8 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Dublin City (2024)

You’ll get the best afternoon tea in Dublin City Centre from The Shelbourne, The Merrion and The Westbury, however, they’re just the tip of a very tasty iceberg!

The reality is that while a new Dublin afternoon tea spot might go viral on TikTok every few months, the ones that truly excel have been perfecting the craft for years.

That’s not to say there haven’t been some exceptional, pinky-raising newcomers in recent years, because there certainly have.

Discover the best new and old places for a memorable high tea in Dublin below. Enjoy!

The best afternoon tea in Dublin City Centre

Afternoon tea is a treat – an often-rare indulgence that combines luxury and decadence to create a special sense of occasion.

Whether you’re looking to munch on delicate pastries, savour finely brewed tea, or just enjoy good company over a unique treat, you’ll find Dublin’s top spots for afternoon tea below!

1. The Shelbourne (€68)

The Shelbourne Hotel is arguably the most historic setting for afternoon tea in Dublin City Centre and it takes place within their Lord Mayor’s Lounge.

This distinguished drawing room offers a timeless setting for Afternoon Tea, with views out over the leafy St. Stephen’s Green.

For generations, The Shelbourne has been one of Dublin’s top 5 star hotels, offering a timeless blend of elegance and refinement.

The afternoon tea menu features highlights such as the delicate Peach Melba and a luxurious Éclair, with each detail carefully crafted.

The need-to-knows: Afternoon Tea at The Shelbourne is priced at €68 per person, with sittings at 12pm, 2:30pm, and 5pm daily.

2. The Merrion Hotel (€62.50)

Set in the elegant Drawing Rooms of The Merrion Hotel, with their cozy open log fires, Afternoon Tea here (AKA The Art Tea) is a true celebration of art and indulgence.

This is a lavish affair, offering guests the chance to enjoy delectable pastries inspired by iconic 19th- and 20th-century artworks.

Highlights include the Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Cream, the Hazelnut Gateau and the Raspberry and Passionfruit Tart.

The need-to-knows: This unique experience is priced at €62.50 per person, or €82.50 with champagne, and is served in two-hour sittings throughout the day.

3. Vintage Tea Trips (€55)

Although it couldn’t be further from the traditional high tea if it tried, some of the best afternoon tea in Dublin City Centre can be found on the Vintage Tea Trips.

Guests can enjoy a unique afternoon tea aboard a fully restored 1960s double-decker bus over the course of 75 minutes.

The journey begins at St. Stephen’s Green and takes you around the city, past Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse and through the Phoenix Park.

You’ll listen to 1960s music while munching your way through a seasonal menu with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, featuring sandwiches, scones, desserts and more.

The need-to-knows: Costing around €55, the Vintage Tea Trip is great value when you consider you’re getting a mini-tour of Dublin with your tea!

4. The Westbury (€70)

Sink into a plush sofa and experience the newly introduced Lady Gregory Afternoon Tea at The Westbury, a tribute to the visionary co-founder of The Abbey Theatre.

Overlooking Grafton Street, this opulent Dublin institution offers an enticing selection of sandwiches, scones, and homemade pastries, with desserts inspired by Lady Augusta’s iconic plays.

Complement your experience with fragrant global teas served in delicate silver teapots, or indulge further with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve NV from the Champagne trolley.

The need-to-knows: Afternoon Tea is at The Westbury is available daily from 12pm to 5pm, priced at €70, or €93 with champagne.

5. The Atrium Lounge (€65)

Situated inside the former 5-star Westin Hotel (now the College Green Hotel), the Atrium Lounge is a good option if you’re looking for a refined setting for your tea and treats.

Set over five floors beneath a stunning glass canopy, the Atrium Lounge is filled with natural light, with soft piano music accompanying your meal.

The menu features a selection of delicate sandwiches, including Smoked Salmon with Caviar on Guinness Soda Bread, and Spiced BBQ Waldorf Chicken Salad on Ciabatta.

Sweet treats include a Passionfruit Crunch Pillow and Fresh Mango Cheesecake, accompanied by an extensive tea selection.

The need-to-knows: Afternoon Tea is priced at €65 per person, or €85 with champagne, and is available daily from 12:00 to 18:00.

6. The Cake Café (€40)

You’ll find one of the more unique cafes in Dublin at Pleasants Place, a short stroll from the Iveagh Gardens.

The Cake Café is tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle, offering a peaceful retreat with an artistic courtyard that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon.

Enjoy a glass of Prosecco as you start your afternoon tea experience, featuring mini sandwiches on freshly baked breads, followed by a selection of daily mini cakes.

Complement your treats with a freshly brewed tea or coffee of your choice.

The need-to-knows: Available Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 3pm for €40 per person. No booking is necessary!

7. Ladurée (€90 for two people)

Ladurée invites you into an elegant and welcoming atmosphere on South William Street, where Afternoon Tea for Two is a truly refined experience.

Your tea includes a glass of Prosecco each (with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available), along with a smoked salmon sandwich, a cucumber sandwich, and a freshly baked scone for each guest.

Indulge in a dessert of your choice from the Dessert Counter, and enjoy two of Ladurée’s famous macarons from the Macaron Counter.

The need-to-knows: Afternoon tea for two takes place over 1.5 hours and costs €90

8. Bewley’s (€49)

One of the more famous spots for afternoon tea Dublin has to offer is Grafton Street’s Bewley’s.

Step through the historic doors of Bewley’s and immerse yourself in an afternoon tea experience that celebrates nearly a century of in-house baking.

Enjoy a tower of scrumptious sandwiches, fresh scones, and patisserie masterpieces, all freshly made from scratch.

Paired with master-blended teas that honour Bewley’s heritage as Ireland’s first tea importers, this is more than a meal – it’s a memory in the making.

The need-to-knows: Afternoon tea costs €49 and there are many time slots available each day

Explore beyond the high tea in Dublin

Now that you know where to grab the best afternoon tea in Dublin City Centre, it’s time to explore.

There are endless things to do in Dublin – here are some guides to get you started:

• Food: See my guides to the best brunch in Dublin, bottomless brunch in Dublin, the best breakfast in Dublin and the best restaurants in Dublin
• Key attractions: Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol and the Dublin whiskey tours
• Itineraries: 24 hours in Dublin, 48 hours in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin