Afternoon Tea Treasures of Ireland

While travel plans were halted for many throughout 2020, that time at home has provided a wonderful opportunity to map out destinations for future trips. In our inaugural Irish issue, TeaTime editor Lorna Reeves said she recently created a bucket list, “…or maybe, more appropriately, a teacup list.” As you look to expand your own “teacup list,” we would be remiss not to share this collection of elegant castles, manors, and hotels throughout the island of Ireland at which the beloved custom of afternoon tea is beautifully observed.

ASHFORD CASTLE
Cong, County Mayo, F31 CA48
+353 94 954 6003 • ashfordcastle.com

Once you pass through the giant stone archway entrance, you can see it in the distance—a sprawling castle of medieval origins and Victorian additions set against a spectacular backdrop of forest, mountains, and the sapphire waters of Lough Corrib, a sight sure to take your breath away. In the heart of County Mayo, Ashford Castle is an oasis for the outdoor enthusiast. From golf and archery to tennis and zip-lining, Ashford Castle is renowned for its activities, yet one long-established tradition remains a guest favorite. Lord & Lady Ardilaun Traditional Afternoon Tea, named for Guinness family members who once inhabited the estates, has been wonderfully preserved at Ashford Castle since 1868.
Guests enjoy tea in the cozy Connaught Room overlooking Lough Corrib, under a sparkling Waterford Crystal chandelier and beside a stately fireplace. Enjoy treats made with the finest seasonal ingredients from the West of Ireland and choose from a selection of specialty loose teas. Take in the spectacular views, and savor delicate finger sandwiches like smoked salmon and Galway Bay prawn on brioche or Irish Wagyu beef with Pommery mustard on malt sourdough.

The castle even has an on-site bakery, Mrs. Tea’s Boutique and Bakery, that sells baked goods like seeded bread and fruit scones made in the castle kitchen, teas served at afternoon tea (the Irish-Whiskey Cream tea is a must), bottled dry ingredients to make Ashford’s signature brown bread, and a range of gifts to take a little piece of Ireland home—including an Ashford Castle Monopoly board.
ADARE MANOR
Adare, County Limerick, V94 W8WR
+353 61 605 200 • adaremanor.com

Founded in the 13^th century, Adare Manor abounds with a rich heritage and modern opulence, surrounded by 840 acres of impeccable golf course, formal French gardens blooming with boxwood parterres and red roses, and pristine parklands. The Manor House has been exceptionally restored by local stone masons and brims with the Gothic splendor of a château. The greatest masterpiece of Adare Manor happens to be the setting for afternoon tea.

The Gallery is a 132-foot-long room inspired by the great cathedrals and long castle galleries of Europe and the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. With soaring 26½-foot-high ceilings and walls covered in lavish tapestries and breathtaking stained-glass windows tracing the noble lineage of the families who formerly inhabited the manor, the space accomplishes the perfect balance of monumental scale and exquisite detail.
Afternoon tea in the Gallery of Adare Manor feels like stepping back in time. An extensive selection of first-flush and specially blended teas from around the world—including the manor’s own signature blend, 1832—complement a three-course extravaganza of dainty sandwiches (followed by a palate cleanser of African Solstice tea and cranberry juice), scones served with made-daily lemon curd, and a grand finale of Champagne and artful miniature pastries. It’s all served on stunning white-and-baby blue–striped Bernardaud porcelain china created exclusively for the manor.

CASTLEMARTYR SPA & GOLF RESORT
Castlemartyr, County Cork, P25 X300
+353 21 421 9000 • castlemartyrresort.ie 

Castlemartyr Resort’s vintage-themed Lady Fitzgerald’s Afternoon Tea, named for the wife of one of the estate’s previous owners, channels the unmistakable, effortlessly sophisticated style of the Downton Abbey era. Legend has it that Lady Fitzgerald continues to haunt the 17^th-century manor house turned luxury five-star resort.

Assorted finger sandwiches followed by a baker’s tier of homemade scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam and a selection of homemade cakes are served on Vera Wang china in the elegant yet cozy Bell Tower, overlooking the formal gardens. Try the classic loose-leaf blend of Ireland’s premier tea brand, Barry’s Irish Breakfast, a selection of Java Republic loose caddy teas, flavorful herbal wild berry, and more.
CLONTARF CASTLE HOTEL
Castle Avenue, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 W5NO
+353 1 833 2321 • clontarfcastle.ie 

An eclectic afternoon tea in a medieval castle in the heart of modern suburbia is bound to be unique. Just north of Ireland’s largest city, Clontarf Castle Hotel shines as a beacon of ancient history. The rich aromas of Clontarf Castle’s Fusion Tea, held right off the main entrance in the Atrium Lobby, greet guests as soon as they enter the four-star hotel. Low tables and plush velvet chairs surround a grand fireplace.

Once patrons pick from an assortment of teas, presented in a neatly packaged tea chest (try the Dublin Cream tea—it tastes like Irish cream liqueur), they enjoy wraps, sandwiches, berry-filled scones, and cakes, including a divine Black Forest Cake. The Sparkling Fusion Tea includes a refreshing glass of chilled prosecco.

THE WESTIN DUBLIN
College Green, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, D02 HR67
+353 1 645 1000 • marriott.com

One of the most unique afternoon-tea experiences offered in Ireland, The Westin Dublin’s Writers Afternoon Tea takes inspiration from the great works shelved within the luxury hotel’s historical walls. With tea menus inspired by literary greats from Ernest Hemingway to William Butler Yeats and Oscar Wilde, the hotel’s afternoon tea will leave you feeling satisfied, inspired, and even closer to some of the literary icons. The real jewel of The Westin is inside the hotel in the Atrium Lounge, where enjoyment and refinement abound, as patrons partake in afternoon tea under a magnificent five-story-high glass ceiling.

Settle into a plush velvet chair, sip some of the finest Jing loose-leaf teas or a signature cocktail designed by the hotel’s Mint Bar mixologists, and let the soft live piano melody serenade you. Each place setting comes with an artful bookmark featuring a quote from one of the greats who inspired the menu. In fact, every item on the menu—from the Irish beef with rocket, horseradish mayo, and red onion jam on Irish granary bread to the peach Bakewell, traditional fruit scones, and raspberry macaron—is inspired by a prolific writer.

POWERSCOURT HOTEL
Enniskerry, County Wicklow
+353 1 274 888 • powerscourthotel.com

Imagine sipping a warm cup of malty Irish breakfast tea while overlooking a magnificent mountain called Great Sugar Loaf in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Surrounded by the wild of Wicklow countryside, Powerscourt Hotel is the ultimate Irish escape—and just a 30-minute drive from Dublin. With gracious Georgian living-inspired furnishings, Powerscourt Hotel’s afternoon-tea setting exudes warmth.

Lavish seating, marble and iron statues of baby cherubs, and artful vignettes of towering vases and bright teapots overflowing with vibrant orchids and roses embellish the afternoon tea lounge. Tea begins with savory bites, like an éclair filled with whipped goat cheese from Fivemiletown Creamery and Powerscourt soda bread topped with smoked salmon caught in Ballycotton. The scones are served with the most delicious strawberry jam from the small village of Kilmacanogue, and the miniature homemade desserts—from the chocolate hazelnut cake to the raspberry-and-pistachio profiterole—are the perfect sweet finish.

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You may not be able to visit right now, but take a look at the beautiful photography, recipes, and memories from our sister publication, Bake from Scratch, to start planning your future getaway in Ireland. For details on this and more, go to Ireland.com.