8 festive tea parties in Ireland before Christmas: book and enjoy!

If you're looking for a special event to celebrate the New Year or an unusual gift for your loved ones, a holiday tea party is always a good choice. From delicious sandwich cakes to the requisite secon with strawberry cream and jam, the mid-day tea party provides the perfect opportunity to sample the best dishes at the various hotels. Add a glass of champagne, or stick to tea and coffee, and you're guaranteed to have a magical day. Here we've rounded up our top holiday tea party options available across the country.

Fairmont Carton House, County Kildare

As a former playing field for aristocratic guests, it's no surprise that the Holiday Tea Party at Carton House is a truly luxurious event. Held in the Golden Salon, adorned with its gold ceiling, you won't find a more Christmassy atmosphere here. The food is totally inspired by the Christmas season. Expect elegant sandwiches with honey roasted ham and smoked cheese seasoned with Pommery mustard mayo, Dublin smoked salmon with horseradish cream and more. And you'll also be treated to pastries like Secon and Black Forest with cherry confit and pistachio choux and ganache. The Celebration Tea at the Fairmont Hotel, Carton House costs 65 € per guest, including a choice of tea/coffee or a glass of Henriot Brut Souverain Champagne for an additional fee of 20 € per guest. Reservations are available every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The Heritage, Laois County

Lobster and shrimp poboy, coronation egg salad and East Laotian spiced beef tongue are just a few of the unique sandwich fillings at this elegant tipple. Local produce serves as the main ingredients, and sweet treats also include secon with strawberry cream, homemade meat pies, pistachio eclair with matcha tea crisp and whipped cream, and chocolate and coffee opera with blood orange jelly. A tea party at The Heritage starts at 39 € per person, and together with a delicious Prosecco costs 49 €. Be sure to book early as places fill up fast!

Killashee Hotel, County Kildare

Located near Us in County Kildare, Killashee Hotel is the perfect place for a Christmas excursion, if only because of the festive tea party. Inspired by the smells and tastes of Christmas, the tea party includes sandwiches such as roast turkey, cranberry and brie on cranberry and pumpkin-seed rusks, as well as traditional Christmas pudding and desserts such as chestnut scone, caramel and apple macarons, among others. A choice of tea or coffee and a glass of warm specialty spiced wine awaits you. The Holiday Tea at the Killashee Hotel costs €45 per person and will be served from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Dec. 1 to Jan. 8.

The Shelbourne, County Dublin

If you want to fully embrace Christmas, then a tea party at The Shelbourne Hotel is the choice for you. Located in the heart of Dublin, amidst the sparkling Christmas lights and just off Grafton Street, the Festive Tea Party takes place in the majestic setting of the Chief Mayor's Lounge. Expect sandwiches such as lightly salted salmon drizzled with Lakeshore mustard on Guinness bread and cherry tomato and feta on pumpkin bread, as well as warm whey and cranberry secon, and a spicy ginger biscuit. Specialty desserts include Candle, a lemon cream pie covered in Opalis chocolate and sprinkled with coconut glaze, and Bauble, a light Bailey's cheesecake filled with dulce de leche on creamy white chocolate.

Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, County Galway

Welcome to the crackling fireplace and cozy reception room at Knockranny House Hotel & Spa, a festive tea party is sure to lift your spirits in the run-up to Christmas. Treats on offer include chicken and celery remoulade, dried tomato and tapenade sandwiches on sorghum bread, honey ham and fig jam on brioche and more. Desserts include delightful treats such as cranberry secon, gingerbread, plum financiers, blueberry cheesecake and peppermint candy. The Festive Tea Party is available from December 1 to January 6 from 13:30 to 16:30 and costs €26.50 per person, or you can upgrade this experience and opt for the Prosecco Tea Party, priced from €34.50 per person.

Johnstown Estate, County Meath

Only 35 minutes from Dublin, a Festive Tea Party at Johnstown Estate is a true treat. The exquisite Georgian mansion is surrounded by 120 acres of parkland, making it a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Held in the Atrium, the tea party includes favorites such as roast turkey and baked ham on mini brioche and cured salmon on wheat bread, as well as sweets such as ginger cookies, Christmas fruit truffles and miniature Christmas cupcakes. The tea party costs €39 per person and includes a selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee, as well as the option to order wines and cocktails. If you wish, you can add a glass of Prosecco and opt for The Johnstown Estate Champagne Tea Party at €47 per person. A children's tea party is also available for 22 € per child under 12 years old. Holiday Tea Party available daily from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. December 1 through January 7 (advance reservations required).

The g Hotel, County Galway

If you're looking for a high glamour tea party, there's simply no better place to stay than the g Hotel in Galway. Overlooking Lake Athalia, the tea party includes a selection of gourmet sandwiches including brioche with quilted duck mousse and fig jelly, salmon and crab on homemade black bread, yuzu mayonnaise sauce, goat cheese and cranberry jelly and more. As for desserts, you'll find Guinness, chocolate and vanilla cake, pear tart with tonka bean and passion fruit mousse, and more. The Holiday Tea Party costs 38 € per person and is served with a selection of Ronnefeldt specialty teas and freshly brewed coffee. You can also add a glass of Taittinger champagne for €25. The tea party will be available from Nov. 20 through Jan. 7 and will be held daily from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Dromoland Castle, County Clare

Held in the stately hall of Earl Thomond, the Dromoland Castle Holiday Tea Party especially focuses on luxury and a new take on holiday flavors. It starts with their own variety of black tea, such as Dromoland Festive Spice, and is followed by mini-orations of dishes like ham salad, Barren's smoked salmon sandwiches, and warm apple butter spiced secon. All accompanied by a selection of delicious baked goods including a festive Battenberg, Chester 'Mince Pie Cake' and the classic Christmas Pie from Dromoland Castle. The team has limited Holiday Tea Party availability all December, so contact them by email or phone to book your experience at Dromoland Castle Hotel. * Drinking should always be done wisely.