Are you a fan of the popular Netflix series Bridgerton?

Did you know that Season 3 just dropped on Netflix, focusing heavily on the character Penelope Featherington, played by Galway native Nicola Coughlan?

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If so, you’ll notice that many of the scenes revolve around afternoon tea, a staple of high society that was popular in England from the mid-1800s onwards, otherwise known as the Victorian Era.

Afternoon tea in the Regency Era (1811-1820), which is the period that the series is set in, was more common in the evening and did not become a popular pastime among the high society until around 1840.

In modern-day Ireland, tea is still a common refreshment, and it goes without saying that tea is offered in pretty much every restaurant and café in the country.

Enjoying a cup of tea is also a social ritual in Ireland, with many neighbors offering visitors a cup of tea when they arrive in their homes.

The afternoon tea offerings in restaurants, hotels and cafes across the island of Ireland are varied, with some a bit more fancy than others. However, all have a common purpose: to slow things down while still enjoying a delicious treat before dinnertime.

Here are 17 places where you can enjoy afternoon tea during your vacation on the island of Ireland.

Some of the afternoon experiences are purposefully centered around the series and are available at least through the end of June 2024. Following that, the regular afternoon tea experience with be available.

1. Titanic Hotel, Belfast

If you’re visiting Titanic Belfast you can’t miss the Titanic Hotel, a 3-minute walk from the city’s most popular destination.

It’s the ideal historic location to experience afternoon tea like the Bridgertons.

The building itself was once the headquarters of the Harland & Wolff shipbuilding company and its interior reflects that history.

In fact, the hotel lobby space, with its three-story-high barrel-vaulted ceilings was once the site of the company’s Drawing Offices where plans were drawn up for the Titanic

Afternoon tea is served in the upstairs Presentation Room, where plans for the company’s new ships were presented to investors and executives.

Enjoy tiny soft sandwiches filled with a variety of delicacies, as well as freshly baked scones and pastries with cream, all of course on the best china, similar to what might have been used on the ill-fated ocean liner.

Afternoon tea is served between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.

The hotel offers three different afternoon packages. They include a Regular Afternoon Tea for £39 each, a Sparkling Afternoon Tea for £44 per person and a Champagne Afternoon Tea for £49.

A children's afternoon tea is also available, with scrumptious scones and sweet treats for the little ones. Comes with homemade chocolate milk too.

To book afternoon tea at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast, go to the hotel website.

2. Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast

Sightseeing can be exhausting, which is why a spa treatment topped with a delicious afternoon tea is the perfect antidote.

At the Culloden Estate and Spa, a 10-minute drive from Belfast City, you can choose from a 55-minute full-body massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure and later enjoy an afternoon tea, all for £125 per person.

Afternoon tea is available for £40 per person and features finger sandwiches, savory treats, pastries, cakes, and scones, together with a premium assortment of teas (and coffees).

Afternoon tea is served in Vesper’s Restaurant, which overlooks the estate’s gardens. It is available from 1:30-3 p.m.

The Culloden Estate and Spa is a 5-star property and may be too expensive for budget travelers.

However, either the spa package or the afternoon tea is the ideal opportunity to experience this beautiful Gothic building, once the official home of the Church of Ireland Bishop of Down, and known back then as the “Bishop’s Palace.”

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3. The Heritage Hotel, County Laois

The Bridgerton-Inspired Afternoon Tea is now available at The Heritage Hotel in County Laois through June 30th.

The experience includes delicate finger sandwiches inspired by the vibrant Bridgerton characters, in addition to a variety of delicious pastries. This special afternoon tea promises to capture “the essense of Bridgerton's romance and sophistication.”

You can book your afternoon tea reservation by emailing [email protected].

4. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Dalkey, County Dublin

This lovely hotel in Dalkey promises an afternoon tea experience “fit for any Duke or Duchess,” fitting for a hotel that was founded in 1740.

Available every Saturday in June in PJ's Restaurant, the midday meal will include a combination of sweet and savory treats, as well as cocktails such as “Penelope's Prosecco.”

To add to the authenticity of the experience, the waitressing team at The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel will be dressed in appropriate Regency-style attire.

Afternoon tea is €35 per person. Email [email protected] to make your reservation.

5. Imperial Hotel, Cork

One of Cork's most historic hotels, The Imperial Hotel has also launched a Bridgerton-style afternoon tea called “The Season's Diamond” tea experience.

It features a variety of sweet treats named after Bridgerton's favorite characters, including the following:

– “The Queen's Diamond,” which consists of a champagne jelly, vanilla mascarpone mousse, strawberry compote, pink chiffon sponge, and white chocolate case.
– “The Whistledown's Tea,” containing a yuzu mousse, citrus cream and matcha sponge with a chocolate coin.

– “The Danbury's Dream,” a chocolate sablé biscuit, kirsch-whipped ganache, black cherry jelly, chocolate crunch and chocolate sponge.
– “The Beaux and the Bee,” which consists of a lemon curd set on a Linzer cookie.

