Afternoon Tea in Killarney: 15 Best Luxury Experiences [2024]
If you want to try afternoon tea Killarney has so many options to choose from.
Afternoon tea is a great way to relax and try lots of delicious treats after a long day of exploring Ireland’s many tourist attractions.
Ireland is renowned for its hospitality and food quality so you know an Irish afternoon tea in Killarney is going to be good!
Ger and I loved trying out all the delicious food after exploring Killarney and the local attractions. I have a bit of a sweet tooth so was keen to see what sweet treats an afternoon tea in Killarney would offer.
Being half English I am well versed with afternoon tea but I heard an afternoon tea in Killarney would make English food pale in comparison! (my taste buds got very excited O_O)
With an array of Irish savoury snacks and sweet treats, afternoon tea is something well worth experiencing when visiting Ireland.
In this blog post, we will share some of our favourite Afternoon Tea spots in Killarney, pictures of the food and things to do in the surrounding area.
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Side Note: Here Are Some Amazing Tours You Can Do In Killarney!
Best Afternoon Tea Killarney has to Offer!
1. The Brehon
8. The Europe Hotel and Resort
9. Cahernane House Hotel Killarney
Afternoon Tea Experiences Near Killarney
11. Ard Na Sidhe Country House Hotel
15. Sneem Hotel
Local Attractions
About Afternoon Tea in Killarney
Just in case you are curious or are new to this concept of afternoon tea…
Afternoon Tea is a tradition that originated in England when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedfordshire couldn’t wait for dinner to be served at 7 pm and ordered her servants to bring her tea and light food in the afternoon when she got peckish (note – hungry like bird).
It became a tradition when she started inviting other aristocrats for afternoon tea and even introduced the concept to Queen Victoria.
An Irish afternoon tea typically consists of a range of teas or coffees to choose from along with a three-tiered tray of sandwiches and sweet treats.
The first layer consists of sandwiches, the second layer typically has a scone or cake, and the third layer has a few little desserts!
As a child, I used to host tea parties pouring out imaginary cups of tea for my family.
Now I get to drag Ger along to fancy hotels where we can enjoy real cups of tea and delicious treats.
Ger says he’s not interested in acting like the Queen of England but I know the Irishman can’t resist a good cup of tea and freshly baked scones!
How To Dress For Afternoon Tea
Many hotels in Killarney offer afternoon tea and are quite easygoing when it comes to dress codes, but ‘smart casual’ is the best way to dress for afternoon tea.
For men, this would include smart trousers and shoes with a shirt. For women, this would include a classic dress style such as a midi or knee-length dress.
Ger and I would love to have plopped down beside the open fire with our hiking gear on, but dressing up and acting like royalty really does add to the experience of afternoon tea.
Best Afternoon Tea Killarney
1. The Brehon
The Brehon is a luxury hotel located on Muckross Road in Killarney. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, amazing dining experiences and a spa. We also heard that the Brehon has the best afternoon tea in Killarney!
The Brehon is named after the old Irish Brehon Laws and one of the laws was that you must show hospitality to anyone who steps through your door.
If you’re looking for an amazing afternoon tea Brehon Hotel Killarney is hard to beat. We were blown away by the experience from the moment we walked into the lobby.
When you book afternoon tea in the Brehon, you can choose between sitting in the lobby with the open fire or the mezzanine with views of Killarney National Park.
We chose to stay in the lobby as the atmosphere with the open fires and live piano music was amazing.
We got to warm up by the open fire in the lobby as we waited for our reservation time to come around.
As we sipped on our tea and drooled over the menu, the most amazing trays of food appeared.
The hummus and red pepper sandwiches were my favourite!
Ger couldn’t get over how fresh the scones were. He even asked for extra after we finished the last dessert tray!
The food was amazing and the staff were great, especially when we asked for more tea (and scones!).
If you want to experience afternoon tea the Brehon Killarney is a great place to try it.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Muckross Road |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parkingLarge, free car park between the Brehon and the Gleneagle Hotel |
| Operating Hours | 2 pm to 5 pm daily |
| Price: | €32 per personCan add a snipe of prosecco for €8 per person.Booking deposit of €10 per person |
| Features: | On Sundays, the hotel’s resident pianist plays in the hotel lobby while you enjoy your afternoon tea. |
2. Killarney Royal Hotel
The Killarney Royal Hotel is a 4-star luxury hotel in the heart of Killarney. It is within walking distance of the bus station, train station and many of the best bars and restaurants.
