Irish Tea Culture
The Irish take their tea very seriously, making them one of the world’s largest tea consumers. On average, an Irish person enjoys 5-6 cups of tea a day. Yes, you heard that right—that’s a LOT of tea.
Tea is Tea
One of the first things you notice upon arrival in Ireland is the limited variety of tea options. Unlike in the US, where a single tea order might lead to an overwhelming number of choices—green tea, jasmine tea, black tea, chamomile tea, white, pu-erh tea, matcha, Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast tea—Irish Tea Culture is refreshingly straightforward. When you order tea in Ireland, you’re essentially getting one of two options: Barry’s Tea or Lyons Tea. Both are just “tea.” The Irish are deeply loyal to their chosen brand, akin to selecting a favorite football team or choosing between Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
When one orders tea in Ireland, they do not specify the brand. They simply order “tea,” and upon receiving it, they either secretly relish it or silently judge the server for offering the “wrong” brand. There’s also no need to specify how you take your tea. It’s traditionally served with milk and sugar. Most places offer these on the side, but it’s not uncommon to be served a cup with milk and sugar already mixed in.
The Irish Drink A LOT of Tea
Tea is an integral part of Irish Tea Culture, symbolizing hospitality and warmth. It’s considered a major faux pas to make a cup of tea for yourself without offering it to everyone around you. When you visit an Irish home, the first thing you’ll be offered is a cup of tea. Feeling down? Make a nice cup of tea to soothe your spirits. Celebrating a great day? Pour a cup of tea with friends. The ritual of tea drinking punctuates the day and provides comfort in both good times and bad.
Here’s a typical schedule for tea in Ireland:
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8am – Breakfast tea
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11am – “Elevensies” – served with scones, cream, and jam
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3-4pm – Afternoon tea – served with biscuits and shortbread
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6pm – High tea (or Supper tea) – served with meat, cheese, bread, sandwiches, fruit, and sweets
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8pm – Evening tea – served on its own
Which Comes First, the Milk or the Tea?
This question is more than a matter of preference—it hints at socioeconomic history. Traditionally, those in poorer areas with lower quality china would pour cool milk into their cups before adding hot tea to prevent the cups from cracking.
The Absence of Iced Tea
Irish Tea Culture does not include iced tea. If you ask for a glass of iced tea in Ireland, you’ll likely get an odd look and a polite response that they don’t serve it there. Interestingly, some Irish servers are amused by Americans asking for a “hot” cup of tea, as tea is always served hot in Ireland.
The History of Tea in Ireland
Tea first made its way to Ireland in the late 17th century, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that it began to seep into the fabric of Irish Tea Culture. Initially, tea was a luxury, savored by the aristocracy and the upper echelons of society. However, as the 19th century dawned, tea began to trickle down to the masses. The reduction in the cost of tea, coupled with increased accessibility, played a significant role. By the mid-19th century, tea was being imported in large quantities, and its price had become more attainable for the average Irish family.
The Art of the Brew: Preparing Irish Tea
The quintessential Irish tea is robust, often a blend tailored to the soft water of the region, creating a unique taste that is both hearty and comforting.
Tea and Irish Hospitality
The act of offering tea is deeply embedded in Irish Tea Culture and hospitality. Visitors are always greeted with a warm cup of tea, symbolizing a genuine welcome. The phrase “put the kettle on” is synonymous with taking a moment to relax, share stories, and build relationships.
Tea Rooms and Cafes
Ireland is home to numerous tea rooms and cafes. Popular spots include the historic Bewley’s Grafton Street Café in Dublin and the picturesque Avoca Cafés scattered throughout the country.
Irish Tea Etiquette
Tea is ideally brewed in a teapot, which must be scalded beforehand. You must steep the teabags in water that has only just been brought to the boil. A large drop of fresh and good quality milk is essential in producing the typical Irish cup of tea.
The Importance of Tea in Daily Life
Tea in Ireland is more than just a drink; it is a social ritual deeply rooted in Irish Tea Culture that removes awkwardness from conversations and builds connections.
Tea in Literature and Media
Irish Tea Culture has also found its way into literature and media, often depicted as a symbol of comfort and community.
Modern Trends in Irish Tea Culture
Specialty tea shops have started to appear, offering a wider variety of teas, including herbal blends and exotic infusions. Tea festivals and workshops are becoming popular, where tea enthusiasts gather to learn about different brewing techniques and the history of tea.