A whole series of cocktails have also been created to coincide with the afternoon tea experience, which costs €45 per person. Email [email protected] to make a booking.

6. Ashford Castle, County Mayo

Afternoon tea at the stately Ashford Castle has been a practice since 1868 and if you're looking for the afternoon tea experience in luxury surroundings, Ashford Castle can't be beat.

The afternoon tea menu includes a variety of specialty teas, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, pastries and more. There are several other menus available, including gluten- and nut-free menus, as well as vegetarian, vegan and children's-only menus.

Lord and Lady Ardilaun's Afternoon Tea is served in the Connaught Room Monday through Sunday at 1.30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3.30 p.m., and 4 p.m.

If you are not a guest at the hotel, you need to make reservations on Open Table. The regular afternoon tea price is €75 per person.

7. Mount Juliet Estate, County Kilkenny

Enjoy an afternoon tea or a champagne afternoon tea at the beautiful Mount Juliet Estate in County Kilkenny.

The afternoon tea experience is available between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the estate's Georgian Manor House.  The regular afternoon tea is €50 per person and the champage afternoon tea is €70 per person.

Finger sandwiches, homemade scones, jams, indulgent cakes, and signature beverages are all included. The champagne-themed afternoon tea includes a glass of Gremillet champagne.

8. Slane Castle, County Meath

If you’re visiting the Boyne Valley in Counties Meath and Louth and you’re thirsty for a cup of tea, why not pop into Slane Castle for a delightful afternoon tea experience?

Slane Castle has an interesting history. Not only has it been the home of the Conyngham family since 1703, it has also been a popular rock concert venue.

On Sundays between 1:30 and 4 p.m., you can avail of the popular Afternoon Tea and Mini Castle Tour combining a short guided tour with the grand tradition of afternoon tea and a glass of bubbles.

Be prepared to enjoy an afternoon tea in the castle's Gothic Ballroom.

Expect the delicious savory and sweet treats to be served on an elegant three-tiered cake stand. Enjoy cool cucumber and coronation chicken sandwiches, smoked salmon canapes, duck pancakes, macaroons, bitesize desserts, and more.

The cost of the afternoon tea/guided tour at Slane Castle is €57.50 per person.

9. Castlemartyr Resort, County Cork

Enjoy an elegant afternoon tea experience at this County Cork signature castle-hotel.

Lady's Fitzgerald's afternoon tea is served in the resort's Manor House, known for its beautiful Lafranchini ceilings.

Sip on the perfect cup of tea, together with an assortment of dainty finger sandwiches, tea breads, pastries, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and more.

The cost of the afternoon tea experience at the Castlemartyr Resort Hotel is €48 per person. The Champagne Afternoon Tea is €70 per person. Afternoon tea is available Wednesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

You can book online.

10. Adare Manor, County Limerick

A magical setting awaits at the exclusive early 19th-century Adare Manor in County Limerick, once the seat of the Earl of Dunraven.

There's more than just sweat treats on this afternoon tea menu.

Expect a whole lot more, including a selection of sandwiches such as the Smoked Chicken & Alsace Bacon, the Roasted John Stone Beef & Parmesan, the Duncannon Smoked Salmon Rillette, and the Butternut Squash Tartlet, not to mention the freshly baked treats and other delectable offerings.

Afternoon tea is €75 per person; a children's afternoon menu is available for €35.

The experience is available Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and can be booked on the hotel website.

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11. The Lyrath Estate, County Kilkenny

Enjoy an afternoon tea in The Lyrath Estate's Lady Charlotte's Drawing Rooms, named after the previous owner who died in 1987 prior to her 100th birthday.

Enjoy savory delights, as well as intricate pastry creations and the variety of botanical teas, a nod to Lady Charlotte Wheeler-Cuffe's love for botanicals and art.

A vegan afternoon tea is also available. Both are priced at €40 per person. The addition of a glass of Prosecco brings the total to €53 per person.

Afternoon tea at The Lyrath Estate is available everyday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Book on the hotel website.

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12. Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, County Galway

The Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate just outside Galway City is well known for having an unusual type of eatery – the Pullman Restaurant is housed in two of the original carriages from the famous Orient Express.

Afternoon tea is another favorite activity for those who might want to visit this beautiful hotel during the daytime.

Dainty assortments, including freshly baked scones, seasonal sandwiches and an assortment of pastries are among the afternoon tea delights that you'll find in Glenlo Abbey's River Room.

Afternoon tea is served between 1 p.m. and 3.45 p.m. daily. Make your reservation online.

13. Waterford Castle Resort, The Island, County Waterford

Fancy taking a complimentary resort ferry to a 16th-century castle on its own 310-acre private island?

Afternoon tea at Waterford Castle includes three courses, including warm scones served with clotted cream and preserves, savory sandwiches, and an assortment of desserts.

All ingredients are locally sourced.

14. Vintage Tea Trips – Dublin and Cork

Not exactly a Bridgerton-style tea experience but very popular with tourists nonetheless.

Hop on board a vintage double-decker bus in either Dublin or Cork with Vintage Tea Trips.

