The big day awaits…

But just before you hang up your single stilettos, it’s time for the customary pre-marital send-off that is the hen party.

Much more than an excuse for a night out on the town, it’s also an opportunity to finally meet up with your nearest and dearest after years of making and breaking coffee dates, get all your friends in the same room and even connect with the to-be in-laws before the wedding.

But hen dos can be pretty anxiety-inducing affairs so it’s great to start off the day or weekend on a chill note, in a plush setting before the party really gets started.

Afternoon Tea is also the perfect activity for any older members of the family who want to celebrate your impending nuptials but aren’t feeling up for a night of clubbing, followed by the obligatory Hillbillies on very sore feet at 3am.

Here are five of our favourite spots in Cork for a suitably boozy relaxing afternoon tea:

1. The Montenotte Hotel

2. Sketch Cork

In the heart of Cork City is the Imperial Hotel, home to the stunning Sketch Cocktail Bar. On top of the wonderful selection of Birdcage menus fit for a princess, at Sketch, you can fill your Instagram feed with snaps of a picture-perfect afternoon tea served with an optional glass of prosecco or Champagne.

Sketch serves Afternoon Tea from noon-3pm, Monday to Sunday and prices start from €35 per person.

3. The River Lee

For a modern twist on the classic mates date, head to The River Lee for their G & Afternoon Tea – served with a complimentary G & Tea cocktail.

Sink into the deep, velvet armchairs and snack on tea classics: from cucumber and watercress cream cheese sandwiches to mini fruit scones with whipped cream and jam and a fine selection of freshly baked sweet treats and macarons.

G & Afternoon Tea starts at €40 and is available from 12:30pm – 4pm Friday to Sunday in the Cocktail Bar.

4. Hayfield Manor

For a quintessential afternoon tea experience in a quiet oasis in Cork City, head to the Hayfield Manor for a day of tranquillity and le service d’excellence.

Relax to the soothing tones of the classical piano in the Orchids Restaurant and enjoy a delicious assortment of pastries and cakes freshly prepared in their very own pâtisserie.

The Traditional Afternoon Tea is priced at €42 per guest and is served Thursday to Sunday in two sittings at 1pm and 3:30pm.

5. Liss Ard Estate

Sometimes nature is the most luxurious backdrop of all. If you’re getting out of the city and planning a hen-do in West Cork, head to the recently renovated and newly re-opened Lissard Estate, just outside Skibbereen.

The estate, a member of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book, and an AA-awarded five-star Georgian country manor, boasts a 40-acre private lake and the world-renowned Irish Sky Garden.

Afternoon Tea is served Thursday- Sunday from 1pm – 4pm starting at €30 per adult or €20 per child.