Everyone loves a little luxury, and what better way to feel like royalty than a delightful afternoon tea? Mini sandwiches, indulgent desserts, freshly baked scones and a hot pot of tea (or glass of bubbles) – what could be more glamorous?
Get your favourite outfit on and head out on the town to enjoy an exquisite afternoon at any of these dazzling locations. Whether you’re in need of a relaxing afternoon or simply an excuse to dress your best (and eat the best!), the pinkies will be up and the bubbly will be poured. Here are our top picks for the best afternoon tea in Dublin.
The luxurious, five-star Ananatara The Marker Dublin Hotel have finally launched their afternoon tea offering. The ‘Poetry and Places Afternoon Tea’ has been inspired by some of Ireland’s most famous poets and scribes and features the tastes and flavours of the country’s most iconic destinations. The flavours have take inspiration from The Ring of Kerry, Achill Island, Valentia Island, The Wild Atlantic Way, Kilkenny Castle and Newgrange. Featuring sandwiches like roast beef with horseradish and Achill Island sea salt, and desserts like their Opera Cake, inspired by the steep cliffs found across the west coast of Ireland, flavoured with chocolate, rye and dillisk. With 16 varieties of Ronnefeldt Tea to choose from and the option of bubbles, in the form of Bollinger Rose Champagne, why not pay them a visit?
Price: €65 per person, €100 to include Champagne
Where better to spend an afternoon in style than The Shelbourne? Overlooking the hustle and bustle of St Stephen’s Green, The Lord Mayor’s Lounge is the perfect setting for a few hours of absolute bliss and luxury. A tradition savoured by generations of guests at The Shelbourne, this afternoon tea is 4 tiers of indulgence, accompanied by the most fragrant selection of teas. Don’t forget the luscious selection of homemade sweet treats, which are sure to impress. The staff will treat you like royalty, so prepare for an afternoon to remember at The Shelbourne.
Price: €68 per person, or €88 to include champagne.
Tucked away in a corner just off Grafton Street, The Westbury is the epitome of five star sophistication, making it a wonderful location for your next afternoon tea. Relax into a plush sofa (nab a table by the window for perfect people watching) and sample their delicious sandwiches and delectable desserts. With an array of teas at your fingertips, enjoy The Westbury’s own bespoke blends with their hand crafted pastries. With a vegetarian menu available, nobody is left out of the tempting experience.
Price: €70 per person, with the option to pay extra for a selection of bubbly (alcohol free available too).
The Atrium Lounge at The College Green Hotel is located right on Westmoreland Street, so luxury is just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. With a magnificent five-storey high glass atrium, your time will be adorned with natural daylight, making it a stunning setting for an afternoon tea. If you decide to attend on the weekends, you will be treated to the beautiful tones of their resident pianist – what a way to unwind. Homemade tasty treats paired with the Atrium’s signature cocktails; a splendid afternoon will be spent at The College Green Hotel.
Price: €65 per person, €85 per person with Champagne
An art collection good enough to eat… The 5-star Merrion Hotel offers a lavish afternoon tea inspired by the work of J.B Yeats, William Scott, Louis Le Brocquy and more. The beautiful interiors of the Drawing Rooms set the perfect scene for an afternoon full of indulgence, all served on the finest of china. Two courses are served here, with the first being the tiers of exquisite sweet and savoury treats. The second contains a set of special pastries, each one inspired by a piece of 19th or 20th century art – you’ll be impressed with the selections on offer. Relax in a plush sofa or an armchair by the fire, and enjoy the impeccable service at The Merrion Hotel.
Price: €62.50 per person, or €82.50 to include a glass of champagne.
The new tea lounge at the Conrad makes for the perfect excuse to enjoy a few hours of bliss. The Conrad is a prime location right in the heart of the city centre, allowing you to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and delight in an afternoon of treats. Expect Chicken Saffron Mayo & Mango sandwiches for the savouries, and delectable desserts like a Paris Brest with Choux Pastry and Praline Cream. If you’re truly out for celebrations, opt for a glass of Champagne and relish in the luxury that is the Conrad Hotel.
