Myself and two friends will be in Dublin in mid-late October. We would love to do an afternoon tea while there. I have heard that you can do that at the Shelburne or the Gresham hotels? Is either one better than the other? Better food? Nicer atmosphere? Better service?

Any information is appreciated!
Shadow

The Shelborne is closed until next year for renovations and the Gresham I did not know had an afternoon tea. I would not really bother with the gresham its a faded place and not the best anymore. Try the Westbury hotel, Harry Street off Grafton street. Also the Westin on Westmoreland street or the Merrion Hotel (probably the more expensive one. I personally would choose the Westbury for location and people watching.

Have fun!

I'd go with either the Westbury or the Merrion. The Shelbourne used to be great but, as Siobhan said, it's closed for refurbishment at the moment.

Siobhan and Cailin-thanks! I was hoping to hear from you both since I know you are both IN Dublin.

My mom lives in Roscommon and this is my 9th trip to Ireland... (in fact I was just in the West in April/May)but, my girlfriends are coming with me for moral support (dealing with mom-lol) so I wanted to treat them to something special so that is why the question....

I am hoping THIS trip to Dublin will give me more time to really get the feel of it and it will not be too rushed...so looking forward to that.
So, the tea is more for their benefit....

Again, thanks!
Shadow

Have to disagree with comments on The Gresham. It is located on O'Connell Street and is more traditional/historic than either Westbury or Merrion which are relatively new hotels. The Gresham had become somewhat faded but was refurbished about 2 years ago and serve afternoon teas in a bright room with windows looking out on O'Connell St.

another suggestion for a hotel treat in Dublin check out The Clarence Hotel (owned by U2) is an old traditional hotel refurbished by current owners. The Tea Rooms at the Clarence do a nice breakfast - not sure if they do afternoon tea www.theclarencehotel.ie

I don't think they do tea but breakfast is nice like Padhraicin mentioned. Go for a cocktail in the Octagon bar. Its used to be hopping but has died down a bit in the past few years but a nice starting place for the night