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15th February 2017
04:18pm GMT
We love our tapas dinners and spa trips but when it comes to the perfect treat, it has to be afternoon tea.
There's something about the selection of little treats, the ceremony and the chance to feel a little bit fancy that you just can't beat - whether it's a catch up with your besties or some quality time with your mum.
Hotels around Ireland have cottoned on to this and have come up with some great options for your dining pleasure.
Here are some of our favourites...
One of Ireland five-star hotels, this is one of the nicest spots in the West if you need some luxury in your life. The Castle has a long-standing tradition of afternoon tea, which runs from 1pm to 4pm and includes all the usual delicate cakes, sandwiches and scones with tea/coffee for €29.
It might be well-known for its golf but The K Club also does a very nice afternoon tea. It can cater for all weathers, with an outdoor terrace and an a cosy fire! The tea is served in the Chinese Drawing Room at 2.30pm and 4.15pm and each guest gets a three-tiered silver tray piled high with finger sandwiches, scones and exquisite pastries (€33 pps).
The Castlemartyr takes afternoon tea to a whole new level, with its signature Lady Fitzgerald's Afternoon Tea (€29pp).
The incredible menu features everything from Baked Brioche Roll With Egg Mayonnaise And Sundried Tomato to a wide dessert selection and a comprehensive tea menu. There's also a children's menu so the little ones don't have to miss out!
If you're going to do afternoon tea, do it in style! This ultra-fashionable hotel does a signature Pink Afternoon Tea, which includes treats like Crayfish and Chipotle Pitta, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Baileys Macaroon and a glass of pink champagne! It's €59 for two people.
Enjoying afternoon tea can be a little tricky if you are sticking to a gluten-free diet but not at Belfast's Merchant Hotel.
The hotel has a dedicated menu that is free of gluten but still full of ridiculously yummy things like Cherry and Tonka Bean Cremeax, Confit Chicken with Mayo & Herbs, and our fave Banana Bread. It's £29.50 each for a weekend sitting.
While we may not agree with the inference that only men would like this substantial take on an old classic, there's no arguing that The Gentleman's Tea sounds absolutely delicious. Think Smoked Rasher and Hegarty Cheddar Scones and Salted Caramel and Honeycomb Pot, washed down with a pint of Wicklow Wolf for €25 each.
Wicklow is one of the most beautiful counties in the country and this gorgeous country house is the ideal location for some afternoon tea. It's available seven days a week and is an absolute bargain at €18. A seriously elegant day out.
This hotel is a firm favourite with hen parties so it makes sense that it would have a nice afternoon tea! The dessert tray includes some of our faves like Rocky Road, Caramel Squares and Donuts, as well as all the usual favourites and Prosecco for €21 each.
There was also a life-size cut-out of Micheal Bublé the last time we visited, which could come in handy for a few selfies!
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