Discover the story of Father Kelly, from Lyons Tea in 1950s Ireland to McEntee’s Tea. Explore the Irish love of tea, traditional tea traditions and Irish loose leaf tea.
Exam results day can bring excitement, stress and uncertainty. Discover why family support, perspective and a pot of tea matter more than ever. Whatever the result put the kettle on!
Ireland has long had a deep-rooted tea culture, built around strong, satisfying brews. Traditionally, Irish tea blends are designed with this in mind—often using Assam-based teas for their rich, malty flavour, and frequently produced using CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) methods to deliver strength, colour, and consistency in the cup.
In recent years, however, more tea drinkers across Ireland are rediscovering the quality and character of loose leaf tea—seeking out blends that offer greater depth, better ingredients, and a more rewarding brewing experience.
If you’re looking for the best loose tea, fill with tea in Ireland, here’s why it’s worth making the switch.
What Is Loose Leaf Tea?
Loose tea, or loose leaf tea, is made from whole or partially broken tea leaves rather than the fine dust particles or “fanning” commonly used in tea bags. This allows the leaves to fully open during brewing, releasing more flavour, aroma, and complexity into the cup.
The result is a tea that feels fuller, fresher, and more expressive of the blend.
Why Choose Loose Tea in Ireland?
1. Fuller Flavour
Loose leaf tea delivers a richer, more rounded cup. Classic Irish-style blends—often built on Assam teas—develop deeper malty notes and a smoother finish when brewed loose.
2. Higher Quality Leaves
Loose teas typically use larger, more carefully selected leaves. This leads to a more consistent flavour and a noticeably higher-quality drinking experience.
3. Control Over Strength
Irish tea drinkers value a strong brew, and loose tea gives you full control. Add more or less leaf depending on how bold you like your cup.
4. A More Sustainable Option
With less packaging and fewer single-use materials, loose tea can be a more environmentally conscious choice.
Popular Loose Tea Blends in Ireland
Irish tea preferences remain firmly rooted in strong, full-bodied blends, often with an Assam backbone. Popular options include:
These teas are crafted to deliver the kind of robust, satisfying cup Irish drinkers expect—whether enjoyed loose or otherwise.
Brassil’s Café in Dundalk, has been delighting customers for over five years with McEntee’s Irish Breakfast Loose Tea. Served in classic teapots and praised for its flavour, the tea has become a highlight of the café experience — keeping customers coming back and helping the café stand out on Dundalk’s High Street.
Are tea drinkers being ignored in cafe's or are they being given a reason to return?
There’s something so important about a morning cup of tea. Before the emails, the commute, or the to-do list begins, tea offers a moment to reset and ease into the day. But not all teas and not all timings are created equal. So what is the best tea to drink in the morning, and when should you actually be drinking it?
