A festive afternoon tea is a lovely way to treat your bridal party and enjoy some downtime together before the wedding. It’s an easy, relaxed outing that fits the season, giving everyone a chance to sit back, chat, and enjoy a little break from the busy run-up to the big day. Across Ireland, hotels and country houses add simple festive touches that make the experience feel cosy without being over the top.

 The Westbury

Right in the heart of Dublin, The Westbury’s Gallery Lounge offers the Boodles Afternoon Tea, a refined and elegant experience inspired by the much-loved Raindance collection. Guests can enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and beautifully crafted pastries, all served in silver teapots, while taking in the views over Grafton Street. For an extra touch of indulgence, the Champagne Afternoon Tea includes a glass of Charles Heidsieck Réserve NV, served from their signature Champagne trolley.

Booking Information:

  • Boodles Afternoon Tea: €75 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €98 per guest.
  • Served: Monday to Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm.
  • To Reserve: Email [email protected] or call +353 1 646 3328.

Dromoland Castle

At Dromoland Castle, you can enjoy Mrs White’s Afternoon Tea in beautifully historic surroundings. The experience includes a selection of finger sandwiches, warm fruit scones with clotted cream and raspberry preserve, and an assortment of delicate pastries, all served with fine loose-leaf teas. For an extra indulgence, opt for the Champagne Afternoon Tea, choosing between two exceptional Charles Heidsieck champagnes.

Booking Information:

  • Mrs White’s Afternoon Tea: €65 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €90 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1 pm to 3 pm.
  • To Reserve: Call +353 61 368 144 or via the venue's website.

Waterford Castle

Set on its own private 310-acre island, Waterford Castle Resort delivers an elevated afternoon tea experience ideally suited to a bridal party gathering. The service includes a beautifully curated three-course menu, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, a selection of gourmet sandwiches, including Ballyhack artisan smoked salmon on castle-brown bread, followed by sweet highlights such as chocolate fondant and a passion-fruit & mango tart, all served with a choice of teas or coffee.

Booking Information:

  • Afternoon Tea: €50 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1.30 pm to 3 pm.
  • To Reserve: Call +353 51 878 203 or email the restaurant.

Montalto Estate

Tucked away on a peaceful private estate in Co. Down, the Manor House at Montalto Estate offers a charming and unhurried afternoon tea experience perfect for a bridal celebration. Guests can enjoy a spread of dainty sandwiches, warm scones and beautifully crafted pastries served in the elegant drawing rooms of the historic house. Fine teas accompany the menu, with the option to add a glass of bubbles for an extra celebratory touch as you unwind with your bridal party.

Booking Information:

  • Afternoon Tea in the Cafe: £30 per guest.
  • Sparkling Afternoon Tea in the Cafe: £35 per guest.
  • Afternoon Tea in the Manor: Enquire for pricing.
  • Served: Selected dates throughout the year.
  • To Reserve: Call 02897566100 or via the venue's website.

The Culloden Estate

Overlooking Belfast Lough, the Culloden Estate & Spa offers a refined afternoon tea in its elegant Lounge and Drawing Room. You’ll be treated to a refined selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and beautifully crafted pastries, all paired with fine blended teas in a warm, sophisticated setting. For that extra special treat, they also offer a Spa-tisserie experience, combining a 50-minute ESPA treatment with afternoon tea in the spa’s Zest Juice Bar.

Booking Information:

  • Traditional Afternoon Tea: £40 per guest.
  • Spa-tisserie Package: £130 per guest.
  • Festive Afternoon Tea: £48 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
  • To Reserve: Call +44 (0) 28 9042 1066 or book via the venue's website.

Markree Castle

Soak up the atmosphere of Markree Castle in Sligo while you enjoy a charming afternoon tea served in their elegant dining room. Look out toward the castle’s sweeping lawns and rose gardens and indulge in a delicious assortment of sandwiches, pastries and cakes freshly prepared by the venue's chef, Lee Mastin and his team. The menu changes with the seasons, meaning each visit features thoughtfully crafted treats that highlight the best local ingredients.

Booking Information:

  • Afternoon Tea: €37.50 per guest.
  • Festive Afternoon Tea: €39.50 per guest.
  • Served: Selected dates throughout the year.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website.

