pastries change to reflect the fruits of the season. The team can also cater for gluten free diets.

Coopers Bar & Lounge can be found in The Galmont Hotel & Spa. The afternoon tea here is one of Galway’s ‘must-do’ experiences. It serves a very special menu of savoury delicacies and sweet treats, which you can enjoy while admiring the stunning views of Lough Atalia and beyond. Available from Thursday to Sunday from 2:30pm to 5pm, the Classic Afternoon Tea is €27 and if you want to indulge yourself further, you can opt for a Prosecco Afternoon Tea for €32.

Renowned for relaxed restaurant dining, intimate weddings, luxury accommodation and breathtaking views, The Red Door Country House is nestled on a four acre site overlooking Lough Swilly in Inishowen, Co. Donegal in the North West of Ireland – a perfect setting for afternoon tea. This is served Saturdays 1pm-4pm in the main dining room. Treat yourself and others to the finest of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury bites, all created by wonderful pastry chefs. Expect warm scones, sweet treats and savoury sandwiches, and, of course, a selection of tea from around the world.

One of the most soothing and enjoyable rituals, afternoon tea is a lovely way to catch up with a friend, celebrate a special occasion, or just indulge in a little treat to share with family and enjoy a delicious assortment of freshly made sandwiches, pastries, scones and cakes. At Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort you can relax in the peaceful surrounding of the hotel mezzanine overlooking the lobby and handmade crystal chandelier. Take time to relax and enjoy a sumptuous selection of classic cakes, sandwiches and treats complimented by a choice of teas, coffees and infusions.

The Executive Chef here at The River Bar & Restaurant and his culinary team pride themselves in serving the finest quality Irish cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. All the food is traceable and where possible an emphasis is placed on using locally produced products. The resident pastry chef is proud of his daily display of homemade desserts and pastries, particularly those served with the afternoon tea.

Marbles offers fine dining with an unbelievable ocean view. Located in the Shandon Hotel & Spa, the afternoon tea here is among the very best in Co. Donegal. This place does get busy and is always in high demand, so booking ahead is highly recommended.

From right on their doorstep in North Dublin, to the rich arable fields of Wicklow and Wexford, the guys here ensure that only the finest fresh produce is chosen. They take these traditional ingredients and cook them in a contemporary style, letting their true flavours shine through, bringing you a truly Irish artisan food experience. Expect a high quality afternoon tea boasting slightly more unconventional treats such as shredded confit duck from the savoury options, and raspberry choux bun and apple cinnamon cheesecake among the sweets.