The Best Afternoon Tea Dublin Has To Offer: 9 Places To Try In 2024

Searching for the best afternoon tea in Dublin? You’ve landed in the right place!

Since hitting the publish button on a guide to the best breakfast in Dublin a while back, we’d had heaps of emails from people asking about afternoon tea recommendations. 

So here we are! The Victorian tradition of tea served with a variety of savoury and sweet spreads in the afternoon has proved pretty popular in Dublin.

Below, you’ll find plenty of excellent places for afternoon tea in Dublin City Centre and beyond, for those of you that fancy a mid-day treat. Dive on in!

Where we think does the best afternoon tea Dublin has to offer

The first section of our guide is what we think is the best afternoon tea Dublin has to offer. These are places that one or more of The Irish Road Trip Team have been to.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the swanky Shelbourne Hotel and the Merrion to the The Vintage Teapot and more.

1. The Shelbourne (from €55 p/p)

The Shelbourne is arguably the most historic setting for afternoon tea in Dublin City Centre. This lavish 5-star hotel is one of the most famous hotels in the country and its interior screams indulgence.

Their busy Lord Mayor’s Lounge offers elegant Afternoon Tea with an Irish twist. Expect to find foods like homemade scones with jam and clotted cream and whiskey-cured salmon with Guinness bread.

There’s a Classic Afternoon Tea for €55 per person and a Champagne Afternoon Tea from €73 per person.

2. The Vintage Teapot (€15 p/p)

Make your way to the Vintage Teapot, a lovely tearoom spread over three floors that are famed for its charming décor (expect everything from silk cushions to oriental paintings).

This place has its own version of Afternoon Tea with delicacies such as macaroons, blinis, and a wide range of Asian sweets. They also offer an extensive range of traditional Chinese teas on their menu that is printed on bamboo.

If you wish to read a book while enjoying your Afternoon Tea, you can do so from the comfort of a little reading corner with both Chinese and English literature.

2021 Update: I’ve just phoned the Vintage Teapot to check the price, as it seems too good to be true. However, they confirmed it’s still €15 p/p, making it the best value afternoon tea Dublin has to offer. 

3. The Atrium Lounge (from €49 p/p)

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

The inviting décor and the tastefully decorated courtyard make a perfect setting for an alfresco Afternoon Tea experience.

On the menu, you will find freshly baked scones, sandwiches, and delicate desserts. They also offer a Tome for Gin Afternoon Tea options that includes crayfish mayonnaise and popcorn panna cotta.

If you’re looking for the best afternoon tea in Dublin to mark a special occasion, what’s on offer at the swanky Westin Hotel is well worth checking out.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Dublin (from Michelin Star eats to Dublin’s best burger)

4. The Merrion Hotel (from €55)

One of the most luxurious 5 star hotels Dublin, the Merrion Hotel takes Afternoon Tea to a whole new level.

This dining experience takes place in the hotel’s drawing rooms and includes a variety of treats ranging from miniature desserts inspired by artists to scones and sambos.

The Art Tea at the Merrion will set you back €55 per person. It is worth mentioning that former president of the US, Barack Obama, stayed at the Merrion back in 2011 during his visit to Dublin.

5. The Westbury (from €58 p/p)

The Westbury is another fancy spot that tends to rank high in many guides to the best afternoon tea in Dublin, and for good reason.

Inside this elegant hotel, you will find the famous Gallery which boasts a lovely interior with an open fireplace during the colder months and piano music.

Their Afternoon Tea menu starts at €58 p/p and includes everything from petite sandwiches and pastries to crumbly scones, cakes, teas, and champagnes.

Other popular places for afternoon tea in Dublin City and beyond

Now that we have where we think does the best afternoon tea in Dublin out of the way, it’s time to see what else the capital has to offer.

Below, you’ll find some of the other Dublin afternoon tea spots, each of which has racked up rave reviews online.

1. Vintage Tea Trips (from €49.50 p/p)

First up is arguably the most unique afternoon tea Dublin has to offer – Vintage Tea Trips (affiliate link). Those that climb aboard are in for an experience and a half!

You’ll board the vintage Routemaster bus from Temple Bar and listen to 1950s jazz as you munch away on all of the usual afternoon tea favourites.

You’ll also get a good look at Dublin City, as the bus passes everywhere from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church to Trinity College, the Phoenix Park and more.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best brunch in Dublin (or our guide to the best bottomless brunch in Dublin)

2. The Cake Café (from €27.45 p/p)

You will find the amazing Cake Café right behind Dublin’s bustling Camden Street. This sunny little tea room and bohemian bakery is one of the more popular cafes in Dublin.

Mainly thanks to the mouthwatering desserts and pastries, like cupcakes and chocolate brownies, that it dishes out each day.

The Afternoon Tea is served daily and includes delicious cakes, sandwiches, soups, and a glass of prosecco. If you are on a budget and wish to enjoy some tasty cakes, a visit to this venue is simply a must.

3. The Morrison Hotel (from €32 p/p)

If you’re in search of an alternative version of afternoon tea in Dublin, then this next place should be right up your street.

Offering a modern take on the traditional Afternoon Tea, the Morrison Hotel is famed for its chic décor and upbeat vibe.

There are several different options to choose from: The Fancy Pants Tea, The Gentlemen’s Tea, the Vegan Afternoon Tea and the Wheat Free Afternoon Tea.

4. Airfield Estate (update: currently on hold)

Located in Dundrum, Airfield Estate is a great place to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the Dublin city centre.

The seasonal Afternoon Tea menu includes both savoury and homemade sweet treats and a nice selection of teas. They only use the freshest seasonal produce which actually grows in the estate’s gardens.

If you are looking for a relaxing destination where you can enjoy tasty foods and admire magnificent garden and mountain views, make sure to stop by the Airfield Estate for Afternoon Tea.

2021 Update: I just called Airfeld (Nov 10th) to check if this was still running, and they said that it’s on hold at the minute, but that it’s likely to be back soon.

5. The Hazel House (€20 p/p)

Next up is arguably the most unique afternoon tea Dublin has to offer (it’s also a great spot to bring kids!). Welcome to the Hazel House, an Irish craft café, woodwork shop, and a petting farm.

Located outside the city centre in Tibradden, this cool venue offers everything from delicious foods to live music and a bunch of different workshops.

Their version of Afternoon Tea comes with a glass of prosecco. If you are feeling adventurous, go on a hike to the summit of the nearby Tibradden Mountain.

2021 Update: I’ve just called these lads to check prices. They said you need to book this at least a day in advance.

Afternoon tea Dublin: Where have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant places for high tea in Dublin City Centre and beyond.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about the best afternoon tea in Dublin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from where to get a boozy afternoon tea in Dublin to which place does the funkiest spread.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What is the best afternoon tea Dublin has to offer?

The Atrium Lounge, The Vintage Teapot and The Shelbourne are three of the best afternoon tea Dublin spots in 2024.

What is the most unique place in Dublin for afternoon tea?

In our opinion, the most unique afternoon tea Dublin has to offer is the one from Vintage Tea Trips. You’re on a vintage bus, after all.