15 Afternoon Tea In Donegal Spots With Tasty Treats!

Afternoon Tea Donegal, after a long and tiring day, is certainly the perfect way to spend an afternoon! 

If you’re looking for a delicious treat to enjoy in the company of friends or family, then look no further.

In this blog post, we’ll discover the best 15 spots for afternoon tea in Donegal that will tantalise your taste buds.

So sit back, relax, and let us guide you to the best afternoon teas that Donegal has to offer!

Here in this list you will discover both budget-friendly places as well as luxurious spots where you can enjoy your afternoon tea in Donegal. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make.

Though, if we have to choose our favorites spots, it would be these two:

The Best Place For Afternoon Tea In Donegal : Silver Tassie Hotel

15 Best places for Afternoon Tea Donegal

Budget Friendly Places For Afternoon Tea In Donegal:

1.The Salty Fox

2. Aroma Coffee & Mini Bakery

3. The Weaver Loft Bistro

4. The Blueberry Tea Room

5. Blas, The Gateway Lodge

6. Salthill Cabin

7. The Hatter Tea Room

8. The Quiet Moment Tearoom

9. Tank & Skinny’s Seaside

Luxury Places For Afternoon Tea In Donegal: 

10. Central Hotel Donegal

11. Lough Eske Castle

12. Harvey Point

13. Castle Grove Hotel

14. Silver Tassie Hotel

15. Redcastle Hotel

Affiliate Link Disclosure
The links on this page may be affiliate links, from which I earn a small commission if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA COST to you. I hope you find the information here useful. Thanks!

Related Posts

• Best 11 Spots For Diving Donegal
• 15 Best Spots For Camping In Donegal
• Easy Guide For Slieve League Walk | Perfect For Beginner
• Explore 23 Best Beaches In Donegal
• 35 Epic Best Things To Do In Donegal

15 Best Places For Afternoon Tea In Donegal 

After a long, tea-riffic day, here are some of the best places where you can enjoy your best afternoon tea Donegal. 

We have separated our list of the best afternoon tea in Donegal for those who are on a budget as well as for those who prefer to indulge in a luxurious setting.

So, indulge yourself in a good afternoon tea!

Budget Friendly Places For Afternoon Tea In Donegal

If you’re a tea lover and are travelling on a budget, then you will certainly enjoy these spots as they are some of the most budget-friendly afternoon tea Donegal town. 

So, let’s get this par-tea started!

1.The Salty Fox

Located just meters from Tullan Strand Beach in Bundoran on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way,  this award-winning, family-run cafe, and coffee shop is certainly a great spot to have your afternoon tea.

Enjoy your afternoon tea here as they serve fresh, homemade food in a family-friendly environment, serving the local community and tourists alike with Donegal’s warm hospitality.

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Tullan Strand
Carpark:	Limited parking
Operating Hours:	Monday – Tuesday: ClosedWednesday – Sunday:    Open  9:30am–4pm
Features:	Popular amongst families  Must try scones and homemade yogurt bread Use Award-winning Solaris Herbal Teas Nearby Bundoran adventure parks & Fairy bridges

2. Aroma Coffee & Mini Bakery

Here’s another award-winning restaurant that you should go to for your afternoon tea.

Winner of the Irish Restaurant Awards’ Best Cafe in Donegal back in 2016, Aroma Coffee & Mini Bakery prepares and bakes everything daily using only the finest, premium-quality ingredients.

Their made-to-order pasta dishes (some are vegetarian-friendly dishes), salads, and sandwiches combined with savoury cakes and pastries make this cafe a hidden culinary gem for locals and tourists!

Additionally, this cafe is certainly worth a visit as they also have outdoor seating and serve a pot of tea per person (that’s great news for fellow tea addicts!) 

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Donegal Town
Carpark:	Limited parking
Operating Hours:	Monday to Saturday: Open 9:30 am – 5:30 pmSunday: Closed
Features:	Nice outdoor seating Has delicious vegetarian dishes Nearby Donegal craft village

3. The Weaver Loft bistro

If you are in Magee, County Donegal, be sure to look for a bistro by the name of “The Weavers Loft Bistro”. 

Here’s why this bistro is on the list as one of the best places for afternoon tea in Donegal is because they serve daily dishes from their breakfast, lunch, and dessert menus, all freshly prepared in-house.