The front-engine buses, which were at one time used by the London Transport system, are affectionately called Pauline and Kitty.

Both are named after founder Karen Nixon’s grandmother, who she says liked to welcome everyone for tea, whether it was the postman or the pope!

On the Dublin Afternoon Tea trip, you can enjoy a variety of afternoon tea delicacies, including freshly made sandwiches, desserts, cakes, and pastries, with 1950s jazz playing in the background.

Organizers of the tours say the 70 to 80-minute tea experience is a sightseeing tour, without formal commentary.

Hear some classic Dublin stories instead while passing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Woodquay, O’Connell Street, the Phoenix Park, a well as Dublin’s beautiful Georgian buildings.

The Cork Afternoon Tea is an equally enjoyable experience, with all the offerings that are available on the Dublin bus.

The menu in Cork is provided by the Pastry Fork.

Like the Dublin tour, the Cork afternoon tea trip is intended to give visitors a different view of the city while sipping Ireland’s favorite beverage.

Vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options are available on both tours.

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15. Everglades Hotel, Derry

The Everglades Hotel in Derry offers a Traditional Afternoon Tea menu for £25 per person, which is served daily from 12:30 – 4 p.m. Expect finger sandwiches, savory treats, pastries, and cakes, all with tea or coffee to wash it down.

Book the experience online.

A Derry Girls Afternoon is also offered at the hotel. It includes sausage roll baps, fresh cream horns, a classic Tayto Cheese & Onion crisp sarnie (sandwich), as well as a tray of freshly baked scones, bread, and pastries.

The cost of the Derry Girls Afternoon Tea is £30 per person. It must be pre-booked 24 hours in advance by calling +44 (0) 28 7132 1066.

Afternoon tea in Derry is also available at The Best Western Whitehorse Hotel and at the City Hotel Derry.

16. The Cake Café, Dublin

A great afternoon tea spot in Dublin is the Cake Café on Dublin’s Camden Street.

For €40 per person, you’ll get a glass of Prosecco followed by a selection of mini sandwiches, together with mini cakes and other pastries. Choose from tea or coffee.

The afternoon tea delight is available from Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. There’s no need to book. Just drop in!

The Cake Café also offers baking classes for €70 per person.

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17. Ocean Sands Hotel, County Sligo

If you’re touring County Sligo on the Wild Atlantic Way and you happen to stop in the beautiful seaside resort of Enniscrone, why not stay a night at the lovely  Ocean Sands Hotel, which offers its own special afternoon tea experience called Afternoon Tea by the Sea.

Prepared by the award-winning Chef Marcin Szczodrowski, the tea is set up in rooms overlooking the beautiful 3-mile Enniscrone beach.

The menu tends to change with the season, but you’ll be assured of a delicious feast, all presented on a traditional three-tiered stand for each guest.

On one tier, you’ll find hand-cut sandwiches and bagels, cheese, smoked salmon, and a baby prawn cocktail.

On another, you can try his fresh scones and homemade preserves, with softly whipped cream, and on the third tier, you’ll find an artistic display of sweet treats, including petits fours and a selection of cakes.

The afternoon tea experience is available Monday through Saturday, between 1 and 3 p.m.
Reservations should be made 48 hours in advance by calling 096-26700. The cost of afternoon tea at the Ocean Sands Hotel is €24.95 per person or €29.95 if you choose a bubbly alcoholic drink. Gluten-free options are available.

Other Places in Ireland that Serve Afternoon Tea*

Anantara Marker Hotel, Dublin: Afternoon Tea Poetry & Places, €65 per person.
The Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork: Afternoon Tea, €56 per person.
The Hardiman Hotel, Galway; Afternoon Tea, €34 per person.
The K Club, Kildare; Afternoon Tea, €55 per person.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, Afternoon Tea, €49 per person.
Kilronan Castle, Roscommon, Afternoon Tea, €40 per person.
Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, Afternoon Tea, €42 per person.
Dromoland Castle Hotel, Clare, Afternoon Tea, €55 per person.
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, Afternoon Tea, £44.50 per person.
Powerscourt Hotel, Wicklow, Afternoon Tea, €60 per person.
The Carton House Hotel, Kildare, Afternoon Tea, €65 per person.
The Bushmills Inn, Antrim, Afternoon Tea, £35 per person.
The Cashel Palace Hotel, Tipperary, Afternoon Tea, €55 per person.
The Westbury Hotel, Dublin, Afternoon Tea, €70 per person
Castle Leslie, County Monaghan, Afternoon Tea, €35 per person
The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, Afternoon Tea, €68 per person
Markree Castle, County Sligo, Afternoon Tea, €35 per person
Bewley's Grafton Street Cafe, Dublin, Afternoon Tea, €49 per person
Lutrellstown Castle, Dublin, Afternoon Tea (December only for the holidays), €50 per person

*The prices listed above are for traditional afternoon tea only.

Have you experienced a Bridgerton-style afternoon tea in Ireland? If so, let me know in the comments below.