Christmas just calls for an afternoon tea in the beautiful surroundings of Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough.  Step away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the indulgence of savoury sandwiches, mince pies, scrumptious scones, yule logs or Christmas Cake from tiers of tempting treats.  Here are a few suggestions to try:

Castle Afternoon Tea Experience at Killeavy Castle Estate

Celebrate in true Killeavy style by the warm glow of an open fire with this exclusive Castle Afternoon Tea Experience. Start off with a glass of bubbly on arrival, followed by live music and unparalleled views across the Ring of Gullion, the perfect setting for a magical Christmas treat.

Afternoon Tea at Killeavy Castle Estate


Afternoon Tea at The Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle

The Burrendale Hotel in Newcastle offers a charming afternoon tea experience in a cosy cottage style lounge or bright dining area, mixed with relaxed elegance and warmth of local hospitality. Set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, this hotel provides a peaceful setting to enjoy a selection of finely prepared sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, an assortment of delicate pastries. The Burrendale feels both indulgent and inviting, perfect for a leisurely catch-up, a special occasion or simply a quiet treat in beautiful surroundings. Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Saturday from 12.30 - 3.30pm. Please note 24 hours’ notice is required.

Afternoon Tea at The Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle

Afternoon Tea at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

In Montalto Estate, your visit will begin with a warm welcome and introduction to the rich history of the estate. You will then have the privilege of having a private tour around the grandeur of the 18th century Georgian mansion, seeing its wonderful collection of original art and antiques. With many more surprises through the history, beautiful corridors and stunning rooms, you will then finish up the tour in The Chinese Room, a space that perfectly complements the traditional way of afternoon tea. Montalto tailor their afternoon tea towards the seasons with refreshing iced tea in the summer and festive mince pies in the winter, it is all served with beautifully delicate crockery.

Sittings begin at 12:30pm on a Wednesday and Saturday, starting from £25 with the option to upgrade to a sparkling afternoon tea. Children 12 years old and under are £15.

Bookings less than 48 hours in advance, please phone to check availability: 028 9756 6100.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Please note this in the comments of your booking.

Afternoon Tea at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch

Bookings less than 48 hours in advance, please phone to check availability: 028 9756 6100.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. Please note this in the comments of your booking.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch

What better way to spend an afternoon than to indulge in the 19th Century tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Millbrook Lodge, reconnecting with friends and loved ones, this is what afternoons were made for.

Christmas Afternoon Tea.  Available Monday - Saturday 12-4pm.  Must be pre-booked 48hours in Advance.

Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle

The vibrant spread at the Slieve Donard Hotel is nothing sort of spectacular. Laid out on crisp white tablecloths and framed by the elegant ambience of the resort’s dining room, it’s an experience that invites you to linger. Once you begin sampling their dainty sandwiches and delicate sweets, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away.

Canal Court Hotel, Newry

The Canal Court Hotel in Newry City offers a sumptuous afternoon tea in the lap of luxury. It’s the perfect spot to settle down after a day out shopping. This is the real deal. The menu of teas has been selected to accompany the three tiers of food that come with the hotel’s wonderful offering. Enjoy a selection of finely cut sandwiches and miniature savouries, before working your way up to the freshly baked scones and delicate desserts. Such is the pride the hotel takes in its afternoon tea offering that it changes with the seasons, so you can expect something different on your next visit.

Tipsy Afternoon Tea at Golf Links House, Newcastle

Tuck into a fabulously festive twist on our famous afternoon tea in the stunning Golf Links House in Newcastle. Think warm mince pies, indulgent Christmas pudding, and all your seasonal favourites. We’re talking turkey, ham, and cranberry sandwiches…the whole joyful gang!

Sip, snack and soak up the cheer with a sparkling glass of prosecco. Saturdays 6 and 13 December from 2pm to 4pm, from £24.95 including prosecco.

Golf Links House, Newcastle

Here’s to creating sweet memories and something special. To book, email Info@golflinkshouse.com or call 028 437 22054

Olive Bizarre, Newcastle

A selection of finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, a variety of tray bakes and other goodies and delights. All served on tiered cake stands with a refreshing pot of tea or coffee, cosy included.


Hillyard House Hotel, Castlewellan

Located in the heart of Castlewellan is Hillyard house, a timeless, traditional venue with beautiful surroundings of their rustic yet modern Yard Restaurant. Hillyard House offer the perfect blend of elegance, flavour and relaxation making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of savoury and sweet treats that taste just as good as they look. From delicate finger sandwiches to decadent cakes and pastries, their culinary team has spared no effort in creating a memorable culinary experience.

All bookings must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance and can be made via telephone on +44(0)28 4377 1010 or on their website.


From the twinkling of fairy lights to the comforting taste of seasonal treats, it’s an experience that lingers long after the cups are emptied. So, why not make this festive season extra special with an afternoon tea gathering that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious? Here's to creating sweet memories, one tea sip at a time!

Millbrook Lodge Hotel
Hotel
Millbrook Lodge Hotel

Country manor set in the heart of County Down. All rooms are en suite with televisions and tea and coffee making facilities. In close proximity to many centres offering both indoor and outdoor sports, including golf, fishing, pony trekking.

Burrendale Hotel Dining
Restaurant
Food wine and Guinness on table

The Vine at the Burrendale has a reputation for serving delicious food with the best of local produce in an intimate environment. Cottage Kitchen is a restaurant for all the family, offering a menu suitable for all in a relaxed environment.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
Hotel
Slieve Donard Exterior

A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.

Killeavy Castle Estate
Hotel
Aerial view of Killeavy Castle Estate. A luxury Hotel Spa destination in Newry, Northern Ireland.

Welcome To Killeavy Castle Estate. As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate provides everything you need, to switch off, rest and recharge.

Montalto Estate
Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings
Picture of Montalto House and lake within Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch.

An enchanting 18th century Georgian estate in the stunning Down countryside offering a 5 star attraction, bespoke conference and events venue, Georgian mansion for private hire and accommodation, gardens including walled garden and 8km of trails.

Canal Court Hotel and Spa
Hotel
View of the front of the Canal Court Hotel and Spa building, fountain also in the picture.

The Canal Court Hotel & Spa is a fine four star property, with a total of 110 bedrooms & suites, extensive Health & Leisure Complex and stunning Spa, perfectly located in the heart of the City close to both Bus & Rail Stations.

Golf Links House
Guest House
Golf Links House entrance sign

Located on the main Belfast Road, on the edge of Newcastle, Golf Links House combines a home from home atmosphere with high quality cuisine. We pride ourselves on traditional home cooking and generous portions.

Olive Bizarre
Café
Interior counter with selection of pastries

Our menu has been carefully devised to tantalise your taste buds and offer the perfect accompaniment to our range of exceptional coffees and teas.

Hillyard House Hotel
Hotel
sign for Hillyard Huse on outside wall with hanging flower basket below.

A wonderful award winning boutique hotel located beside the entrance gates to the stunning Castlewellan Forest Park in the historic market town of Castlewellan, near the seaside resort of Newcastle. Hillyard House Hotel, The Yard Restaurant and Mrs Coleman's Bar have everything to make your stay cosy, culinary and great craic.