Irish people love a cup of tea any time of day. Whether it's a first cup of hot tea in the morning for breakfast, or the last sip of milky tea in the evening for supper, most Irish people savor their cups of tea throughout the day.
Did you know that Ireland ranks second in the tea drinking per capita global tally?
Table of Contents
Top Tea Drinking Nations In The World
Turkey ranks number one on the list where people consume an average of 12.96 pounds of tea per person for year. In Ireland our tea usage amounts to 4.83 pounds of dry tea leaves per person per year according to sources on Wikipedia.
Now that's a whopping amount of tea per capita each year. In Ireland we even soak fruit in tea to make a delicious tea brack to accompany our favorite beverage.
To celebrate the upcoming holidays I thought we should kick off a season of weekly giveaways with a prize for none other than an Irish tea and cookie hamper from Food Ireland.
You'll find all kinds of Irish food available on their online store. You can check out my roundup of some of the goodies they keep in stock if you're thinking about treating yourself to a taste of Ireland over the holidays.
Let's explore some of the history of tea drinking in Ireland before I share the giveaway details. You'll find all the information at the end of this post if you'd like to be in with a chance to win this lovely gift basket.
The Introduction Of Tea To Ireland
The English first introduced tea to Ireland in the mid 18th century, after it was initially brought to Britain in the 17th century by the East India Company.
Since tea was imported all the way from India it was a very expensive product when it first appeared in Britain. Only the aristocracy and ultra rich people of the day could afford to drink tea and even they kept the precious dried leaves under lock and key.
Catherine of Braganza, who was the wife of Charles II of England made tea drinking fashionable by introducing the ritual of drinking tea to the English Royal Court. And so to keep up with the royal Jonses, the aristocracy of England took to drinking tea like ducks to water. The Anglo Irish aristocracy were not far behind adopting a royally approved tea drinking habit.
At first the poor rural people of Ireland could not afford tea. However the cost of this luxury beverage fell significantly after the removal of tariffs in 1784 (remember the Boston tea party escapades that all revolved around tariffs on tea).
Adoption Of Tea Drinking By The Rural Irish Poor
The price of tea fell by half with the removal of these royal taxes. The less well off folk throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland started testing this warming brew.
Along Ireland's rugged coastline pirates smuggled cheap tea to sell to a vast market of impoverished Irish peasants.
Believe it or not, tea was one of the most smuggled goods in Ireland throughout the 1700's. Irish consumers, even the poor, welcomed the cheap, unofficial tea provided by the entrepreneurial sea faring traders.
By the 1830's before the Great Irish Famine, tea had become a staple in most Irish homes, even amongst the poor.
English Attempts To Control Irish Tea Drinking
Some English reformers frowned on the Irish habit of drinking tea. Yes! You read that correctly. They complained about tea drinking, not whiskey drinking.
Pamphlets distributed in Ireland in the early 1800's described Irish tea consumption as "reckless and uncontrollable." They went so far as to say the addiction to tea could cause "illicit longing and revolutionary sympathies." Imagine what a drop of hot whiskey could do to our rebellious natures, if we got so riled up with a simple cup of tea.
These reformers and do gooders disapproved of the fact that Irish women drank cups upon cups of tea. Women in those days should have no vices. The women of the British Empire were expected to quietly organize the home and maintain rigorous control over their families.
Irish women's affinity for tea-drinking was a source of considerable alarm amongst the ruling classes.
Mary Leadbeater, author of a fictional pamphlet called the Cottage Dialogues in 1811, documented unsubstantiated connections between tea drinking and revolutionary feminism. She definitely would not approve of anyone enjoying a Long Island Iced Tea.
In 1813 Leadbeater returned to the topic of tea drinking amongst the poor in another pamphlet called The Landlord's Friend.
One character in this story was Lady Seraphina. She was presented as an improving landowner who disapproved of tea drinking. When visiting a peasant's cabin the lady observes that there is an absence of tea-cups in the kitchen.
Winny, the peasant character in the story, replies to the lady with an explanation I'm quite certain no Irish peasant ever exclaimed.
"We never were used to tea, and would not choose that our little girl should get a notion of any such thing. The hankering after a drop of tea keeps many poor all their lives. So I would not have any things in the cabin which would put us in mind of it." ~ Winny from The Landlord's Friend, 1813
For me, this quotation emphasizes the desire of the ruling classes to keep the Irish and the poor in their place, at the bottom of the social ladder.
