Treat yourself to an afternoon high tea at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. Spend a lovely afternoon admiring artworks and nibbling delicious miniature creations inspired from the largest private art collection in Ireland.
Art Appreciation
While visiting Dublin, Ireland take some time to enjoy art from a unique perspective. Visit (or better yet, splurge and spend a night or two) at the 5-star Merrion Hotel offering a quiet oasis of understated elegance in this bustling city. As a travel writer, I was given a short tour of the Merrion hotel and invited to enjoy a complimentary afternoon ‘Art Tea’. On this chilly afternoon, seated in front of the marble fireplace of dancing flames, I sipped my glass of champagne in anticipation. As a preview, three tiny examples of the hotel’s art were displayed for today’s tasty inspiration that Head Pastry Chef Paul Kelly would create his pastries from. Quoted as the “most lavish tea in town” I was looking forward to this experience.
Wondering how these tiny painting examples will be reflected in the Pastry Chef’s miniature morsels.
Most Significant Private Art Collection in Ireland
In the gracious Georgian drawing room where I sat, I gazed around at several original artworks displayed. The Hotel Merrion’s collection is considered to be one of the largest and most significant private collections of 19th and 20th-century art in Ireland. Over 90% of the collection is Irish and placed throughout various rooms in the hotel for all to enjoy. It truly felt as if I was royalty sitting in my stately residence waiting for afternoon tea to be served! This room was soon filled with other “royal” visitors enjoying their afternoon ‘Art Tea’.
Another view of my lovely drawing room with fine art, crystal chandlers and fresh flowers-before everyone else came in!
Tea is Served, Madame
As explained by my in-house tea master “our afternoon tea is served in two stages: beginning with our 3 tiered silver stand of savory and sweet items, followed by a trio of delicate miniature pastries inspired from our hotel’s art collection”. She continued by describing the various black, flavored black, green, white, and herbal teas offered in addition to specialty tea drinks and a large selection of coffees. There was plenty to choose from!! I highly recommend the Merrion Blend black tea and Irish Malt tea. Below, this couple is being coached by the in-house tea master as she kneels down by their table of delicacies.
This lovely Canadian/American couple listening intently to their in-house Tea Master!
All in the Details
The Art Afternoon Tea was delightful with much attention to detail: as explained by our tea-expert “please note that although Battenberg cake is usually pink blocks inside, our chef has again taken inspiration from one of our paintings – which you see is on the wall nearby!” When bringing out the final course of 3 pastries, she went into great detail as to how each painting selected by the chef influenced the design for each of his miniature pastries.
Left in the care of well mannered, cheerful and knowledgeable staff combined with the delicate strings of a harp softly playing in the background soothed my soul and mind as I relaxed by the fireside after a long morning of exploring the city.
If you prefer to remain ensconced in your lush chairs and couches nestled amongst the plump pillows; ask for the thoughtful and complimentary Merrion Hotel Art Tea catalog. You can sip, nibble and read your way through this beautifully designed booklet of the hotel’s art collection. For those who feel they should work off their calories; offered at the reception desk is an in-depth audio guide to twenty paintings in the collection. The Merrion Art Tour is on a first come, first served basis and is complementary to Hotel Patrons.
For anyone who appreciates the creativity of presentation, the Hotel Merrion’s ‘Art Tea’ is a unique, delicious and sumptuous way to combine art appreciation with an elegant, lavish afternoon tea. In an atmosphere of a welcoming stately home, you are encouraged to delight in your luxurious surroundings as you learn more about art and Irish artists. A wonderful combination indeed!
Love how the stripes in the Battenberg cake match the painting!
The Pastry Chef’s vision explained: LEFT: tiny squares around each side of this pastry represent different colors from the painting. MIDDLE: Swirls of chocolate reflect the sweeping trees on the mountain RIGHT: The band of red & cream stripes along with their pointy noses are reflected in this pastry – unfortunately the photo angle of the raspberry is not facing to the side to imagine a nose 🙂
More attention to detail: turning forks into easels for the tiny replica paintings!
Relaxed Elegance With Luxury
Next time in Dublin, I will pamper myself by escaping the urban bustle and staying in this hidden hotel retreat of beautifully restored Georgian buildings. Only a few steps away from museums, and art galleries, the Hotel Merrion is the perfect base for art lovers, city explorers, shoppers and much more. Ready for a splurge? Here are a few more examples of what the Hotel Merrion offers:
One of their elegant suites.
This suite offers the wonderful option of drinks by the fire. I may never leave the room!
With a 18m pool and the Tethra Spa offering various treatments – there are plenty of ways to pamper yourself.
During the summer this outside patio area is quietly filled with flowers and diners.
Lessons Learned
- The Art Afternoon Tea is offered every day at 1:30 and 4:30. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time and ask for seating in front of the fireplace. On a cold day, it is a lovely cozy spot to relax. Indulge and order the glass of champagne option, a well-deserved treat!
- I prefer the 4:30 slot as it gives you plenty of time to first explore the National Gallery located across the street and just a few steps from the hotel. It is a wonderful opportunity for any art lover to combine these two artistic activities.
- Although you may be coming for the afternoon Art Tea, have a wander around the hotel and grounds for future opportunities to revisit. There is a lovely enclosed courtyard with a soon to be opening restaurant overlooking the long rectangular pond. If not already staying at the hotel, this can be a wonderful quiet retreat to slip in for lunch or dinner-away from the city hustle and bustle. Also coming soon will be street access directly into the hotel cocktail Bar No.23 with an elegant private club atmosphere – another respite for canapés and drinks.
- If you are in the area during the Christmas season, it was suggested to drop in for tea and enjoy the lovely Christmas trees and lavish decorations located throughout the hotel.
Travel Tidbits
- Learn more about the Merrion Hotel services and offerings at The Merrion Hotel
- Visit the National Gallery Ireland across the street from the Hotel Merrion. It will make your ‘Art Tea’ more memorable as you recognize several of the artists whose works are in the Hotel Merrion as well
- Just around the corner from the Hotel Merrion be sure to visit Trinity College Dublin with interesting guided tours by students
- Visiting other areas and looking for high-quality hotels? Ireland’s Blue Book is a collection of unique Country Houses, Historic Hotels, Manor Houses, Castles & Restaurants in Ireland
