Savour these sweet moments with loved ones …
The Shelbourne, Dublin
Celebrating their 201st Christmas, The Shelbourne’s Festive Afternoon Tea in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge is an impeccable setting under sparkling chandeliers and by the glow of the fire. Available daily until January 4, it costs €79 per person or €39 for children if you want to give them an extra special treat.
The College Green Hotel Dublin
The setting for this indulgent feast is the amazing Atrium Lounge where the elegantly decorated spaces create a celebratory ambiance. I like the library nook and fireside best. Running until December 29, the Festive Afternoon Tea costs €65 or can be enhanced with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne at €85 per person.
InterContinental Dublin
There’s always a buzz in the InterContinental Dublin where its Christmas décor is a talking point. From the Gingerbread House in the lobby, in aid of Make a Wish Foundation, to the floral displays by Thomas Lee, there are 20 stunning trees around the hotel with over 1,000 lights! Against this backdrop, its Festive Afternoon Tea, €70, is created by executive pastry chef Orna Larkin and served in The Lobby Lounge or The Reading Room with views of the garden terrace. Vegetarian and gluten-free menus are also available to pre-order.
Carton House, Co Kildare
A Fairmont Managed Hotel, this grande dame’s Festive Afternoon Tea features delicacies celebrating some of its notable guests, including Julie Andrews, Lana Del Ray and Stanley Kubrick. In honour of Princess Grace, who holidayed here for three weeks in 1963, marvel at a chocolate replica of her iconic Hermès Kelly handbag! Served in the gilded surroundings of the Gold Salon, with views over the Rose Garden, it costs €75 per person, with children’s Festive Afternoon Tea at €50.
Killashee Hotel, Co Kildare
Festive Afternoon Tea is a popular tradition at the four-star Killashee Hotel, where guests can enjoy magnificent views of the winter gardens, while savouring the menu of sweet and savoury delights in either The Pippin Tree restaurant or Larkspur Lounge. Served until January 4, it costs €44 per person.
Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
Ashford Castle‘s Festive Afternoon Tea pays tribute to former chatelaine Lady Ardilaun. Designed by executive head chef Liam Finnegan in collaboration with Guinness family historian Dr Kevin Egan, the special tea draws on the family’s heritage. Served in the Connaught Room, which was once their drawing room, it’s a storied indulgence to share with your own family. From €78 per person.
Sheen Falls, Co Kerry
From the moment guests arrive, they’re welcomed into this stylish two Michelin Key property where serene views of the cascading waterfalls set the tone for a slow afternoon. Festive Afternoon Tea is very reasonably priced from €55.
The Heritage, Co Laois
Served in The Galleria, Festive Afternoon Tea at The Heritage includes Laois spiced beef with mustard aioli, white crab on brioche bread with gherkin and marie rose sauce, serrano ham and brie quiche, and much more. From €39 per person, it’s the best value of the bunch.