One of my favourite things about the run up to Christmas is that little extra effort we make to meet up with friends and family that we haven’t seen in a while. It’s never too early to arrange a festive meet up and dotted around the country are plenty of gorgeous hotels and country houses to soak up The Christmas Spirit. I’ve picked some gorgeous Afternoon Tea and Lunch venues that can make delicious early Christmas gifts to those near and dear to you with Ireland’s Blue Book and will share some more of my favourites soon!
Kilkenny is a great county for friends to meet if you are coming from the east and south of the country. Situated in the heart of the city, the gorgeous Butler House is the perfect meeting place for gatherings over the festive season. Close to many shops and the Kilkenny design craft studios, you can pick up some Christmas presents before or after your meet up. Festive Afternoon Teas start here on Saturday 6th November & Sunday 7th November from €42.00 per person/ Add a glass of bubbles for €10 *Pre booking is essential*
Festive Cream Teas run from 1st December and are served from 11am till 4pm. Presented in the traditional way on a three-tiered stand, The Festive Cream Tea at Butler House includes a Christmas cranberry scone with homemade jam & cream, mini-Christmas pudding with Brandy Cream sauce and your choice of tea or coffee. It won’t hurt your pocket either as it’s €12.50 per person. (No need to book unless you have a party of 4 or more/ Phone: 056772828 www.butler.ie)
Hayfield Manor, in the heart of Cork City, offers a serene escape where you can savour exquisite treats while soaking up festive ambiance. From the toasty fireplace in the foyer of the manor to the elegant Orchids Restaurant you’ll find a spot ideal to enjoy festive Afternoon Tea. The seasonally themed finger sandwiches, mini mince pies, selection of homemade desserts with mulled wine and a selection of fine teas and freshly brewed coffee – you can add a touch of sparkle to your afternoon with a glass of Champagne. Available From 27th November to 6thJanuary Thursday to Sunday Price: €65.00 per person including a warming glass of mulled wine. www.hayfieldmanor.ie
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn Co, Down
Some movies define the festive season and here’s a novel idea for anyone whose favourites include Love Actually and The Holiday. Nestled in the heart of charming Crawfordsburn, a short drive from Belfast, The Old Inn will transport guests with a festive Afternoon Tea and movie screening where the true spirt of Christmas comes to life. Festive Afternoon Teas start from the 18th November to January 4th from £40pp but don’t miss out on the unique movie experience if you know someone who would love the indulgence.
Available: Saturday 6th December (Love Actually) and Saturday 13th (The Holiday)
Arrival for 12.30pm. Price: £50 per person and you can elevate your experience with a glass of champagne Contact: www.theoldinn.com
Cashel Palace Hotel, Co. Tipperary
A good location for meeting friends in the south of the country is Cashel Palace Hotel in Tipperary. Festive Afternoon Teas are served in The Queen Anne Room. With delicate finger sandwiches enhanced for the festive period, and hand-crafted sweet treats, some adorned with charming designs and seasonal flavours. If you would prefer a Festive Afternoon Lunch then The Bishops Buttery with its beautiful, vaulted ceilings, original flagstone floor and a large open fire is the ultimate spot for a luxurious catch up. You can enjoy the wonderful surrounds of a Michelin restaurant and the exquisite culinary creations from head chef Stefan McEnteer and team.
Festive Afternoon Lunch in The Bishop’s Buttery €75.00 per person (Three Course) Afternoon Tea €65.00 per person www.cashelpalacehotel.ie
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin City Centre
Dublin can be heaven with coffee at eleven and a stroll down Stephen’s Green… Few places are more festive than Afternoon Tea in the beautiful Georgian drawing rooms of Dublin’s elegant Merrion Hotel. Surrounded by the hotel’s priceless collection of art and antiques, this is an experience to remember and savour. Don’t be surprised if some of the delights reflect the art on the walls. Delicate finger sandwiches, gingerbread, Viennese bridge rolls, meringues and mince pies are just some of the homemade delights to enjoy in the Festive Afternoon Tea.
Dates run from 27th of November to 4th January from 1 pm – 4.30 pm in the Georgian Manor House. Price €75.00 per person. You can enjoy festive afternoon tea accompanied by Christmas Carols from €85.00 per person.
Contact: www.merrionhotel.com
If your Christmas meet up is in Limerick then the chic No.1 Pery Square is offering Festive Sunday Lunches and Afternoon Teas. A three course Christmas feast in the heart of Limericks Georgian Quarter is surprisingly reasonable at €49pp. Experience a crafted menu with seasonal ingredients and festive flavours and finish off your meal with tea or coffee and a warm mince pie.
Sunday lunch is available on 14th & 21st December. Afternoon Teas are served on Saturdays and Sundays during the festive period from 1pm.
Price for Afternoon Tea €39pp www.oneperysquare.com/christmas2025/
Ardtara Country House, Upperlands, Co Derry
For Festive Afternoon Tea in the north west of the country, where better to enjoy the warmth of Christmas than at Ardtara Country House. This Victorian country house is dressed for the season with roaring fires, twinkling lights and timeless charm. Gather with loved ones for a festive lunch, an elegant dinner or a traditional afternoon tea, each thoughtfully created to celebrate this special time.
Festive Afternoon Tea from December 5th from Wednesday to Saturday each week from 12.30 to 3.30. Price: £39.95 per person. www.ardtara.com
You can use Ireland’s Blue Book Vouchers for all of the above experiences and as they never go out of date they make a wonderful Christmas present too. To purchase go to www.irelands-blue-book.ie
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