Catching up with friends and family over a beautiful Afternoon Tea is a long-held tradition and one we are more than happy to partake in! Galway is home to a number of our favourite afternoon tea experiences so read on to learn more about our top picks!
Afternoon Tea: an idyllic three tier cake plate, perfectly layered with both sweet and savoury light bites. While afternoon tea is typically served with tea and coffee, opt to make it a special occasion, by adding prosecco or gin! It’s truly one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon so if you want some tried and tested recommendations, you’ve come to the right place..
How did Afternoon Tea begin? Well, the story is that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, complained of “having that sinking feeling” between lunch and dinner. She asked for a tray of tea, bread and butter and a selection of small cakes. This quickly became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her for the occasion. Before long it caught on with upper class and society women, and it is still a loved dining experience to this day!
above: The Hardiman
The Hardiman
Price: €35 pp // €44 pp with Prosecco (€2 from every Afternoon Tea will be donated to The Galway Sick Kids Foundation.) // €18 per child
When: Served daily, 1pm to 4.30pm
An occasion of indulgence, afternoon tea is a time-honoured tradition at The Hardiman Hotel, one that has been enjoyed by its guests for over 170 years. The experience gives all attending the chance to take a moment out of their day and catch up with friends or family in charming surroundings. On the weekends, Afternoon Tea at the Hardiman is accompanied with music by the resident piano player, Allison Slattery.
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Eyre Square
above: The Galmont Hotel
The Galmont Hotel
Price: €35 pp // €42 pp with Prosecco
When: Served Thursday to Sunday, 2.30pm to 5pm
Afternoon Tea at The Galmont has established itself as one of Galway’s must do experiences and we strongly agree! Their afternoon tea menu changes with the seasons, as they always feature the finest local ingredients in both their sweet and savoury offerings. To complete your experience, Afternoon Tea at The Galmont is beautifully complemented by the stunning backdrop of the hotel’s bar with views of the skies over Lough Atalia.
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Lough Atalia Road
above: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
Lough Rea Hotel & Spa
Price: €32 pp // €39 pp with Prosecco // €17.50 per child
When: Served daily, 12.30pm to 4.30pm
What makes an Afternoon Tea at Lough Rea Hotel & Spa so great? Is it the stunning panoramic views of Loughrea Lake and the mountains beyond, the sumptuous finger sandwiches and delightful pastries or simply the company you are with? We firmly believe that is all of the above! The team here believe that it is an experience that is for everyone which is why you’ll find Afternoon Tea menus dedicated to boys and girls as well as a gluten free option too.
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Lough Rea Hotel & Spa, Athenry Road, Loughrea
above: The Connacht Hotel
The Connacht Hotel
Price: €28pp // €37 pp with Prosecco // €37 pp with Gin // €80 per family // €15 per child
When: Served daily, 1.30pm to 4.30pm
If you, like us, enjoy a good cup of tea, snacks and a chat, then Afternoon Tea at The Connacht Hotel is exactly what the doctor ordered! You certainly won’t go hungry as you tuck into their delectable range of homemade scones with fresh cream and jams. Their afternoon tea also features gourmet finger sandwiches, miniature cakes, all served with tea and coffee. Alternatively, you can add some bubbles or gin to your experience to make it extra special.
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Old Dublin Road
above: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate
Price: €45 pp // €70 pp with Champagne // €25 per child
When: Served daily, 1pm to 4pm
An elegant sanctuary from day-to-day life, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate’s Afternoon Tea provides a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Glenlo’s kitchen team creates spectacular seasonal assortments for their afternoon tea experiences and the results are always dazzling. Served in the magical surroundings of The River Room, Afternoon Tea at Glenlo invites you to sit back and enjoy an indulgent and memorable afternoon with your loved ones.
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Bushypark
above: Galway Bay Hotel
Galway Bay Hotel
Price: €29 pp // €6 extra to add a glass of bubbly
A truly unique afternoon tea experience can be enjoyed at Galway Bay Hotel. Offering breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Clare Hills beyond, it provides the perfect setting for unwinding while treating yourself to an opulent feast of fresh scones, pastries, finger cut sandwiches and desserts. The perfect addition to a day in Salthill, we highly recommend this experience whether you are catching up with friends or treating a loved one to an afternoon out.
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Salthill Road Lower, Upper Salthill
above: The Ardilaun Hotel
The Ardilaun Hotel
Price: €45 for two // €65 for two with Prosecco
When: Served daily, 2pm to 4.30pm
Tradition, hospitality and old world charm are synonymous with the luxurious Ardilaun Hotel, and for years now they have been known for their exceptionally delightful afternoon tea experience. Through their afternoon tea, The Ardilaun Hotel’s creative culinary team offer a sumptuous selection of sweet and savoury delights. If the weather allows, we highly recommend opting to enjoy yours in their beautiful gardens, which are an oasis away from the busyness of Galway city.
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Taylor's Hill Road
above: photo courtesy of Oranmore Lodge Hotel
Oranmore Lodge Hotel
Price: €26 pp or €49 for two // €32 pp or €59 for two with Prosecco // €32 pp or €59 for two with Gin
When: Served daily, 2.30pm to 5pm
There isn’t a sweeter way to spend an afternoon than by enjoying an Afternoon Tea party at Oranmore Lodge Hotel. It is the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and be spoiled with tiers of culinary delights. Featuring a range of tantalising treats, afternoon tea gives its attendees the chance to dine their way through the afternoon and enjoy a feeling of reset after a hectic week. Take a bit of tea-time for yourself and get your table reserved today!
Book your afternoon tea here
Address: Oranmore
Feature photo courtesy of The Hardiman.
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