As the perfect conduit for a Christmas get together, book one of these special afternoon teas to celebrate with family and friends this season …
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Mount Juliet Hotel & Estate, Co Kilkenny
Christmas at Mount Juliet Estate is always a special time, with many families returning year after year to celebrate or check out its famous handmade Gingerbread Village installation created by the patisserie team. Afternoon tea in the elegant Manor House, €70 per person, gets a festive twist with the addition of a glass of Gremillet Champagne or spiced mulled wine. There’s also a Festive Children’s Afternoon Tea, €50, perfect for family gatherings with homemade lemonade, cookies, and a selection of sandwiches and pastries. www.mountjuliet.ie
Culloden Estate & Spa, Co Antrim
With new hourly rail services between Dublin and Belfast from Monday to Saturday, and expanded Sunday options, travelling north has never been easier. If popping up to Belfast for some Christmas shopping, book a Festive Afternoon Tea at The Culloden Estate & Spa where the backdrop offers great views of Belfast Lough. This costs from £45stg per person and is served daily from 1pm to 3pm. Add an overnight stay, from £235stg per night. www.cullodenestateandspa.com
College Green Hotel, Co Dublin
The Atrium Lounge at the College Green Hotel in Dublin is one of the most impressive venues for afternoon tea where cosy nooks, a crackling fire and a resident pianist are the perfect backdrop for sweet and savoury treats. Guests can upgrade the experience with a celebratory glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne. The Festive Afternoon Tea starts at €59 per person midweek and €65 at weekends. www.thecollegegreenhotel.com
Butler House, Co Kilkenny
Surrounded by the city’s rich history, with breath-taking views of Kilkenny Castle, Butler House is an ideal spot to savour a memorable afternoon tea experience. The Festive Afternoon Tea, €39, blends seasonal flavours and is served each Saturday before Christmas: December 7, 14 and 21. A gluten-free option is also available for €44. Add a glass of prosecco for €8. www.butler.ie
Carton House, Co Kildare
Why not take a history tour of this historic resort before booking an Iconic Afternoon Tea, €65 per person. Its menu faithfully follows the traditional combination of sweet and savoury, with new delicacies specifically created to celebrate some of its iconic guests. For example, Queen Victoria stayed in the Chinese Boudoir, a bedroom specially decorated for her during her visits in 1849 and 1897, so a classic Victoria sponge with fresh strawberry and cream filling is on the menu in her honour. Princess Grace of Monaco holidayed here for three weeks in 1963 with her husband Prince Ranier III and their children. There’s a darling little peanut butter ganache chocolate replica of the Hermès Kelly handbag on the menu as an homage to her timeless style. Other well known names honoured include Dame Julie Andrews, Mick Jagger, Lana del Ray and director Stanley Kubrick. www.cartonhouse.com
InterContinental Dublin, Co Dublin
Known for its festive ambiance, InterContinental Dublin always pulls out all the stops with their decadent decorations for the season including its Gingerbread House in the lobby created by Orna Larkin and her team. Festive Afternoon Tea, €70, is served in the elegant Lobby Lounge and Reading Room overlooking the garden courtyard. Finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and sweet treats including an indulgent S’mores tart, a raspberry and milk Bûche de Noël, and a light Christmas pudding pannacotta are some of the new treats this year. The Champagne Festive Afternoon Tea, €85, includes a coupe of Perrier Jouet and is served daily from December 1-31 between 12pm and 4.30pm. www.intercontinentaldublin.ie
The Park Kenmare, Co Kerry
The festive programme at the Park Kenmare is in full swing from a special Thanksgiving Dinner to its Festive Afternoon Tea in the elegant surroundings of the Terrace and Outdoor Terrace, with glorious views inside and out. Check out the Park’s “Art Tree” – possibly the most creative in Ireland. Decorations have been specially created by Irish artists featured in the hotel’s impressive collection including Guggi, Sean Scully and Domino Whisker. Peruse the collection and Art at the Park coffee table book, before or after Festive Afternoon Tea, €65, which includes exquisite pastries, freshly baked scones, fruity homemade jams and delicate sandwiches paired with premium tea blends. www.parkkenmare.com
Wineport Lodge, Co Westmeath
Afternoon tea for two costs from €80 at Wineport Lodge. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to reconnect, indulge in a tempting array of mini finger sandwiches, quiches, tarts and, of course, freshly baked scones. No afternoon tea would be complete without a cake (or two) for good measure! www.wineport.ie
The Imperial, Cork
Located in the heart of Cork City, The Imperial is your front-row seat to Christmas magic and the perfect spot for a festive getaway. Currently on offer is The Imperial Festive Escape Package, €230, available until January 6, which includes an overnight stay with breakfast in addition to Festive Afternoon Tea for two and a cocktail each. Its afternoon tea has been inspired by the flavours of Christmas chocolate boxes and is priced at €49 per person, if booked separately. www.imperialhotelcork.com
The Westbury, Co Dublin
For many Dubliners, it’s family tradition to swap presents over a Festive Afternoon Tea in the Gallery at The Westbury. This much-loved tradition begins with mulled wine on arrival and finishes with mini mince pies. In between, guests enjoy dainty fingers sandwiches, desserts and scones served with a selection of fragrant teas from around the world. Priced at €75 per person, or with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne, €98 per person. Make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment; sittings are available from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. www.doylecollection.com
SEE MORE: 10 Festive Getaways To Suit Every Budget