The Best Afternoon Tea in Dublin

Afternoon tea might seem like a strictly British affair, but I quickly learned that this wasn’t the case after my first visit to Dublin. The city has some stellar afternoon tea venues where old-school traditions meet premium Irish produce.

If you’ve been on one of my Dublin food tours, you’ll know that typical Irish fare is rather different from the bite-sized treats that are common to afternoon tea outings. Whether you’re hoping to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to enjoy an elevated dining experience, these are the go-to spots for afternoon tea in Dublin.

What to Expect from Afternoon Tea in Dublin

In many cases, afternoon tea in Dublin will likely align with what you’d expect from a culinary adventure of this nature.However, I’ve come across some establishments that veer away from traditional ingredients, offering modern and eclectic afternoon tea menus.

Although the specific fillings and flavors can vary significantly, these are some staple menu items to look out for:

Tea selection: Along with classics like breakfast or Earl Gray tea, you’ll usually have a choice between a range of herbal teas.
Finger sandwiches: These tiny sandwiches are often filled with smoked salmon, roast beef, or egg mayonnaise.
Scones & Clotted Cream: A mix of plain or fruit scones with clotted cream and sweet jam.
Pastries & Cakes: Expect miniature sponge cakes, tarts, macarons, and pastries.
Optional extras: Many venues offer add-ons, such as Champagne or prosecco.

Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Dublin

The Lord Mayor’s Lounge

Photo credit: The Lord Mayor’s Lounge

The Lord Mayor’s Lounge in the lavish Shelbourne Hotel alongside St. Stephen’s Green is arguably Dublin’s most iconic afternoon tea location. For a refined ambiance and upscale experience, there’s nothing better than the lounge’s high ceilings, soft furnishings, and ornate chandeliers.

Each beautifully presented sweet or savory treat was as flavorful as it was aesthetic, with my favorite being the salmon finger sandwich. It had a delicate smokey flavor that was complemented by the nutty treacle bread and tangy mustard.

The Lord Mayor’s Lounge – Dublin 2 D02 K224 – Open for afternoon tea every day at 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 5:00 pm.

The Atrium Lounge

Photo credit: The Atrium Lounge

The first time I went for afternoon tea in Dublin was in The Atrium Lounge, a stunning courtyard-style eatery in the College Green Hotel near Trinity College. Inside, it’s polished and traditional, yet still has some tasteful modern touches.

They have a fantastic selection of afternoon tea menus for every taste, and I was curious about the gin version. It came with plenty of classic treats, my favorite being the sweet, creamy, white chocolate and coconut cheesecake. As for the gin, it was served in a dainty teapot and teamed with citrusy sparkling tea, cool mint, and fresh lime.

The Atrium Lounge – Dublin D02 HR67 – Open for afternoon tea every day from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

The Gallery Lounge

Photo credit: The Gallery Lounge

The Gallery Lounge at The Westbury Hotel near Grafton Street is among the most stylish venues in the city, and its plush, cream-toned seating areas overlook the bustling Dublin streets.

I contemplated opting for the champagne experience, but I had a hankering for some piping hot breakfast tea. Its punchy, malty flavors were a perfect match for snacks like the mini bittersweet tiramisu and cream-topped buttermilk scones.

The Gallery Lounge – Dublin 2 D02 CH66 – Open for afternoon tea every day from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The Cake Cafe

Photo credit: The Cake Cafe

The Cake Cafe in Portobello proves that afternoon tea in Dublin doesn’t necessarily have to be an upmarket outing. This cute and colorful spot has the most homely ambiance and is ideal for a more laid-back experience.

Their hearty afternoon tea packages include a glass of crisp prosecco and a selection of gorgeous bites. Some highlights for me were the super soft oat cookies and the spicy chorizo and cheese sandwich with zingy tomato relish.

The Cake Cafe – Dublin 8 D08N6DN – Open for afternoon tea every Tuesday to Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm,

Vintage Tea Trips

Photo credit: Vintage Tea Trips

The ever-popular Vintage Tea Trips company easily has the most unique afternoon tea offerings in the city, combining a sophisticated dining experience with sightseeing. Each tour starts at St. Stephen’s Green, taking you to a slew of Dublin hotspots in a retro double-decker bus.

As I cruised around the center, I was served a host of tasty sandwiches and baked goods. This included warm raisin-filled scones with silky Irish butter and moist red velvet cake, which I washed down with a cup of refreshing peppermint tea.

Vintage Tea Trips – Dublin 2 D02 HW54 – Open for afternoon tea every day from 11:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Afternoon tea in Dublin is an exciting gastronomic experience, and fortunately, there’s something for almost every budget and dietary requirement. However, making a booking in advance is a must, as most of these venues tend to be quite in demand!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best place for afternoon tea in Dublin?

The Lord Mayor’s Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel and The Gallery at the Westbury Hotel are some of the best places for afternoon tea in Dublin.

How much does afternoon tea in Dublin cost?

Prices for afternoon tea in Dublin vary between establishments and the package you choose, but you can expect to pay between €40 to €100, on average.

Are there gluten-free or vegan afternoon tea options in Dublin?

Enjoy gluten-free or fully vegan afternoon tea in The Morrison Hotel or The Atrium Lounge in The College Green Hotel.

What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

Although afternoon tea and high tea are terms that are often used interchangeably, the former centers on tea and light bites, while the latter is a more substantial meal.

Do I need to make a reservation for afternoon tea in Dublin?

It’s always best to make a reservation for afternoon tea in Dublin, as many venues are booked up several weeks in advance.