For the afternoon menu, you can choose between savory sandwiches, freshly baked scones, or even Magee Wheaten Bread (a local favorite!), and pair it with either a pot of traditional Irish tea or herbal tea.

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Milltown
Carpark:	Limited parking
Operating Hour:	Monday to Saturday: Open 10:00am – 5:00pmSunday : Closed
Features:	Friendly service Delicious shepherd’s pies and scones to try! Nearby Donegal craft village

4. The Blueberry Tea Room

If you’re looking for a place that offers an afternoon tea menu within Donegal Town Centre, then be sure to visit The Blueberry Tearooms and Restaurant. 

A family-owned restaurant that has been serving fresh breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts for locals and tourists since 1993.

Once you are done sightseeing within Donegal Town’s attractions, there’s a varie-tea of Irish cuisine you can indulge in.

From delicious potato soup and steak sandwiches to chocolate steamed pudding, assorted pies, and fruit scones (which are a few of the restaurant’s specialties). 

Fellow guests may also choose to enjoy their meal with a delicious pot of Irish tea, herbal tea, latte, or hot chocolate.

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Diamond
Carpark:	No parking
Operating Hours:	Monday to Saturday: Open 9:00 am – 6:00 pmSunday: Closed
Features:	Friendly staff Serves Irish and vegetarian dishes Nearby Donegal Town Centre & Donegal Castle

5. Blas The Gateway Lodge

Looking for a highly accessible spot within Donegal Town Centre for your afternoon tea?

This Gaelic bistro, Blas, which is nestled in the 3-star The Gateway Lodge, is a great spot to dine as it is  just a few minutes’ walk away from 15th-century Donegal Castle and the Donegal Bay Waterbus.

Thanks to its great location, this award-winning restaurant is easily accessible for everyone, even during rush hours, as they have plenty of parking space, making

Based on most reviews, many praised the staff of Gateway Lodge for their friendly hospitality. 

Another great thing about this place is that they offer a variety of herbal teas such as Berrys Tea, Peppermint Tea, Green Tea, Camomile Tea, and Earl Grey Tea.

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Donegal Town Centre
Carpark:	Yes
Operating Hour:	Monday to Saturday: Open 9:00 am – 6:00 pmSunday: Closed
Features:	Award-winner for “Best Restaurant in Donegal” in 2017 Easy access to parking Walking distance to Donegal town main attractions

6. Salthill Cabin

Perhaps you are looking for a family-friendly place for your afternoon tea in Donegal? 

If yes, then you ought to visit The Salthill Cabin as this family-run cafe is truly one of Donegal’s best-kept secrets for a unique afternoon tea spot.

Located just near the Mountcharles Pier, this quaint little cabin attracts guests from all parts of the world as you get to enjoy stunning coastal views while sipping on a nice warm Irish tea, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The Salthill cabin is also a great place to dine with family as they serve delicious scones and buns that are baked daily. 

On top of that, this cabin also has a small animal farm nearby for young kids to explore and is located near Salthill Botanical Garden, making it one of the best family-friendly afternoon tea spots in Donegal!

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Mountcharles Pier
Carpark:	Yes
Operating Hours:	Monday to Thursday: Open 10:00 am – 6:00 pmFriday to Sunday: Open 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Features:	Indoor and outdoor seating Best coastal view Has a small animal farm Nearby Salthill Botanic Garden Park

7. The Hatter Tea Room

Here’s another great spot for a quiet afternoon tea in Donegal; visit The Hatter Tea Room as you will be greeted by friendly staff at this place and have a warm, cozy ambiance to spend your afternoon. 

Be sure to try The Hatter’s special bagel as most guests remarked that it is one of the tastiest bagels that they had! 

On top of that, they also serve traditional Irish tea, which was pleasant. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Stranorlar
Carpark:	Yes, plenty
Operating Hour:	Monday to Thursday: Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pmFriday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pmSunday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Features:	Variety of desserts and pastries Serve traditional Irish tea Nearby Ballybofey Stranorlar Golf Club

8. The Quiet Moment Tearoom

The Quiet Moment Tearoom is another great spot to enjoy your afternoon tea with your loved one as they offer a varie-tea of Irish cuisine, including waffles, and apple tarts that pair perfectly with a pot of traditional Irish tea. 

Moreover, this cafe is also located near a few family-friendly attractions such as Tropical World Zoo and the adventurous Arena 7 Entertainment Complex, so it is a great spot to dine after a long day of fun with your kids!

