7 Inspiring Afternoon Tea Experiences to Enjoy in Ireland
This month’s theme in the FarePlate - Irish Kitchen Facebook group is ‘Twas Lovely and focuses on tea and in particular the afternoon tea experience. So it seemed fitting to highlight not only a selection of afternoon tea experiences across the island of Ireland but ones that offered just a little extra inspiration or creativity. Here they are:
ANTRIM
Ballygally Castle
For those Game of Thrones fans here is the themed afternoon tea for you! The castle, set along the scenic Antrim Coast Road, in Northern Ireland offers views of Scotland and is approximately 30 minutes from Belfast international airport. The experience begins at 24 and may be enjoyed from 2 – 5pm Monday - Saturday and 3 – 5pm on Sundays
DUBLIN
Merrion Hotel
Fancy a bit of art and tea? Well the Art Tea is the perfect way to pair the two. Artwork viewable throughout the property is the inspiration for the culinary creations. It may be an accent from a painting, or a section that forms part of the presentation - certainly a way to combine a bit of culture and hospitality. The Art Tea is €55 per person and tea times are 1:00pm, 1.30pm, 4:00pm and 4.30pm daily.
KILKENNY
Butler House
Known as the dower house of the Kilkenny Castle it has been associated with the Butler family and the castle for some 500 years. One of the more famous members of the Butler family was Lady Eleanor Butler, known as one of the “Ladies of Llangollen”. Eleanor and her friend Sarah Ponsonby, were both two upper-class Irish women fascinated and caused scandal in late 18th and early 19th century society. Having decided to live an unconventional lives together and avoid being be forced into marriage - they pushed off from Ireland to Wales and a small village Llangollen. So why not be in the very surroundings where the plan to was crafted? There is a Lady Eleanor afternoon tea to enjoy from €29.
LIMERICK
One Pery Square
Need a spot that offers something for the little poppets? Set within a well appointed Georgian property, there is a delightfully named Little Prince and Princess Tea . The afternoon tea, €14 per little royal treasure (!) includes “finger sandwiches, homemade brownies & mouth watering hot chocolate or freshly squeezed orange juice”.
OFFALY
Kinnitty Castle
Imagine enjoying your afternoon tea in a castle where on the very land it sits, and often turbulent history carried from the 13th century. While the original castle had an extension in 1811 (designed by the architects of the original Adare Manor), it was burned in the early 1900s when many stately homes were destroyed. Rebuilt in 1928 it was for a period of time a forestry college until its transformation to a 37 bedroom luxury hotel. And this is just a slice of its history… so why not be tempted with learning more? Afternoon tea is served in the drawing room from 1-3:30PM and begins from €23.
WATERFORD
Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms
Imagine taking your afternoon tea where you are sipping from tea cups that are some 200 years old - and your tea, sandwiches and sweet treats are presented by someone dressed in art deco style? The charming appointed tea room is a spot to consider when traveling in or near Waterford City.
WESTMEATH
Clonard House
Clonard House is an early 19th century property that offers the opportunity to enjoy A Victorian Escapade where the inspiration was drawn from Downton Abbey. The three hour afternoon tea experience is €50 and guests are asked to wear “a black long-sleeved top (for servant duty)”. For you may be asked to “prepare a dessert, have a chamber pot race, set the table, light the fire under the watchful eye of the butler, with the emphasis very much on fun rather than work!” To learn more about this duty calling (!) afternoon tea read here.
Have you come across other afternoon tea experiences that offer something a little different? Share here.
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