Afternoon Tea At The Castle Is Back And It’s Better Than Ever!

“Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”

– Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady, 1881

A chance to unwind and chat with loved ones for a few hours. Drinking exotic infusions at a leisurely pace. Feasting on delicate pastries, scrumptious cakes and dainty triangle sandwiches. Lifting your beautifully patterned cup to sip its contents, all the while surrounded by sophistication and beauty wherever you look.

Although it represents much more of an occasion these days, no wonder afternoon tea has never really gone out of fashion.

The term was first coined by Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford way back in the nineteenth century. And it’s been an intrinsic part of royal and upper class life ever since, more recently making its way to the general public.

Which is why we’ve brought it back to our history-steeped castle; to bring to life the days when its owner Aileen Plunkett entertained elegant visitors in the opulent Van Stry Ballroom from the 1920s for half a decade.

And now, finally, it’s your turn. From Sunday, March 25th, you and your guests can enjoy a brand new afternoon tea menu in this incredible space, with its high ceilings, exquisite oil paintings and incredible art deco fireplace. Not to mention sweeping vistas of the estate’s lush parklands and manicured lawns.

Sample the finest teas from renowned tea regions across the oceans and continents. Chow down on cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches and oak smoked salmon on Guinness bread. Savour sweet treats from blackcurrant and cassis bavarois to hibiscus macaroons with orange ganache. Champagne is optional (but always advisable).

Our executive chef has gone to the utmost lengths to create an experience that’s both magical and memorable for and your friends or family. Plus we’ve enlisted the help of an incredible pianist to create the perfect ambience for the occasion, whatever it may be.

Our motto is: if it’s good enough for royalty, it’s good enough for us. In the words of another classic author, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, “I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea.”

Traditional Afternoon Tea at the castle is at 2pm and 4.15pm on selected Sundays throughout April and May. €49.00 per person (€62.00 per person with champagne). Pre-booking is essential.