This criticism of tea drinking by poor people was not limited to Ireland. The aristocracy throughout the British Isles believed tea-drinking by the poor indicated pretensions toward upward social mobility, which was seriously frowned upon. Working class priorities were expected to remain on work and work alone. Adoption of modern fashions and trends by the poor was not to be tolerated by the privileged few of the day.
Celebrating Irish Tea Drinking
Well in this corner of the internet, we embrace the Irish cultural habit of enjoying a cup of hot tea, and thankfully tea drinking is no longer frowned upon in the Emerald Isle. Today's story of Irish tea history is fascinating to me so I hope you too enjoyed this ramble through Irish cultural history.
Our giveaway this week will put you in mind of a cup of tea, unlike poor Winny in 1813 who shunned the brew.
We'll celebrate our Irish love of tea with a lovely hamper giveaway featuring two boxes of Irish tea bags and a few packets of Irish chocolate biscuits from Food Ireland.
Barry's has been a favorite Irish tea brand for over a century. Their tea bags are a blend of black tea leaves that make the best cup of hot tea. Since Barry's is a company that was founded in County Cork, I grew up drinking Barry's tea.
Today Barry's tea is exported all over the world and their sales represent 40% of the Irish tea market.
The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win an Irish tea and cookie gift hamper from Food Ireland.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Saturday November 21st, 2020.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you like a nice cup of tea.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 21st, 2020 at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
And thank you to all who join in the fun and support this giveaway.
Go ahead and share this post with any of your tea loving friends and family so they too can be in with a chance to win.
Update: Winner Chosen
Our winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky reader is ….
Peggy D.
I’ll send Peggy an email to arrange mailing of her prize. A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every comment.
Please know that even if I did not get the chance to reply to your individual comment, I treasured reading about your love of a good cup of tea and your trips to Ireland. I was blown away by the number of comments and interest in this little giveaway. Thank you all for supporting this little community and for your kind words about my recipes and ramblings.
Stay tuned for many more stories and giveaways over the coming weeks and months.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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veronica vatter
I don't know if I drink that much tea, but it must be close. I read somewhere that "Tea is a Hug in a Mug". I feel like that is true. I used to drink all different kinds with my Gramma. She passed on 2009 on Thanksgiving Day. So now, wrapping my hands around a mug and breathing in the smell reminds me of her.
Eileen
I’ve always said that half my blood is tea! I’ve been drinking tea since I was a little girl with my Mum! I have several beautiful tea sets and always feel special when I use them. And nothing compares to a lovely fresh cuppa brewed from fresh tea leaves in a special tea pot!
Janet
Fascinating! I’m a heavy tea drinker but mine is iced tea but I do drink hot tea at least twice a day. Iced tea is a southern thing. 😀
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - This Thanksgiving I hope you will wrap your hands around a warm mug of tea and kindle fond memories of your grandma. Many thanks for following my ramblings and joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American, and for sharing your family stories. I love the idea of a cup of tea being a "hug in a mug."
Best wishes,
Mairéad
theresa alkire
Such a nice basket! We love Barry's teas! I order it, but not from them. Thank you for posting to the food store!
Meredith
One of the best gifts I ever received was a tin of The Connemara Kitchen Irish Breakfast loose leaves. I'm not sure if it's actually popular in Ireland but I thought the taste was fantastic.
Chris
I found this very educational. As I live here in America, I’d do love tea. I prefer hot tea . Was wondering were can I get some actual Irish tea. I would so like to try it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Theresa - I'm delighted my ramblings can help people find a little taste of Ireland in America. Many thanks also for reading my ramblings. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Stephanie Cooley
I always enjoy reading your blog! And I've always enjoyed tea, so perhaps the tea drinking gene was passed down through the generations. My paternal grandmother's grandparents were from Ireland, one from Killarney and one from Armagh. When I was a little girl I was occasionally allowed the treat of a cup of tea, with lots of milk! Today I drink it with just a bit of sugar, and it is perfect for any time of day.
Irish American Mom
Hi Stephanie - Thanks for reading my blog and for your kind words about my ramblings. Your enjoyment of a nice milky cuppa with a hint of sweetness is definitely in your genes. And thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Evelyn Young
I've always liked hot tea in cooler weather but growing up in the South, I also grew up drinking iced tea, specifically, "sweettea". I discovered Barry's on my first trip to Ireland and I've been drinking it ever since!
