Last updated on August 5th, 2022 at 08:45 pm
As a nation of tea drinkers, the Irish know a thing or two about how to serve the perfect cuppa. For a start, it doesn’t hurt if it’s accompanied by a generous helping of cakes, pastries, and sandwiches, all leisurely enjoyed over the course of an hour or two during afternoon tea.
Thankfully, Dublin has a wealth of options available for those in search of the perfect afternoon tea. No matter whether you’re looking for a classic afternoon tea experience sparing no expense, you want to try something a little more adventurous, or if you’re on a budget, there is the perfect option for you.
In this post, we share the best afternoon tea in Dublin.
Map of Afternoon Tea Spots
The following map shows the location of every afternoon tea spot highlighted in this post:
The Shelbourne Hotel
The first name on our list needs no introduction. The Shelbourne Hotel has been one of the most opulent hotels in the capital since it first started welcoming guests in 1824. The hotel’s iconic afternoon tea is without a doubt the height of luxury in the most luxurious hotel in Dublin.
Held in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge of the hotel, The Shelbourne’s afternoon tea consists of four tiers of cakes, sandwiches, and scones, accompanied by a fragrant, steaming pot of tea. However, it goes without saying that these aren’t your run of the mill sandwiches and treats. The sandwiches include whiskey cured smoked salmon on Guinness bread and tomato and feta cheese on pumpkin bread. The cakes on offer are even more decadent, with zesty strawberry and lime macaroons, chocolate spheres with Earl Grey mousse, and peaches and cream pana cotta with champagne jelly to savour.
The Shelbourne also offer a champagne afternoon tea for an extra touch of luxury.
The full afternoon tea menu can be found here.
Location: 27 Saint Stephen’s Green, Dublin
Website: https://www.theshelbourne.com/dine-drink/the-lord-mayors-lounge
The Merrion Hotel
As one of the handful of classic luxury hotels in Dublin, it’s not surprise that The Merrion Hotel is home to one of the best afternoon teas in the city. The Merrion’s afternoon tea is held in the magnificent Georgian era drawing rooms of the hotel, lovingly and painstakingly brought back to their 18th century glory.
As befitting such an exquisite setting, the hotel’s ‘Art Afternoon Tea’ turns the humble cake into a literal work of art – the cakes on offer are beautiful creations inspired by 19th and 20th century Irish artists such as Jack Butler Yeats and Louis Le Brocquy. The savoury treats on the menu aren’t lacking either, featuring loin of ham with pommery mustard and tarragon, and Irish cornfed chicken with truffle mayonnaise. A choice of tea or coffee is of course included, served up by the resident tea master and barista.
A vegan version of the hotel’s afternoon tea is also available.
Location: Upper Merrion Street, Dublin
Website: https://www.merrionhotel.com/art-afternoon-tea-at-the-merrion/
The Westbury Hotel
The Westbury Hotel inevitably comes up in discussions of the best hotels in Dublin, and for good reason. The stunning 5 star hotel is one of the finest in the city, and certainly one of the best located – the hotel sits at the very heart of the capital just off Grafton Street and within steps of Saint Stephen’s Green.
Watch the crowds pass by on Grafton Street as you savour the delectable items on the hotel’s afternoon tea menu, including pecan pie with Teeling whiskey and cinnamon whipped ganache, roasted banana and salted caramel choux, and a dark chocolate and burnt orange crunch bar. The afternoon tea includes some classic Irish sandwiches and buttermilk scones to round off the menu, all washed down with a selection of fine teas and coffees from around the world.
The full afternoon tea menu can be found here.
Location: Balfe Street, Dublin
Website: https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-westbury-hotel/dining/afternoon-tea
The Atrium at The Westin Hotel
The Atrium at The Westin Hotel is perhaps the best setting for afternoon tea in Dublin. The 5 storey atrium is flooded with light and elegantly decorated, providing the perfect backdrop to while away an hour or two.
The afternoon tea on offer more than lives up to the graceful and distinguished setting. Among the sandwiches on offer are citrus chicken and thyme salad on a brioche bun and smoked salmon with caviar on Guinness soda bread. Buttermilk scones and lemon drizzle cake are also on the menu, along with the obligatory sweet delicacies such as caramelised toffee and pecan tart and a burnt orange and dark chocolate slice. Capping it all off is the fine loose leaf tea, expertly chosen by the resident tea sommelier.
For an extra charge you can add on one of The Atrium signature cocktails or a glass of champagne. Truly the height of luxury.
The full afternoon tea menu can be found here.
Location: College Green, Westmoreland Street, Dublin
Website: https://www.thewestinhoteldublin.com/atrium-lounge
The Cake Cafe
If you’re looking for a pleasant afternoon tea somewhere on a quiet side street, look no further than The Cake Cafe. This charming cafe in Portobello in South Dublin serves up a delightful afternoon tea that offers great value for money.
Enjoy a glass of wine or prosecco on arrival before tucking into some delicious and dainty sandwiches and scones. Finally, savour the moment with a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee in the company of some seriously good cakes.
The Cake Cafe’s afternoon tea is available from Tuesday to Saturday, and booking ahead is not required.
Location: The Daintree Building, Pleasants Place, Dublin
Website: https://www.thecakecafe.ie/afternoontea
The Vintage Teapot
For something a little more adventurous, we recommend the afternoon tea with a twist at The Vintage Teapot. This Chinese style tearoom serve up their own version of afternoon tea, with Chinese dumplings instead of sandwiches accompanying the scones, cakes and tea.
With China being the home of tea, the Chinese know a thing or two about brewing the perfect pot of the stuff. Throw in the delightful cakes that The Vintage Teapot have to offer and you have a match made in heaven. This afternoon tea might just be the best value in the city.
Location: 8 Cathedral Street, Dublin
Website: http://thevintageteapot.ie
Laduree
Laduree has been one of the finest French food establishments in the capital since it first opened in 2016. While the cafe is best known for its delectable range of macarons, they also sell a wide variety of delicious cakes and sandwiches.
Their delightful afternoon tea comprises an assortment of sandwiches, two Laduree desserts, a scone, and four mini macarons of your choice, along with a freshly brewed tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Laduree’s afternoon tea is great value in elegant surroundings, nestled in the heart of the city centre.
Location: 1 -3 South William Street, Dublin
Website: https://www.ladureedublin.com
Vintage Tea Trips
The final entry on our list is without a doubt the most fun and whimsical afternoon tea in Dublin. Forget about settling down in one spot for an hour or so and jump on board the most luxurious bus in the city for the Vintage Tea Trips mobile afternoon tea. Taking place on a converted two storey Routemaster bus, the route starts in Temple Bar and takes you past some of the most famous sights in Dublin, all while you sip tea and nibble at the decadent cakes, sandwiches, and scones on offer.
Location: Temple Bar, Dublin
Website: https://www.vintageteatrips.ie
