Where: Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland Style: Georgian Manor Tea Selection: 8 organic loose-leaf teas Teatimes: Daily 1-5 Reservations: Pre-paid reservations required Contact: +353 56 777 3000 Cost: €30 Afternoon Tea; €15 Children’s Afternoon Tea Destination Tea Tip: Leave time for a stroll in the gardens, which you’ll pass on your way to the Manor House where tea is served, at the rear of the property.
Destination Tea Notes: Surpassing the afternoon tea experience typically found at an upscale hotel, with such hallmarks as a luxurious setting, perfectly executed housemade culinary delights and excellent service, Mount Juliet Estate also offers a moderately priced afternoon tea that calls on locally sourced ingredients (a practice we found throughout Ireland). We felt properly indulged and in these 18th century rooms, are as ladies of a passed era, taking our tea in the library.
Upon our request to know more about this beautiful manor, a pamphlet is provided, titled, “A Great Heritage & A Love Story.” We learn that during Ireland’s Civil War, when many “big houses” were burned, Mount Juliet was spared because the surrounding community respected and protected the owners, who had been fair employers and community benefactors. This inspires the girls to share some of their history lessons as we await our tea. And when the afternoon tea trays arrive, the expression on my niece’s face speaks for all of us (see it in Destination Tea’s Instagram feed).
Secret garden entrance
Gorgeous!
Afternoon tea is served in the Major’s Bar, with a variety of upholstered armchairs gathered around low tables set with bright white tablecloths.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a lovely view of horses crossing the sprawling lawns. If we had been a smaller party, this would have been my preferred table.
We are hosted in the darker toned library, seated in an array of leather and velvety armchairs and loveseat.
Tea Selection
We appreciate knowing a bit about the teas served, and that they are hand-picked, organic, loose-leaf offerings. Each guest may choose a tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Silver teapots and pretty china pattern
For this summertime tea, our server graciously offers to ice any of the teas (my daughter requests iced mint tea).
An important addition for moms only: Prosecco aperitif
Scones & Spreads, Savories and Sweets
We sit up straight when this curate arrives – amazing!
Generously portioned tea sandwiches include smoked salmon (so fresh!), chicken, ham (baked and sliced), egg mayo (aka egg salad) and cucumber on brown bread (a whole wheat bread made with molasses and wheat germ).
Scones done perfectly with cream, jam (so good!) and lemon curd
Playful lemonades with passionfruit topping preside over the dessert tier which also includes strawberry custard cup, opera cake, madeleine, almond pound cake and outstanding passionfruit choux (aka cream puff).
The Children’s Afternoon Tea includes Nutella with brioche, bagel with chive cream cheese, breadsticks, ham and cheese sandwiches, cupcakes and cookies, which would be plenty…
…and it’s topped with vanilla milkshakes, white chocolate cake pops, marshmallows, rocky road and mini knickerbocker glory (fruit jello parfait with cream). Clearly, the children had an excellent time.
We love comments! Destination Tea's comment policy shares a guiding principle with afternoon tea etiquette: please be gracious. We welcome honest comments that are not rude or scathing.
