6 great spa hotels in Ireland

It’s easy to feel at peace on the island of Ireland – our natural landscapes just have that effect, but if you want to take things a step further, we’ve got just the ticket: a spa break. All over the island, you’ll find hotels with award-winning spas offering a variety of treatments in calm, serene surroundings.

Here are six to try:

Awards are Ashford Castle’s middle name, and in 2023 the World Spa Awards granted this County Mayo spa hotel the title of Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa for the 8th consecutive year. The 800-year-old Ashford Castle offers modern facilities in its spa: a relaxation pool, steam room, fitness suite and “serene terrace” as well as five treatment rooms with skilled therapists on hand. The setting only adds to the serenity, with a beautiful location on the edge of Lough Corrib with wooded areas all around.

At the Cedarwood Spa in Wineport Lodge, County Westmeath, you can soak in the nutrients of the hand-picked seaweed from the Atlantic Ocean as you lie in a bath gazing out at panoramic views over Lough Ree. Even the skincare used in this spa is local to the island – VOYA is from County Sligo and is crafted from ingredients that are sustainably farmed. The lakeside location makes Wineport a perfect place for an all-round relaxation break, with sunrise yoga, lake swimming, boat hire and paddleboarding available.

Like the sound of Thailand in Ireland? You’ll love the spa at the Lough Erne Resort as it’s all about engaging your senses and transporting them to Southeast Asia. A rich aroma of Asian herbs and deep colours set the scene for the Thai spa, which sits in a tranquil corner of the Lough Erne Resort. Why not combine a morning of exciting watersports on the lough or a trip to one of the many islands found in Lough Erne, with an afternoon of relaxation?

Nothing says luxury like a castle spa. Lough Eske Castle is a 5-star luxury hotel which lies on a 43-acre estate in County Donegal at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains. The pool and spa are situated where the Victorian Glass House once stood and large windows here let streams of natural light into the spa area. 

After a day being pampered and luxuriating in the thermal suite and tropical experience showers, why not treat yourself to dinner in the award-winning Cedars Restaurant, where you can look forward to dishes such as fillet of prime Irish beef and pan-roasted Silverhill duck breast.

When you want to blend a spa break with gorgeous walks in a National Park, then Powerscourt Hotel in County Wicklow is just the place. Our perfect weekend here would involve hikes in the Wicklow Mountains or a round of golf on the Powerscourt Golf Course, followed by a day of relaxation in the hydrotherapy pool, serenity room, swimming pool and lounge. And who could resist trying out one of the treatments on offer, from the LED + Nano-Dermabrasion Facial Treatment to the Hot Stone Massage?

Truly become one with nature at the Galgorm Resort in County Antrim.  The Thermal Spa Village is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland and takes inspiration from the resort’s beautiful surroundings, with manicured gardens that lead to hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, pools, heated loungers and snow cabin. A wide range of treatments and experiences are offered here, including the unique Celtic Sauna Infusion which combines heat and aromatherapy in a sauna with panoramic views of this stunning natural landscape on the banks of the River Maine. Meditate as light music plays for the duration of the treatment, and finish it off with a dip in the cold plunge pool.

We’re relaxed just thinking about it.