Afternoon Tea at Ashford Castle

What to Expect

Afternoon tea has been served at Ashford Castle since 1868, and it remains one of the best-known food experiences in Mayo, open to day visitors as well as castle guests. It is served in the Connaught Room, where an original silver tea set from 1896 is on display, giving the whole thing a genuine sense of continuity rather than a manufactured heritage experience. The format is the traditional three tiers of sandwiches, scones and pastries, made by the castle’s own pastry team, with a loose-leaf tea list and coffee options alongside it. For anyone who wants to push it further, the castle offers a Champagne pairing, with a choice of Lanson Champagne by the glass or a flight of three samples. Given the setting on the shores of Lough Corrib, on a five-star estate with its own falconry school and gardens, this is very much an occasion booking rather than a casual stop, and it draws visitors from well beyond Mayo who come specifically for the afternoon tea. Booking ahead is strongly advised, particularly at weekends and in high season.

Good to Know

• Served daily at 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm and 4:00pm
• From EUR 78 per person
• Champagne pairing available: a glass of Lanson Champagne, or a three-sample flight for an extra EUR 45
• Served in the Connaught Room, home to an 1896 silver tea set
• Bookable through Ashford Castle’s website or OpenTable; open to non-residents

Getting There

Ashford Castle is on the edge of Cong village, on the Mayo-Galway border at the north end of Lough Corrib, roughly 40 minutes from Galway city and around an hour from Castlebar by car. There is no rail service to Cong; a car or taxi transfer is the practical option for reaching the castle.

While You’re in Cong

Cong is a small village built around the castle estate and the ruined Cong Abbey, with woodland walks along the Cong River. There is more to see in Cong and across Co. Mayo.