Ballyseede Castle Afternoon Tea

Ballyseede Castle, a 15th-century castle hotel set in 30 acres of woodland just outside Tralee, serves its traditional afternoon tea daily in the historic drawing rooms. It is one of the more atmospheric afternoon tea settings in north Kerry, with the castle’s original fireplaces and period furniture doing a lot of the work, and it is a good option for anyone based in Tralee for the Rose of Tralee or Puck Fair who wants a quieter afternoon away from the crowds.

What to Expect

The traditional afternoon tea runs €24.95 per person and covers a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with preserves and cream, and a range of pastries, served across the sitting between 1pm and 4pm. A glass of Prosecco can be added for €7.50 per person for anyone wanting to make more of the occasion. The hotel requires a minimum of two people per booking and pre-booking is essential, since the drawing rooms are a fixed, relatively intimate space rather than a large function room, and the castle’s autumn and winter menu is refreshed seasonally.

Good to Know

• Days: daily
• Times: sittings between 1:00pm and 4:00pm
• Venue: Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Ballyseede, Tralee
• Price: €24.95 per person, Prosecco add-on €7.50
• Booking: via ballyseedecastle.com/dining/afternoon-tea, minimum two people, pre-booking essential

Getting There

Ballyseede Castle is about 3km from Tralee town centre on the N21 towards Castleisland, an easy taxi or short drive from Tralee’s bus and rail station, with parking on the grounds.

While You’re in Tralee

Tralee itself has the Kerry County Museum, the Blennerville Windmill and the Tralee Ship Canal walk within easy reach, all straightforward to combine with a castle afternoon tea either side of a visit. There is more to see in Tralee and across Co. Kerry.