Ashford Castle

In the majestic Connaught Room of Ashford Castle, brides and their bridal party can treat themselves to the Lord & Lady Ardilaun Afternoon Tea. A tradition at the castle dating back to 1896, the experience takes its name from Lord and Lady Ardilaun, whose original silver tea set is proudly displayed to mark their 25th wedding anniversary celebration. You can enjoy a wide selection of speciality teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and delectable pastries, all while marvelling at the spectacular views of the castle grounds.

Booking Information:

  • Lord & Lady Ardilaun Afternoon Tea: €78 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1.30 pm to 4 pm.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website.

The K Club

For a truly elegant pre-wedding treat, The K Club in Straffan offers afternoon tea in the refined Tea Rooms of the original Straffan House wing. Enjoy exquisite finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a gorgeous selection of pastries, such as a white chocolate tube and a passion-fruit sphere. Add a touch of sparkle to the occasion and indulge in their Champagne Afternoon Tea, featuring a glass of Laurent Perrier.

Booking Information:

  •  Afternoon Tea: €59 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €79 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1.30 pm to 4 pm.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website.

Carton House

Take in the elegant surroundings of Carton House, with its sweeping lawns and historic architecture, as your server brings a pot of freshly brewed tea, carefully selected to complement your treats perfectly. Enjoy finely cut finger sandwiches and miniature savouries, freshly baked scones, and delicate miniature desserts; each item inspired by an icon in the hotel’s history, such as Queen Victoria, Grace Kelly and Mick Jagger.

Booking Information:

Cashel Palace

Nestled in the heart of Cashel Palace Hotel, offers a serene and elegant space for a bridal‑party afternoon tea. Light-filled and richly historic, the Queen Anne Room features high ceilings, chandeliers and picture windows that frame views of the palace gardens. With a menu carefully curated to highlight the finest local produce, sourced from artisanal farms and fisheries across Tipperary and beyond, every delicate pastry, freshly baked scone, and carefully prepared dish is crafted with the utmost care.

Booking Information:

  • Traditional Afternoon Tea: €60 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €80 per guest.
  • Festive Afternoon Tea: €65 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1  pm to 4  pm.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website.

Tankardstown House

Enjoy the time-honoured tradition of afternoon tea at Tankardstown House, served in the beautiful surroundings of the Morris Suite at Brabazon Restaurant, or alfresco on the picturesque terrace. You can expect a traditional tiered spread of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of cakes and bakes alongside a curated choice of classic and more exotic teas. For a celebratory touch, upgrade to sparkling tea with Prosecco or Deutz Champagne, perfect for a bridal party treat.

Booking Information:

  • Traditional Afternoon Tea: €35 per guest.
  • Deutz Afternoon Tea: €60 per guest.
  • Served: Every Thursday to Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm.
  • To Reserve: Call 041 9820807 or via the venue's website.

Anantara The Marker, Dublin

Take your bridal party on a cultural and culinary adventure with the Poetry & Places Afternoon Tea at Anantara The Marker. Savour the charm of Ireland from the comfort of your chair as you enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, pastries inspired by Irish landscapes and literature, and their signature Marker battenberg cake, all served with a choice of 16 Ronnefeldt teas.

Booking Information:

  • Poetry & Places Afternoon Tea: €65 per guest.
  • Poetry & Places Bollinger Champagne Tea: €85 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1 pm to 4 pm
  • To Reserve: Call +353 1 687 5104 or via the venue's website.

InterContinental Dublin

At the InterContinental, the Reading Room is the perfect spot for a relaxed and elegant afternoon tea with your bridal party. Created by Executive Pastry Chef Orna Larkin, the menu features finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a selection of delicate pastries, all paired with your choice of 25 Shibui loose-leaf teas. For a special celebration, you can upgrade to Champagne Afternoon Tea or Rose Champagne Afternoon Tea with Perrier‑Jouët.

Booking Information:

Hayfield Manor

Located in the heart of Cork, Hayfield Manor offers a traditional afternoon tea in their famed Orchids Restaurant. Guests can savour a selection of freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and a delicious assortment of pastries and cakes freshly prepared in their in-house Patisserie using the finest local produce. For a touch of elegance, upgrade to the Champagne Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of premium champagne to enhance your celebration with sophistication and style.

