Tea And Cakes On Wheel: Reviewing The Dublin Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Tea And Cakes On Wheel: Reviewing The Dublin Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
Does food taste better when it’s miniaturized and arranged neatly on a tiered cake stand? Obviously.
There’s just something about a tiny scone next to a delicate mousse tart that makes the heart happy and the stomach curious. I’ve chased this love of afternoon tea to some pretty memorable spots around the world.
I tried the way-too-expensive one at the self-proclaimed 7-star Burj Al-Arab in Dubai. I sipped and snacked across from jet engines atRed Bull’s Hangar 7 in Salzburg. And I’ve done it White Lotus style in the jungles of Thailand at the Pimalai where even the crumbs felt formal.
But somehow, I’d never done an afternoon tea on a moving vintage double-decker bus. Right? That was about to change with the Vintage Tea Trips Afternoon Bus Tour in Dublin.
A Moving Tea Room from the 1960s
Parked outside St. Stephens’ Green, the custom painted 1961 Routemaster bus (the iconic double-decker red bus in London) looked like something straight out of a retro postcard.
The side read: “Highfalutin Scrumptious Adventures.” Aren’t those the best kinds?
Once you step inside and up the spiral staircase, it’s an absolute pastel fever dream. Think floral wallpaper, cartoon animal motifs sipping tea, faux flowers trailing along the walls, and two rows of tables all prepared with delectable looking bites on cake stands.
How does everything stay in place when the bus takes the corners? Non-slip mats. Why didn’t I think of that?
It’s hard to overstate how cute the setup is. Instagram chasers would approve. But beyond the aesthetics, it’s a genuinely cozy experience.
There are eight tables upstairs and four below, with seating based on a first-booked, first-served basis. It doesn’t hurt to try to request a spot on the top deck but it’s best to just book ahead of times. More sunlight, better views, and a stronger feeling that you’ve just stepped into a whimsical little world.
The ride lasts just over 70 minutes, looping around some of Dublin’s most iconic sights. But more than a sightseeing tour, it’s just a fun way to sit back, sip on tea, and just chat to the people you’re traveling with. It’s especially suited for a girls’ trip, a mother-daughter outing, or even as a quirky date idea.
If we’re a little girl, this would have been the highlight of my trip. I’m not one and I still found it kind of magical.
If you’re getting ready for a visit to Dublin for the first time, bookmark my IN-DEPTH CURATED RECOMMENDATIONS + THINGS TO AVOID to help with your planning.
Let’s Talk About The Food
This isn’t a Michelin-starred afternoon tea, and that’s perfectly fine. It leans more into charm and comfort, with enough variety and flavor to satisfy most people.
Savories
- Coronation chicken wrap
- Traditional egg mayo sandwich
- Ploughman’s pickle brioche bun
About The Scones
When I first sat down, I felt like something was missing from the classic tiered setup. No scones. They also had me too, because those were brought out warm from the oven to be enjoyed with the indulgent Rodda clotted cream. Nice touch.
Sweets
- Red velvet cake with vanilla frosting
- Lemon and raspberry tart
- Passion fruit and mango mousse
- Raspberry and vanilla choux
- Carrot cake
- White chocolate and raspberry cremeaux
Drinks
There’s a whole range of cold and hot drinks served in cute reusable plastic cup you can take home. Tea options included Barry’s Irish Breakfast (also available decaf), green tea, and a rotating herbal selection like Earl Grey, peppermint, and lemon and ginger. There was also a full selection of coffee, Cadbury’s hot chocolate, and juices for the non-caffeine crowd.
There’s no limit, so drink to your heart’s content.
Everything tasted like it was freshly prepared (there’s a kitchen on board) The mousse and the lemon tart were particularly memorable. It was fussy or anything, just good tea and cakes dressed for an afternoon out.
If you visiting for 3 – 5 days or plan on doing a lot of activities, it’s a no-brainer to get the DUBLIN PASS. the 3 day pass or the 5 day pass offers the best value.
A Rolling Guide To Dublin
Our guide Pauline delivered a great balance between being informative and comedic. As we sipped tea and picked at the pastries, she pointed out landmarks like St. James’s Gate, Phoenix Park, and O’Connell Street. But what made the ride stand out were the fun anecdotes layered between the facts.
Like how a lion from the Dublin Zoo, was one of Ireland’s first celebrity export. We are recognize the original MGM Studios lion right? Apparently, he was so tired from the trip that he couldn’t roar properly during filming. The final version you hear was dubbed over.
Things I Didn’t Learn At The Guinness Storehouse
There’s also a callback to how silly people the past were when it came to medicine. Did you know Guinness used to be prescribed by doctors in Ireland to pregnant women and those with anemia because of its supposedly high iron content. Too bad it’s a myth and it doesn’t really have more iron than any other beer. But the marketing campaign was a success, and people still quote “Guinness is good for you” as if it’s doctor-approved.
And here’s one I didn’t expect. Nigeria is the largest consumer of Guinness in the world. The UK comes second, Ireland third, and the US follows right behind.
The Irish Are Built Different
We also learned that O’Connell Bridge is technically wider than it is long. And that Dublin’s famous colorful doors may have started as a rebellion against Queen Victoria’s death and the order to paint all doors black. Or maybe people just wanted to tell their houses apart. Either way, it’s now one of the most photogenic quirks of the city.
Even the architecture got a shoutout. The grand Georgian homes in Dublin often had big windows on the lower floors to show off wealth, since there was once a tax on glass. The top floors, where the servants lived, got the small ones. More glass meant more money. Status, taxed and displayed.
A Sweeter Detour
Dublin has plenty of experiences that everyone already knows about. Visiting Dublin Castle. Touring the Guinness Storehouse. Sampling whiskey at the Jameson Distillery. They’re all worth doing. But this afternoon tea bus ride is one of those delightful little detours that you won’t find on every other list.
It’s cute, it’s a little quirky, and it’s just different enough to feel like you’ve found a hidden gem. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a trip feel personal.
Vintage Tea Trips runs several trips a day, but and I recommend booking ahead to have a better chance at the best seats. And be sure to check out all my other recommendations for Dublin as well as things to avoid.
Updated on June 5, 2025