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Letterkenny
Carpark:	No Parking
Operating Hours:	Monday to Thursday: Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pmFriday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pmSunday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Features:	Variety of desserts and pastries Serve traditional Irish tea Nearby Tropical World Zoo and Arena 7 Entertainment Complex

9. Tank & Skinny’s Seaside

Are you traveling to Buncrana? Then be sure to stop by Tank & Skinny’s Seaside, a humble yet dazzling spot to enjoy your afternoon tea.

This cafe is located just minutes away from Buncrana Pier, so you get to see the coastal view from the pier and sip those warm teas. In fact, they offer several options for pastries and pizza to enjoy.

On top of that, here are a few of the herbal tea options that they serve, such as Red Berry Tea, Earl Grey Tea, Blue Flower Tea, Green Tea, and Apple Mint Tea. (Of course, not to forget their infamous Irish Tea too!)

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Buncrana
Carpark:	Yes, available
Operating Hour:	Open Daily: 9 am – 5 pm
Features:	Has the infamous seaweed bath Nearby Buncrana Pier & Inishowen Gateway

Luxury Places For Afternoon Tea In Donegal

If you prefer to enjoy your afternoon tea traditionally (i.e. a luxurious tea-lightful experience just like the late 7th Duchess of Bedford, Anna Russel), then get ready to spend those euros for goods as these places will spoil you for a pleasant culinary experience! 

Do note that most of the afternoon tea sessions require pre-booking in advance.

 Additionally, some of the prices may be charged per person or two, depending on the season!

10. Central Hotel Donegal

If you are looking for comfortable accommodation in Donegal Town that serves afternoon tea, then this 3-star hotel is the place for you. 

The Central Hotel‘s Afternoon Tea is a must-try experience in Donegal Town, thanks to their carefully selected, locally sourced delicacies such as freshly cooked sandwiches, buttermilk scones, different small pastries, smoked Irish salmon on brown bread, and much more.

For the best deals, do stay a night here as you will get complimentary afternoon tea upon arrival!

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Donegal Town Centre
Carpark:	Yes, available
Operating Hour:	1:00 pm – 4:00 pm(Daily)
Pre-booking:	Yes
Price:	€19.95 ($19) per person
Features:	Variety of great facilities Delicious fine dining dishes Serve premier dishes (i.e venison, quail, trout)

11. Lough Eske Castle

Indulge yourself with the best tea Ireland in this 17th-century castle on the shores of Lough Eske. Plus, this upscale, 5-star castle is only 5.9 km away from Donegal Town Centre.

One of the best parts about having a luxurious afternoon tea is that you get to  enjoy your tea in their grand lobby lounge or in one of the charming private drawing rooms, along with a plethora of biscuits, choux buns, and premium sandwiches to fill your appetite.

They also serve a wide selection of teas, from Black Irish Tea, Herbal Tea, Oolong Tea, and perhaps some white tea Ireland that you could try!

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Lough Eske
Carpark:	Yes, available
Operating Hour:	Monday to Thursday: Open 9:00 am – 4:00 pmFriday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pmSunday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pre-booking:	Yes
Price:	€26 ($26) per person
Features:	Variety of great facilities Delicious 5-star fine dining dishes Serve premier dishes (i.e venison, quail, trout)

12. Harvey Point

Here’s another great spot in Donegal that will blow your mind!

Steep away in this extravagant hotel restaurant called Harvey Point, which is nestled near the shoreline of Lake Lough Eske for the perfect afternoon tea getaway.

However, do note that the afternoon tea set is only available on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so pre-booking is required prior to your visit. 

If you are a tea connoisseur, then you will surely enjoy their tea menu as they serve Organic & Herbal Infusions Teas, Classic Irish Teas, as well as specialty teas such as Almond Flavoured Decaf Tea. (OOoo Decaf tea!)

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Lough Eske
Carpark:	Yes, available
Operating Hour:	Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: 1 pm- 3 pm Saturday: 1 pm -2 pm
Pre-booking:	Yes
Price:	€29 ($29) per person
Features:	Variety of great facilities: horse riding, whirlpool tubs Nearby Ardnamona Woods Serve premier dishes (i.e venison, quail, trout)

13. Castle Grove Hotel

After oolong day in Donegal, you can end your day in one of the most magnificent castle hotels in the country, specifically Castle Grove. 