Booking Information:

  • Traditional Afternoon Tea: €55  per guest.
  • Champagne Sabrage Afternoon Tea: €95 per guest.
  • Festive Afternoon Tea: €65 per guest.
  • Served: Thursday to Sunday from 1 pm to 3.30 pm.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg

Treat your bridal party to a relaxed afternoon at Trump Doonbeg, where afternoon tea is served in a bright, coastal setting with views of the Atlantic. The menu features a selection of fragrant teas, light savouries, and a selection of homemade pastries and cakes. It’s a simple, enjoyable way to take a breather from wedding planning and spend unhurried time together in a lovely setting. .

Booking Information:

  • Festive Afternoon Tea: €49.95 per guest.
  • Served: Sunday 28th and Monday 29th of December, at 1 pm and 3.30 pm.
  • To Reserve: call 065 9055600 or email [email protected]

Luttrellstown Castle

Set within the peaceful grounds of Luttrellstown Castle, afternoon tea is served in elegant drawing rooms that exude quiet charm. As we come into the festive season, embrace the spirit of the holidays with the House of Guinness Festive Afternoon Tea, taking in panoramic views over the estate, while enjoying a festive menu of Guinness-inspired treats, pastries, and cocktails that capture the spirit of the Guinness family’s extravagant parties. With its gentle atmosphere and views across the estate, it’s an easy place to unwind and enjoy a relaxed treat.

Booking Information:

  • House of Guinness Festive Afternoon Tea: €70 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €85 per guest.
  • Served: Assorted dates in December from 1 pm to 4 pm.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website.

Powerscourt Hotel

Nestled amid the serene Wicklow Mountains, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa offers a classic afternoon tea experience. This elegant setting invites guests to savour a selection of freshly baked scones, delicate finger sandwiches, and exquisite pastries like their Elderflower, Lime, & Rhubarb Parfait on a Delicate Macaron, all accompanied by a choice of fine teas. For an added touch of luxury, upgrade to their Champagne afternoon tea and while away the afternoon sipping a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé Champagne.

Booking Information:

  • Classic Afternoon Tea: €60 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €58 per guest.
  • Served: Monday to Sunday from 12.30 pm to 5 pm.
  • To Reserve: Call +353 (0)1 274 8888 or via the venue's website.

Bellinter House

Afternoon tea at Bellinter House combines relaxed sophistication with country‑house charm, making it a perfect stop for a bridal party. Enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea featuring an exquisite selection of finger sandwiches, smoked salmon, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of delicate pastries and cakes, including house-made macaroons. Perfectly complemented by your choice of fine teas or coffees, or even a glass of bubbly.

Booking Information:

  • Afternoon Tea: €30.95 per guest.
  • Sparkling Afternoon Tea: €37.50 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 12 pm to 5 pm.
  • To Reserve: Call 046 9030900 or via the venue's website.

Heritage Hotel

Take your seat in the Galleria in the Heritage Hotel and delight in a carefully curated selection of handcrafted treats. The offering includes freshly baked scones, seasonal sweet treats, and intricately crafted savoury bites, all made using locally sourced ingredients. Set within the elegant surrounds of The Heritage, this is more than afternoon tea; it’s an indulgent escape into comfort and sophistication.

Booking Information:

  • Traditional Afternoon Tea: €39 per guest.
  • Royal Afternoon Tea: €55 per guest.
  • Served: Daily from 1 pm to 3 pm.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website.

Marlfield House

At Marlfield House, your bridal party can enjoy an inviting country-house afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, the light-filled Conservatory or out on the terrace overlooking the gardens. The estate’s long-running kitchen garden still inspires much of what’s served, with plenty of home-grown and local ingredients adding fresh, seasonal flavour to the menu. It’s an easy, relaxed way to spend an afternoon together in one of Wexford’s loveliest settings.

Booking Information:

  • Country House Afternoon Tea: €42 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €63 per guest.
  • Served: Thursday to Sunday from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
  • To Reserve: Call 053 942 1124 or via the venue's website.

Castlemartyr Resort

There are few more perfect settings for the time-honoured tradition of afternoon tea than sitting beneath the magnificent  Lafranchini ceiling of Knights in the Manor House, overlooking the formal gardens of Castlemartyr Resort. Indulge in Cork’s Classic afternoon tea with vintage-style service within the convivial ambience and elegance of Knights Bar in the Manor House.

Booking Information:

  • Classic Afternoon Tea: €48 per guest.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea: €70 per guest.
  • Served: Wednesday to Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm.
  • To Reserve: Via the venue's website.

- Gráinne