Price: €31 per person, or €50 with Champagne
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The Dylan Hotel’s signature afternoon tea is unique to them – a Tipsy Tea. A luscious afternoon filled with tasty savoury sandwiches is followed up with enticing desserts infused with boozy flavours like whiskey and Champagne. An intriguing selection of treats is on offer here, with everything from Duck Liver Parfait to Dulce de Leche and Whiskey Tarde. A talented team of pastry chefs put together a delightful afternoon of treats, made even more unforgettable by the lovely service. The Dylan is certainly one for a fabulous afternoon.
Price: €45 per person, or €70 per person with two cocktails.
A unique contender for the best afternoon tea in Dublin, stylish cafe Póg are offering their take on the classic afternoon tea. Póg are known for their delicious healthy brunch and lunch options, so their savoury selection of sandwiches and avo toast with sourdough take this afternoon tea up a notch. Follow it up with some delectable desserts – vegans aren’t left out either here. With an option to go bottomless, you can guarantee that a delightful (and boozy) afternoon will be had at Póg.
Price: €38 per person, €45 for one glass of bubbles, or €55 to go bottomless.
Paris has made it’s way to the heart of Dublin City Centre through Ladurée, and French patisserie classics make this a beautiful option for an afternoon of indulgence. Freshly baked scones, sophisticated pastries and of course, their famous macarons make Ladurée a must try. You’ll be impressed with the elegant French tea room decor in this beautiful spot, so settle in with a glass of bubbles and picture yourself tucked away from the iconic Champs-Élysées.
Price: €45 per person, including Prosecco, with a non-alcoholic option available.
Located on Harcourt Street, the charming Iveagh Garden Hotel is a wonderful location to enjoy an afternoon treat. A lobby filled with natural light overlooking the Iveagh Gardens is the perfect setting to sit back, relax with some bubbles and savour in an array of sweet and savoury treats. With homemade buttermilk fruit scones, sandwiches and all the desserts, you’ll definitely enjoy a splendid afternoon at the Iveagh Garden Hotel.
Price: €42 per person, or €50 with Prosecco.
As they put it, pink is not just a colour, it’s the ultimate afternoon tea experience. South William St’s glamorous Pink has pulled out all the stops to fill your afternoon with luxury. Switching it up to serve Croque Monsieurs, goats cheese and caramelised onion tartlets and Cacio e Pepe arancini as savoury options, our eyes have certainly been caught. Their delightful desserts sound equally enticing – buttermilk scones with berry and Champagne jam, anyone? They’ve also made the experience inclusive to the little ones, offering up a special children’s afternoon tea. You’ll be tickled pink here, it’s certainly one for your list.
Price: €48 for adults, €35 for children
With views over the River Liffey, The Morrison Hotel is a great place to spend an afternoon of relaxation. Aptly named the Fancy Pants Tea, you’ll feel like royalty when indulging in the delightful sweet and savoury treats, like Goat’s Cheese, Sweet Potato Falafel and Apricot Marmalade sandwiches, and a delectable Ard Cairn Russet Apple & Gin Mousse. Offering a twist on the traditional afternoon tea ritual, The Morrison Hotel also offer a Gentleman’s Tea. An array of options include steak sandwiches and rasher scones, plus some enticing whiskey chocolate truffles, finished off with a bottle of Wicklow Wolf. A great place to catch up with friends, you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a wonderful afternoon because at The Morrison Hotel, tea is not just a drink, it’s an event.
Price: €42 per person, €49 with Prosecco or a signature cocktail, or €59 with a glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne. Gentleman’s tea for €37 per person.
I’m a Palestinian who grew up in Cyprus and moved to Dublin in 2013, so I’ve had a mishmash of different cultures and cuisines surrounding me my whole life. I’m an avid foodie, and after realising that life as a lawyer was not for me, I studied media and became a radio host for Dublin City FM. I’m now writing for TheTaste full time, but I also have my own food blog where you can find a mixture of restaurant reviews and the occasional recipe. I talk a lot about being Palestinian; to be honest, I talk a lot in general. That’s why I did radio!