This 200-acre estate near Lough Swilly exudes its historical charm with breathtaking landscapes. 

You can choose from freshly brewed traditional tea Ireland, Bewley’s coffee, or herbal tea alternatives. 

All of these will be served in fine bone china cups and saucers, along with homemade fresh scones, honey-glazed ham, and cheese, or even smoked Donegal salmon.

Do note that the afternoon tea set is only available on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, so pre-booking is required prior to your visit. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Ardglass
Carpark:	Yes, available
Operating Hour:	Wednesday, Friday & Sunday: 1 pm- 3 pm Saturday:  1 pm – 2 pm
Pre-booking:	Yes
Price:	€18 ($18) per person.
Features:	Nearby Letterkenny Golf Club & Tropical World Nearby Silver Tassie Hotel

14. Silver Tassie Hotel

This is one of the best luxurious spots for your afternoon tea in Donegal.

The Silver Tassie Hotel & Spa is a family-owned 4-star hotel that has won a lot of awards. It is less than 10 minutes away from the center of Letterkenny. With over 36 themed rooms to choose from, it’s no surprise that this hotel won its awards.

Additionally, one of the main attractions of Silver Tassie is their in-house spa that specializes in Donegal seaweed baths. 

This bath can be enjoyed individually or together as a couple as it helps to rejuvenate your skin and body. 

After you’ve enjoyed the seaweed bath, be sure to try their traditional afternoon tea, which is available in their conservatory room. One of the things we do like about this place is that they also offer a gluten-free menu for afternoon tea, as well as an attractive price! 

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Letterkenny
Carpark:	Yes, available
Operating Hour:	Monday – Friday: 2 pm – 5 pm
Pre-booking:	Yes
Price:	€22.95 ($22.95) for 2 to share. (Great deal!)
Features:	Has the infamous seaweed bath Nearby Letterkenny Golf Club & Tropical World

15. Redcastle Hotel

Finally, our final luxurious spot to spend an afternoon tea in Donegal is The Redcastle Hotel, an upscale golf resort, and spa near the shore of Lough Foyle, Inishowen. 

They have a modern farm-to-table restaurant along with family-friendly facilities such as an indoor pool and a leisure center that features a sauna, a full-service spa, a hot tub, and a 9-hole golf course (fee). 

It is also nearby Leisureland Redcastle, one of Donegal’s best indoor amusement parks for kids.

The Redcastle Hotel offers a unique afternoon tea experience where you can enjoy small, soft sandwiches filled with tasty treats, freshly baked scones, flaky pastries oozing with cream, and, of course, a nice pot of tea with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Here’s what you need to know:

Location:	Inishowen
Carpark:	Yes, available
Operating Hour:	Daily 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Pre-Booking:	Yes
Price:	€25 ( $25 ) per person
Features:	Nearby Leisureland Redcastle Coastal views for afternoon tea

All You Need To Know About Irish Tea

Firstly, do you know how much tea do the Irish drink on average?

Well, would you be surprised to know that an Irish person can easily drink four to six cups of tea a day, which explains why they are the world’s second-biggest tea drinkers after the Turkish people!

Plus, there have been so many medical benefits from drinking tea, which is partly why tea gifts Ireland  are relatively popular! 

In fact, there’s even an ongoing civil war between tea drinkers of Lyon Tea & Barry Tea as to who is the true king of Irish Tea! Don’t believe me? 

Take a look at our last adventure in Vietnam, Ger was willing to sacrifice his pair of clothes over tea bags of Barrys (a true fana-tea!). So, you get the picture of how much love the Irish have for their tea. 

So, what exactly is Irish Tea? 

Well, Irish Tea (also popularly known as Irish breakfast tea) usually comprises several black teas, typically a combination of Assam teas and Ceylon teas, which partly explains why Irish Tea has a distinct rich red color with unique malty flavor.

Steps To Make The Perfect Irish Tea

Want to impress Irish locals? Surprise them with the proper way to serve Irish tea. It’s actually quite simple to make Irish tea:

1. Boil the water using a kettle or on the stovetop. (Do not ever microwave the bloody water, god forbid! Not only will you anger the Irish locals, but their ancestors too!)

2. Add a tea bag into the teapot (rule of thumb: one tea bag per person), and add the boiled water.

3. Steep the tea bags for 3-5 minutes (pro tip: don’t steep for more than 5 minutes, or else you’ll end up with a very bitter tea, yuck!) 