It is a family-run hotel that provides great service and amazing food.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | College Street |
| Car Park: | Complimentary offsite parking at sister hotel (Great Southern) for residents.There are many public car parks close to the hotel for non-residents as well. |
| Operating Hours | 1 pm to 4 pm daily |
| Price: | €30 per personCan add a glass of prosecco for €7 per person.€15 per child. |
3. Muckross Park Hotel
The Muckross Park Hotel and Spa is a 5-star hotel in Muckross just 4km from the town centre.
The hotel is nestled within the Killarney National Park and just minutes from Muckross House and Gardens.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Dromyrourk |
| Car Park: | Large on-site car park |
| Operating Hours: | Daily with two sittings: 1 pm or 3 pm |
| Price: | €42 per person |
4. Great Southern Killarney
If you’re looking for the popular afternoon tea Malton Hotel Killarney offers, it might be hard to find. The Malton was originally called The Great Southern Hotel, built in 1854 by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company.
The name changed to The Malton in 2009 but the old name was reinstated in 2018.
The name may have changed but the deluxe Victorian hotel still provides one of the fanciest afternoon tea experiences in Killarney!
It is situated right next to the train station and ‘The Outlet Centre’, Killarneys shopping centre.
This 5-star hotel is a great location to immerse yourself in luxury, afternoon tea is even served in a Victorian Drawing Room.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Town Centre, Avenue |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parking.You just need to give your car registration number at reception. |
| Operating Hours: | Wednesday to Sunday, 1 pm to 3 pm |
| Price: | €38 per person€48 per person for Sparkling Afternoon Tea |
5. Aghadoe Heights
This 5-star hotel and spa is in the perfect location to unwind, admire the surrounding landscape and experience an amazing Killarney afternoon tea.
The hotel overlooks the Lakes of Killarney and offers stunning views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Lakes of Killarney, Parkavonear |
| Car Park: | Complementary parking on site.Valet parking and porterage also offered. |
| Operating Hours: | Saturday and Sunday, 1 pm to 3 pm |
| Price: | €45 per person (pre-booking required) |
6. Lake Hotel Killarney
The Lake Hotel Killarney is an Irish family-run hotel. Ms. Hilda Huggard became the proprietor of the Lake Hotel in 1940 and it has been in the family ever since.
This stunning lakeside location is a great place to experience Irish hospitality and luxury.
The Lake Hotel Killarney afternoon tea offers some of the most interesting foods like ‘Tian of Crab and Smoked Salmon’ sandwiches along with some delicious desserts for only €30 per person!
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Lake Shore, Muckross Road |
| Car Park: | Free parking along with car charging ports |
| Operating Hours: | Advanced booking is required and subject to availability. |
| Price: | Afternoon Tea for two: €60€15 to add a snipe of prosecco (two glasses per snipe) |
7. Killarney Park Hotel
The Killarney Park Hotel is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Killarney town.
If you want a luxurious experience in the town, then the afternoon tea Killarney Park Hotel provides in the Peregrine Restaurant is a great option.
If you decide to stay at the Killarney Park Hotel, everything you need is right on your doorstep; shops, bars, restaurants and public transport.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Town Centre, East Avenue |
| Car Park: | Complementary on-site parking. |
| Operating Hours: | Afternoon Tea is served on the first two Sundays of the Month from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. |
| Price: | Classic Afternoon Tea €45 per personProsecco Afternoon Tea €58 per personChampagne Afternoon Tea €65 per person |
8. The Europe Hotel and Resort
The Europe is often considered Killarney’s fanciest hotel. It has an amazing spa with views of the lake along with some of the best dining experiences in Killarney.
Ger and I had dinner in the Brasserie one night, the food and service was amazing.
Unfortunately, at the Hotel Europe Killarney afternoon tea is not on the menu.
While they don’t provide an official Afternoon Tea you could order tea, snacks and sweet treats from the Lounge to create your very own Afternoon Tea.
You could even order champagne or prosecco from the bar to make it a Sparkling Afternoon Tea!
Despite not offering afternoon tea Europe Hotel Killarney had to be included on our list as it still provides one of the top luxury experiences in Kerry.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Fossa, Killarney |
| Car Park: | Free parking on-site |
| Operating Hours: | Ask at reception for the Lounge or Bar operating hours |
| Price: | Price will vary depending on what you order |
9. Cahernane House Hotel Killarney
The Cahernane House Hotel is situated on its own private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park.
The Hotel offers amazing views of the gardens and surrounding woodlands. It is a great location to relax and unwind.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Muckross Road, Cahernane |
| Car Park: | Private on-site parking available |
| Operating Hours: | Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm |
| Price: | €36.50 per personWith Prosecco €46.50 per person |
10. The Victoria Killarney
The Victoria is a 4-star contemporary boutique hotel on Muckross Road in Killarney.
