Where to go for afternoon tea in Dublin

The Parlour is a beautiful light-filled space located inside Haddington House, a restored Victorian townhouse looking out over Dun Laoghaire harbour. Afternoon tea has been served in Haddington House since the early 1900s, so it’s fair to say that these guys know a thing or two about rustling up fine sweet and savoury delights. The tea is available every weekend, between 12:30pm and 4pm, and offers a twist on the traditional flavours. The menu shifts according to the seasons, and all the ingredients used are locally sourced. You won’t find any bland sandwiches here. Instead, you’ll be offered a selection of savoury snacks including the likes of beetroot meringue with foie gras parfait and chicken skin. The pastry team has crafted a shortbread scone for the second course, which is excellently paired with homemade jams and clotted cream. Round off your tea with some tasty sweet treats (clementine macaroons? Yum!), and a cup of something refreshing, and thank us later. For an afternoon tea with a difference, look no further. 

The team at the Castleknock Hotel specialise in fine, traditional ingredients cooked in contemporary styles. Set on stunning grounds, this hotel is home to an 18-hole golf course, a deluxe spa, and several award-winning restaurants. The afternoon tea menu showcases excellent flavours and textures. From free range egg, pickled cucumber and beetroot brioches, to lemon curd choux buns, and raspberry chocolate cheesecake domes, we promise you won’t be disappointed. The afternoon tea is excellent value for money (just €35 per person during the week), and the service is slick. 

Located in the picturesque coastal suburb of Blackrock, the Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea with someone you love. Taking place in the gorgeous Orangerie Bar and Ballroom Lounge from 3pm to 6pm daily, guests can sit back in plush and cosy armchairs, and sip on a wide variety of delicious teas and coffees while enjoying a delicious selection of sweets and finger sandwiches freshly prepared by the hotel’s talented kitchen team. From open egg sandwiches to smoked salmon and cream cheese on wheaten, the sandwich selection is truly to die for. Meanwhile, the fruit and plain scones offer the perfect treat before moving onto the indulgent array of sweet treats and pastries, which includes everything from fruit cake and macarons, to a rich and chocolatey slice of cake or a simple yet delicious vanilla sponge.

The team of chefs at 10 Fleet Street Restaurant and Bar work tirelessly to create menus that showcase the best of Irish ingredients. Here, afternoon tea is served daily between 1pm and 4pm, which includes an extensive array of tasty treats, ranging from gourmet canapés, freshly baked scones, and decadent desserts. We particularly enjoy the hazelnut bread, complete with a banana caramel infusion, as well as the gin salmon infusion served on treacle brown bread with juniper dill oil. The setting is romantic and cosy, perfect if you’re looking to enjoy an afternoon tea with a partner. 

Set within the surroundings of the luxurious and historic Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney, the Lobby and Kitchen Bar offers one of the very best afternoon tea experiences you’ll find anywhere in the entire county of Dublin. With the finest surroundings and world-class Irish hospitality, dining here promises a true five-star luxury experience that makes guests feel like real life royalty. Between 1pm and 4pm daily, you can indulge in the delightful afternoon tea offering, which comes beautifully presented on three tiers, and features an array of finger sandwiches, homemade scones, jams, macarons, cakes, and signature beverages. For two people, the price comes in at just €70 (€35 each). However, if you want to make your afternoon sparkle, you can add a bottle of prosecco for an extra €30. Or, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can go the extra mile and really treat yourself (or your partner) by adding a bottle of Champagne Gremillet for a total of €165 for the afternoon tea and the champagne. Even the little ones don’t have to miss out, as there’s a special Children’s Afternoon Tea for two for just €27.50.

Nestled in the historic surroundings of a restored Victorian building, the Old Music Shop Restaurant offers a delightful afternoon tea experience. Located on North Frederick Street, this charming venue combines its love for music with exquisite Irish cuisine. Indulge in a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, including classics like smoked salmon and cream cheese, along with unique twists like honey-glazed ham with apple and cinnamon chutney. The homemade scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam are simply irresistible. As you sip on your tea, enjoy the live piano music that adds a touch of elegance to the ambiance. Whether you’re a music lover or simply seeking a cosy spot for afternoon tea, the Old Music Shop Restaurant is a must-visit.