Love your blog!
Irish American Mom
Hi Evelyn - When I lived in Florida I discovered how much southerners love iced tea. Try as I might I could never abandon my love of hot tea for the iced version. Even when I lived in the heat of Florida I boiled my kettle for a nice cuppa. Thanks so much for your kind words about my blog. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Thank You for this generous giveaway. I only drink tea, no milk or sugar. I do not like coffee. I can not even stand the smell of coffee.
Mariyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - I too avoid coffee. It's an Irish thing. Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Teresa O'Dea Hein
A good cup of tea is always a comfort!
Irish American Mom
Very true, Teresa. Thanks for stopping by to support this little giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Lorraine Bunker
Tea is a daily ritual for me I love it and miss home dearly. ❤️ Thank you for sharing where to find some goodies from home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lorraine - Glad to hear you enjoy your daily cup of tea. Thanks for checking out my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Eileen Wallin
Such interesting facts about tea and tea drinking. I love a good pot of tea.
Eileen
Joyce L Zwak
A good cup of tea keeps me warm in winter! It can get pretty cold in Minnesota!
Irish American Mom
Hi Eileen - Thanks for stopping by to support this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Deirdre
Being born in Ireland, I grew up drinking tea every day and I haven’t stopped! I have it for breakfast and I love a cup after a day at work. I make it in my Irish teapot and put a cozy on it to keep it hot!☘️
Irish American Mom
Hi Deirdre - Placing a tea cozy on a nice pot of tea to keep it warm is the perfect way to end a busy work day. Lovely to hear you still enjoy those cups of tea. Thanks so much for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Doreen Kelleher
I love having a cuppa while watching Red Rock or Derry Girls. I feel like I am there as they are always having some tea.
Irish American Mom
Hi Doreen - Sipping on tea while watching Irish TV is a great way to relax.
Thanks so much for reading my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kitty Gagen
There is no pleasure like stopping for a cup of tea and a scone when traveling through Ireland......especially on a soft rainy day!! I sure miss those days.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kitty - Ireland has so many lovey cafés and pubs offering the comforts of a cup of tea and a scone. I look forward to the days when we can roam the highways and byways of Ireland again to find these hidden gems.
All the best,
Mairéad
Suzanne
I discovered Barry's Teas through a process of elimination of trying virtually every tea made in Ireland and England some years ago. It was like the earth moved and the angels wept when I took my first sip! Yes, I am exaggerating a bit, but I was in love with Barry from that moment on! Being a third gen "Irish lass" (grandpa was from County Clare) and born in the Southwest, I think my Irish roots in the desert landscape here have definitely blossomed. I have particular mugs i use for my morning Barry's ritual, can't start my day without it.
I always look forward to reading your blog, and have tried and very much enjoyed some of the recipes, some that are keepers to my collection. I have my grandma's 100 year old Soda bread recipe and love making that every March for St Pats week as a special treat for my family. Of course it's always special, dunked a bit with a cup of Barry's. Keep up this great blog, I always love reading and learning more about Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Suzanne - I love your story of discovering Barry's tea. To some it may seem exaggerated, but tea drinkers like me will completely understand. Thanks so much for sharing your family story and your connections to Ireland. Many thanks also for following my recipes and ramblings. I really appreciate your support and kind words.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Keke
Love sitting back reading your newsletter and enjoying a cup of tea. Such comfort.
K. Wilson
I love tea, and I can easily drink this much tea while savoring every sip of it. We buy the box of 100's as it is, but I've never had the pleasure of drinking Barry’s. I'm sure I'd love it with the biscuits! Regardless, I'm so glad to have learned of Food Ireland -- I've bookmarked them and hope to order from them in time. Up to now I've only gotten Irish butter from Aldi's, but not aware of vendors (affordable) near me otherwise. Thanks so much for your blog!
Irish American Mom
Hi Keke - Thanks for being such a loyal reader and for following my recipes and ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
Geraldine
Love a cup of Barry’s and if there is a Club with it all the better!!!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Geraldine - A club milk and a cuppa is a perfect combination in my book.