4: Add ⅓ of milk or cream into the tea cup first.

5. Pour the blended tea into the teacup, and you can add sugar/honey to your liking. 

There you go! Now you already know how to make the perfect Irish tea (easy, isn’t it?)

Interesting Afternoon Tea Etiquette 

Sipping a cuppa tea is part of Ireland’s local tradition, so it’s important to know that they have 3 official tea times (though you can still enjoy your tea at any time of day!):

• Elevenses: Served between 11:00 am
• Afternoon Tea: Served between 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• High Tea: Served at 6:00 pm

So, why afternoon tea? 

Historically, this tradition began with Anna, the late Duchess of Bedfordshire, who often requested afternoon tea as the Duchess would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon. These daily requests from her subsequently became a part of worldwide tea culture till today!

In fact, afternoon tea is often regarded as a luxurious activity amongst the upper class. So, if you enjoy some fine luxury in life, then an afternoon tea session should certainly be in your plan for the day.

Here are the 5 grand commandments of Irish tea etiquette that you ought to know (especially if you are in Donegal or any other part of Ireland).

• If you’re a host, you should offer tea to guests. (It’s customary in Irish tradition).

• If you’re not staying alone, don’t hog all of the tea by yourself. Spread the love to others and make the tea in a proper teapot, especially if you are living with a fellow Irish person. (It’s one of the easiest ways to make an Irish lad/lass smile.) 

• Do not press the tea bag (ever!) because you will ruin the natural flavor of tea by forcing out tannin (a natural plant chemical that leaves a bitter taste)

• Drink the tea, not the tea bag. Once the tea is ready to drink, please take the teabag out and throw it in the bin like a decent human being.

• If the tea is grey, it’s dead. Do not serve a sad, cold grey tea to your guest  cause even the Gaelic ancestor will curse upon you! (Grey=old tea) . Good tea should be bright, vibrant, warm, and welcoming!

FAQs

What Can You Try In Silver Tassie For Afternoon Tea?

If you are in Silver Tassie, then you must certainly try their afternoon tea menu as well as dessert, as they have a number of delicious cakes, pastries, ice creams, and, of course, not to forget some good old Irish soda bread. If you’re looking for something a bit more fulfilling, do try the Irish stew. It will certainly leave your taste buds teasing for more sips of the stew with its chunks of tender, juicy lamb pieces, which you can dip with your soda bread.

Where Can You Go For Spa and Afternoon Tea In Donegal?

If you’re looking for the perfect place to have a pampering spa session and enjoy a peaceful afternoon tea in Donegal, then you must certainly visit the Red Castle Hotel near Inishowen as they have a 30-minute spa treatment where you can choose between a calming Hydrotherapy Bath or a steamy Mud Rasul Chamber, which will rejuvenate your delicate skin, after which you can later enjoy a classy afternoon tea overlooking the shores of Lough Foyle.

Where Is The Best Place For Afternoon Tea In Castle?

If you plan to have a unique afternoon tea in a castle near Donegal, then be sure to check out the 17th-century old Lough Eske Castle as it offers several international cuisines when you dine-in in their in-house restaurant called Cedar.

This recently converted 5-star hotel also has many amazing amenities, such as a hot tub and an indoor pool that is accessible for everyone. T

hey are also kid-friendly and pet-friendly castles, making them one of the best places to stay in Donegal.

Conclusion

That’s it-the 15 best spots for afternoon tea in Donegal. 

With options from magical castles to quaint Irish cafes, there’s a variety of places in Donegal where you can end your day with a nice cup of Irish tea and scrumptious scones.

If you still have a few unplanned days in Donegal, why not check out my extensive list of 35 epic things you can do in Donegal (it covers all sorts of activities that are family-friendly and solo-friendly).

Till then, all the best, and may the road rise up to meet you ( or as the locals would say, “go n-éirí an bóthar leat”). 

Here’s how to pronounce it if you are new to the Gaeilge language) !

Related Posts

• 21 Best Places For Walking In Donegal
• Discover 27 Adventurous Places For Hiking In Donegal
• 15 Amazing Spots Surfing in Donegal
• All You Need To Know About The Secret Waterfall Donegal
• 27 Fun Things To Do In Donegal In The Rain

15 Afternoon Tea In Donegal Spots With Tasty Treats!