The hotel’s location makes it a great base for exploring the beautiful Killarney National Park.
You can enjoy cocktails in the Ivy Lounge or a luxurious Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Muckross Road, Poulnamuck |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parking |
| Operating Hours: | 2 pm to 5 pm daily |
| Price: | €30 per personAdd a glass of champagne for €10 per person |
Afternoon Tea Experiences Near Killarney
11. Ard Na Sidhe Country House Hotel (Killorglin)
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Caragh Lake, Killorglin |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parking |
| Operating Hours: | 1 pm to 4 pm daily |
| Price: | €35 per personChampagne Afternoon Tea €45 per person |
12. Ballyseede Castle Hotel (Tralee)
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Ballyseede, Tralee |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parking |
| Operating Hours: | 1 pm to 4 pm daily |
| Price: | €32.50 per personAdd a glass of prosecco for €8 per person |
13. Sheen Falls Lodge (Kenmare)
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Kenmare Old, Kenmare |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parking |
| Operating Hours: | 2 pm to 5 pm daily |
| Price: | €36.00 per personChampagne Afternoon Tea €59 per personProsecco Afternoon Tea €51.50 per personGin Afternoon Tea €48.00 per person |
14. Park Hotel Kenmare (Kenmare)
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Shelbourne Street, Kenmare |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parking |
| Operating Hours: | Saturday and Sunday 1.30 pm and 3 pm |
| Price: | €65.00 per person |
15. Sneem Hotel (Sneem)
Here’s what you need to know:
| Location: | Goldens Cove, Drimna Beg |
| Car Park: | Free on-site parking |
| Operating Hours: | 12 noon to 5 pm daily |
| Price: | €36 per person |
Local Attractions
Visit Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is one of the most amazing places to visit in Ireland.
The National Park contains Torc Mountain, Muckross House, the famous Lakes of Killarney and many more spectacular sites.
We love exploring Killarney National Park! There is so much to see and do around the park.
Drive Around The Ring Of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular driving routes in Ireland for good reason!
We were blown away by the beautiful scenery around Kerry.
The ring takes you through towns such as Killarney and Kenmare, over mountain passes, through valleys and along Kerry’s Atlantic coastline.
The views along this route are hard to beat. Ger and I have travelled around the Ring of Kerry a few times and we will probably do it again!
Explore The Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is not far off the ring of Kerry regarding its beauty. The fishing town of Dingle and the scenery around the Peninsula is amazing.
If you head west along the Slea Head Drive you will get the chance to see some amazing sites such as Dunquinn and Skellig Michael.
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FAQs About Afternoon Tea Killarney
If you want to know more about Afternoon Tea In Killarney, we’ve got you covered!
In the following section, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.
What Is The Best Time To Book Afternoon Tea?
4 pm is often cited as the best time for afternoon tea. People normally have afternoon tea between 3 pm and 5 pm but most hotels take bookings between 12 noon and 5 pm so you can pick a time that suits you. Just remember, it’s necessary to book in advance for most places.
What’s The Difference Between Afternoon Tea And Royal Tea?
Royal Tea is a fancier version of Afternoon Tea. Royal Tea is mostly the same as Afternoon Tea as it includes savoury sandwiches and sweet treats. However, the difference is that you also get an alcoholic beverage. Normally the alcoholic drink is champagne or prosecco but sometimes people choose to add gin instead.
Do You Dress Up For Afternoon Tea?
If you’re wondering how to dress for afternoon tea, most Afternoon Tea venues have a relaxed smart casual dress code. There are several different ways to dress for Afternoon Tea. Men could wear smart trousers and shoes with a shirt. Women could opt for a classic dress style like a knee-length or midi dress.
What Is Sparkling Afternoon Tea?
When a glass of prosecco, cava or sparkling wine is added to Afternoon Tea it is sometimes known as ‘Sparkling Afternoon Tea’. This is also known as ‘Royal Tea’ or ‘Champagne Tea’. You still get the same afternoon tea treats such as sandwiches, scones and desserts but just with an added alcoholic beverage.
So there you have it, our experience with Afternoon Tea in Killarney and some other options for you to choose from!
Now that you know the best places to go for Afternoon Tea in Killarney, what’s stopping you from enjoying an amazing evening filled with tasty food, lovely Irish hospitality and all-around fun?
Killarney has so much to see and do making it a great place to explore before settling in for a luxurious afternoon tea.
In this list, there are options for afternoon tea with views across the lakes of Killarney or beside a cosy open fire in a 5-star hotel. The choice is yours!
If you want to find out more about things to see and do in Ireland then check out the articles below.
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