All the best,
Mairéad
Narion
What a wonderful giveaway. I drink tea with no sugar and milk. Sometimes I add Honey.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Narion - thanks for sharing your favorite way to drink tea, and for supporting our little giveaway by leaving a comment.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Corcoran Wilson
I so look forward to your emails.So sad w We are not able to return to Mayo Ireland this year.This is our favorite time of the year to be in Ireland.I always stand and stare out at the sea in Cobh and think of my dear grandfather leaving when he was only 13 and all alone.IF ONLY I Repeat over and over again.There is not a day goes by while I drink my tea I do not long to be in Ireland.Thank you for giving me a "lift" when I read your warm stories.Wishes for a blessed Christmas.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Thanks for sharing your family story and your deep connection with Ireland. It's amazing how Ireland calls to us through the generations. Many thanks for following my ramblings and joining in our discussions about all things Irish and Irish American. I'm so glad my stories help strengthen your bond to our homeland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
Hello, great to hear from you today! I was introduced to Barry’s tea when we visited Ireland in 2013. Growing up, my Grandma Shea and Kelly drank only tea, no coffee for those Irish lassies. . They put a bit of cream and sugar. My Gram Shea would read our fortune with the tea leaves. She always told us the same fortune,?you will inherit lots of money! We sat in awe as she read the leaves. Those were the days, such a simpler time.
I would love to win your generous gift. I buy Barry’s at a local store, the best. 🍀🍀
Mary Jankowski
I love everything Irish, especially food and beverages! I even like the packaging better than American packaging!
As an American, I am used to drinking Coke and coffee. When I visited Ireland, I drank beer and tea!
Beth
Thank you for sharing this post. I love to sip tea at the end of my day. Barry’s is one of my all time favorite teas. I also enjoy making my own tea blends for holidays. I take my Barry’s tea extra hot with only milk!
💜
Beth
Linda
Barry's tea, it's the best!
Sue E
Love tea! Have a cup of either Irish breakfast or English breakfast tea each morning. The hamper would take me on a mental trip to Ireland like the one I physically went on in May 2019. Pandemic has squashed travel plans this year so this would be a total taste of Ireland! Thanks for the chance.
Pat OConnor
Thanks "Mom", for all you do. This is such a special place, and you make it so. I like my tea hot in the cool and cold months, but being a Yank, I also like my iced tea in the warmer and hot months. I look forward to trying your new recipes. They look yummy.
Be well and stay safe
Bí go maith agus fan slán
Trish
My late mam would come in from being out, and the first thing she'd say was "put the kettle on." She enjoyed her Barry's and so do I!
Ellen Snowdon
I started drinking Barry’s over 50 years ago during my first trip to Ireland when I made my first trip there. My mother was visiting her aunt & took my sister & myself. A year later, in upstate NY, I met my husband, a Kildare native. He made drinking Barry’s a daily habit. Now if I could just win that wonderful hamper full of Irish goodness!
Teresa Stanton
Well i really enjoyed reading your post. My Grandfather was from Magdera . We all were great tea drinkers, grandparents and parents all passed away now. I love tea and am thrilled to learn info from Ireland about tea. So much i dont know about the customs and baking etc. My dream is to go there someday!! Thank You💖
Monika
Good thing it’s Barry’s not Lyon’s tea 😬. Such a lovely giveaway!
Tom Podnar
Thanks Mairéad!
A great opportunity to have some fine tea. A little story to go along with this. When our cousin came to visit from Ireland he stopped by to visit one of the American relatives. The lady of the house asked him if he wanted some tea. He said oh yes! She made the tea with a teabag but only put it in the hot water for a little bit....! He gets the "tea" and she asks him "how's the tea?" And he says, "It tastes like weasel's pi$$!". Because it was so weak. Now it's a family crack up phrase for the last 30 years!
Rachel D.
Like others, I like a good cuppa. One of the sweetest gifts my husband has given me was a set of tea cups from China. Along with it, came a great deal of loose leaf teas. I love a good tea pairing challenge. I enjoyed your ramblings, as you call them. That pamphlet sure sounds like a hoot! I hope you have had a nice weekend. 🙂
Jean MacCoy
Your rambles through history are fascinating; I always learn something!
The basket looks fabulous! Barry's Tea has always been #1 in my house and always will be!
Christine Clark
I love tea and teapots! We visited Ireland a few years ago and enjoyed every day (and the tea and scones!) Great Great Grandfather was from County Cork and immigrated to Wisconsin.
I even have the words teapot in my email address!
When visiting Ireland I brought a box of Barry's tea home. I have been able to find it here. Smooth rich taste that is fine for any time of day. Keep your blog going.
