Award Winning Afternoon Tea in Ireland

Please note, leading restaurant guides issue awards to restaurants based on dining from a full menu and will not normally consider afternoon tea when deciding how highly to rate a restaurant. Therefore the above restaurants are not ranked, although it's a safe bet that any restaurant serving award winning food in Ireland is also likely to provide some of the best afternoon tea in Ireland! Please also note that for the restaurants listed above, afternoon tea may be offered within the parent hotel/venue the restaurant resides in, rather than in the restaurant itself.

Ireland, with its rolling green landscapes and coastal beauty, offers not only a picturesque setting for exploration but also a refined and elegant afternoon tea experience. As an enthusiast of this timeless tradition, one will find that the Irish are no strangers to charm and hospitality, making Ireland a delightful destination for lovers of fine tea and scones. Dublin, the vibrant capital, boasts several establishments that have perfected the art of afternoon tea. A visit to The Shelbourne Hotel is an absolute must for connoisseurs. Nestled in the grandeur of this historic hotel, the Lord Mayor's Lounge serves a traditional afternoon tea with all the indulgences one could wish for, including finely cut sandwiches, pastries, and the ever-essential clotted cream with freshly baked scones. The Irish elegance is enhanced by the serene views of St. Stephen's Green park as one enjoys a warm cuppa. For those venturing beyond Dublin, the splendour continues across the country. The Titanic Hotel in Belfast, a city steeped in maritime history, offers afternoon tea in their Drawing Office, a nod to the past with a contemporary twist in both setting and cuisine—an ideal location to savour local delicacies such as Irish smoked salmon with homemade soda bread. Meanwhile, for a more countryside escape, Ashford Castle in County Mayo beckons with its regal setting. Here, one can enjoy afternoon tea in the Connaught Room while gazing upon the beautiful grounds. Steeped in grandeur with castle views as a backdrop, the tea served here is complemented by signature Irish treats, making it an essential stop for any tea devotee traversing the Emerald Isle.