A four-star luxury hotel in Dublin City Centre, the stunning Dublin Skylon Hotel is the perfect place to rest your head after a day exploring the city or pop in for a delicious bite to eat. Boasting a modern, Art Deco-style bar and restaurant area with plush velvet seating, exposed wood panel interiors, and huge windows flooding the area with light, the Skylon Bar and Grill is a truly delightful place to dine. All food is made using quality locally sourced ingredients and the team pride themselves on their high level of friendly Irish hospitality, which keeps guests coming back time and time again. When it comes to afternoon tea, you’re sure to be wowed by what’s on offer. Taking place in the lobby under the beautiful cherry blossom tree, you can indulge in a special ‘Tea Under the Tree’ experience, which comes in at just €42 for two people – or €52 if you want to add a glass of prosecco each. Served from 12:30pm to 4:30pm daily, diners can enjoy everything from Irish smoked cured salmon sandwiches served on freshly baked soda bread to warm fruit scones served with fresh whipped cream, strawberry jam, and butter to a creamy and fruity passion fruit mousse and plenty more besides.

The stunning Portmarnock Resort is an absolute must-visit on this beautiful coastal stretch of County Dublin. Offering unbelievable luxury and incredible hospitality, guests will be treated to an experience like none other as they’re given the opportunity to unwind and get the ultimate royal treatment. The afternoon tea takes place in the newly renovated Seaview Lounge where, you guessed it, you can enjoy unhindered views of the Irish Sea stretching out before you – an absolutely breathtaking sight on a sunny day. Served from 12:30pm to 3:30pm from Friday to Sunday, visitors can expect an array of specially selected Irish teas and a delicious assortment of small cakes, pastries, and sumptuous savouries. You even have the option to add a few glasses of bubbles for anyone who’s in a celebratory mood. For something extra special, we recommend booking onto the themed afternoon tea experience. Inspired by the history of Ireland’s Jameson Whiskey family, who used to entertain in what is now the hotel’s secret garden area, the indulgent Secret Garden Afternoon Tea Experience comes in at €45 per person – or €55 per person if you want to add the signature Bee’s Knees cocktail made using the in-house Portmarnock Honey.

For a relaxed yet memorable afternoon tea experience, we recommend booking a table at the beautiful Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan. Served daily and offering a wide variety of gourmet sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries and desserts, this experience highlights how it’s really the small moments that matter the most. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a long overdue catchup with a friend or loved one, this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon just outside the city. The menu changes frequently to reflect the seasons and holiday periods, with previous offerings having included a Christmas special Bailey’s Afternoon Tea with various Bailey’s-filled desserts, Bailey’s cream to accompany your scones, and, of course, a bottle of the iconic cream liqueur to top it all off. Besides that, the team offers a delightful afternoon tea menu throughout the year, which includes a tasty array of sandwiches to suit all tastes, freshly-baked fruit and plain scones with jam and cream, and an indulgent array of pastries, fruits, and sweet treats to leave you feeling more than satisfied. Please bear in mind, however, that booking is required at least 24 hours in advance. So, make sure you book via the button below!

Escape to luxury at the The Eddison Restaurant, nestled in the leafy surroundings of Eastmoreland Place. The afternoon tea experience combines classic elegance with a contemporary twist. Settle into the cosy surroundings and indulge in a selection of savoury delights, including smoked salmon on Guinness bread and truffle-infused egg salad sandwiches. The freshly baked scones are served warm, accompanied by clotted cream and a variety of preserves. Tantalise your taste buds with an array of sweet treats, such as pistachio and white chocolate éclairs, and passionfruit and lime tarts. With its refined atmosphere and impeccable attention to detail, The Eddison Restaurant offers a truly memorable afternoon tea experience.