It’s calculated that the Irish drink five cups of tea per day, that’s 300 liters each per year. It’s no wonder that the Dublin Coffee & Tea Festival is back by popular demand this September.

The inaugural event in 2014, held at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), in Ballsbridge, say 6,000 tea and coffee enthusiasts descend to get a taste of what’s going on in the industry in Ireland. The three-day event this year will include fringe events, family fun and informative workshops.

This festival this years will include:

- The Roasters Village hosting an array of coffee and tea micro roasters

- The SCAE Brew School where visitors will be shown how to use different brewing methods

- The National Home Barista Championships as well as The Food Village for Artisan food and beverage suppliers whose products compliments the coffee and tea drinking experience

- A photographic exhibition from celebrated photographer Sean Hawkey in conjunction with event partners Fairtrade Ireland

Larry Smith, Chairman of the Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance said “This is an exciting time for the coffee and tea lovers in Ireland – with more and more people being aware of the variety of products on offer and demanding best quality.”

We know Americans know how to prep a good cup of US-style coffee but their tea often leaves a lot to be desired (especially when you order out).

So before you head along to the festival here’s a quick guide on how to make a “pure decent” cup of tea.

How to make tea properly:


What you’ll need

A kettle (NO MICROWAVES)

A proper tea pot

A tea cosy, to keep the teapot warm

Loose tea, or tea bags (who are we kidding what we really mean is Barry’s or Lyon’s…nothing else)

A tea strainer if you use loose tea.

Step 1: Boil the water

We mean really boil it! Lots and lots of bubbles

Take your 'proper' tea pot to the kettle and put a small amount of boiling water into it. Replace the lid.

Empty out the hot water from the tea pot. This is called 'warming the pot' and is absolutely essential.

You cannot make a nice cup of tea in a cold pot.

Step 2: Boil the kettle again

Yep! You heard us.

The water must be absolutely boiling before pouring on the tea in the pot.

Step 3: Add the tea bags

Place the tea bags (or loose tea leaves) in the warmed pot.

b Take the pot to the kettle

Add the still boiling water to the pot.

Replace the lid and cover immediately with the tea cosy.

Step 5: Let the tea stand for a few minutes (like 5 or 10).

Pour a little milk into the bottom of your cup or mug and then add your tea. Then add sugar, if you so wish.

Step 6: There you have it! A nice up to tea.

For more information on the upcoming Dublin Coffee & Tea Festival visit www.dublincoffeefestival.com. It will take place at the Royal Dublin Society, Dublin (Industries Hall) from 11-13th September.

H/T: Instructables.com