Mary
You’ve done it again....written another excellent vlog! I just love everything Irish! Thank you! Blessings, Mary
Debbie
Thank you for always giving us the cultural background behind Ireland's foods! I enjoy your writing so much. 🙂
nicole
LOVE Irish tea- so prefer it for breakfast before switching to coffee later in the day!
But its been so hard to find! LOVE to share this basket with the family on Christmas!
thanks for hosting!
Karen
I come from a family of tea drinkers on my German side. The Irish/Scottish/English side was more towards the whisky! I am learning so much more about my Irish history and your tidbits help my family come alive in my mind. Thank you and God bless.
Jody Hatch
I only drink tea and often complain that everything is marketed towards coffee drinkers. I knew I was pregnant when I couldn't drink tea. All three times in the first trimester. Thankfully I recovered my taste for tea and drink it all day long at any temperature.
With such a glowing recommendation, I will have to try Barry's tea. Thanks for the excuse, I mean reason!
Karen O'Brien
I drink tea all day, everyday, every way! Hot or iced I love tea!
I am a relatively new to your blog and I have been enjoying your stories.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Sharon
I love your blog. Reading it always brightens my day. I printed your cookbook and have enjoyed making many of the recipes. My husband and I are planning an Irish Christmas dinner using some of your recipes. As I write this I am gleefully eating the last piece of the Kerry Apple Cake. Shhhhh... don’t let my husband know!
Lisa
I love a cup of hot tea, particularly in the winter months. My favorites are cinnamon and a good chai rooibos. Thanks for the interesting article!
Rachel
I drink tea all the time. Thanks for the interesting article!
Athena
I have been ordering Punjana from Belfast, but I’d love a cup of Barry’s. The goodies would be perfect for the kiddo’s stocking this season.
Rebecca Mills
Such interesting information! I love tea, and love all things Irish!
Jackie Mills
Great read as always. Keep up the great work. I love a nice cup of tea and a biscuit.
Barbara Legener
I’ve never had Barry’s teas. I’ll have to look for it. Unfortunately I can imagine the poor being frowned upon for taking up a habit of the wealthy. How dare they!! Guess I’d better hide my tea wares. If I win, I shall host an Irish tea. It will be fun to research recipes.
Rozalynd
I found this a fascinating article and very helpful to me since I am writing a young adult historical fantasy series partially set in nineteenth-century Ireland. Adding details about tea drinking will enrich my story and I am always looking for interesting accurate details to put in. I will contemplate this with delight over my next cup of tea.
Lynn
Thank you for the history of the attempts at tea prohibition. How strange that anyone would want to deprive anyone of the pleasure and comfort of drinking tea, and go to such lengths to prevent it. I'm glad those days are long gone, and anyone can enjoy tea as they wish. I think the appreciation of tea is universal, and why little children have tea parties and receive play tea sets as gifts in several cultures. I do like Irish tea, but there are so many different varieties I've also tried and enjoyed. I'm glad it's available for everyone.
Leigh Ann
I love reading your blog and admiring your lovely photographs. This blog really touched my heart and made me homesick to return to Ireland for a wee visit as we have friends we have stayed in touch with via Facetime but not the same as being there in person. Not to mention the tea is always better in Ireland! Is it the water or is it the love that goes into every cup shared with Irish friends? It just tastes better over there. Same goes for wheaten bread, scones, and on and on.
Darla
That was a GREAT read! Thank you for that. Tea at night is a good thing!
Colleen
I've recently discovered that a drop of whiskey in tea will help a cold. Slainte!
I also read that a cup of tea is good for your heart. So many benefits!
My favorite Irish tea is Bewley's but I'd love to try Barry's.
Bewley's Tea House was a stop on our travels in Dublin. So sad to read it is closed.
Deborah
What a lovely blog post, interesting the things one can learn reading a blog or two. I am an avid tea drinker more so since I became ill in March with some stomach issues and tea is one of the few things I've been able to tolerate. The love Irish Foods hamper give away is such a treat and I'm happy to say our local supermarket has begun carrying Barry's Tea I think in part because of my constant request to the management. I hope you have a lovely day. Thank you for the chance to take part in the give away and for your lovely blog.
Bernadette Bentley
I never knew the history of tea in Ireland --- this is so interesting! Thank you very much for sharing it. I can't wait to tell my parents this story, who are from Ireland and. of course, tea drinkers!
Karen D
Looks so good. Nice spot of tea on a wintry day.
Maureen
This was an amazing read. I love the idea that drinking tea could be seen as radical!!!!