Ireland has a spa for every occasion and a lot of budgets too. Many are nestled inland amid lush forestry and fields; some are in the heart of the city.
Others adorn the cliffs that overlook the Atlantic or are next to the Irish and Celtic seas. Soak in warm ocean waters piped directly to your freshly harvested seaweed bath, or bathe in an infinity pool next to fields where farm animals wander free.
It’s all incredibly charming. Ireland’s spa hotels offer a special céad míle fáilte and it’s no wonder they shine on a world stage, with often locally sourced, farm-to-fork produce available on the menu as well as that genial, laid-back welcome.
We shine a light on Ireland’s thermal suites and forest retreats, and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, a hotel stay might just be the perfect gift.
Cliff at Lyons
A stay in Cliff at Lyons in Co Kildare will make you feel like you’ve travelled deep inside the countryside and back in time. The estate is made up of numerous historic rose clad buildings and the divine cottages speckled around the grounds have everything you could need for a very agreeable overnight stay.
Treatments in the spa are heaven sent for tired, aching limbs. Try a Botanical Breather which includes 75 minutes of back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by a facial. Or finish your treatment with a rejuvenating lower leg and foot massage.
Dine at the Mill restaurant, where chef Sean Smith’s delicious menu changes regularly. Ask for a seat next to the open fire or in summer at the windows that open directly on to a terrace beside the mill race and an eye-catching waterfall.
Galgorm Resort
The vastness of Galgorm Resort in Co Antrim makes this a great place to go get lost in. Find your special spot as you meander from sauna to hot tub to plunge pool, then do it all again. The real treat at Galgorm is staying in one of their forest dens, which opened recently and can be reached by foot, bike or golf buggy, just a short hop from the main house. Enjoy a private sauna, outdoor bath, fire pit and cold shower in your own little enclave. Have dinner in Gillies Grill, Fratelli Ristorante or Castle Kitchen & Bar. Indulge in a treatment, where you also have full use of the thermal suites but chances are you’ll be too busy cosying up in nature to leave your own little slice of heaven.
The Rabbit Retreat
Poolside cocktails are a must at the Rabbit retreat, Galgorm’s little sister in Northern Ireland. You’ll feel out of place without one as you submerge in the fun outdoor pool, while Café Del Mar beats play in the background and a giant disco ball twirls overhead. There is plenty of space to relax and deck chairs and sun loungers add to the distinct beach holiday feel of the place. Dip into a 60-minute lakeside botanical bathing experience, followed by three course dinner and breakfast, with access to the spa for the duration of your stay.
Monart
If you want to lounge around in robe and slippers from breakfast till … well, whenever, then Monart in Co Wexford is the quintessential place to do so. With so many thermal areas - pools, salt rooms, mud chambers and steam rooms - you’re always guaranteed a quiet spot. And, as an adult-only destination, tranquillity is a certainty. Buy your mum a voucher to use at her leisure or sign her up for a midweek rejuvenation package which includes a silky skin body scrub, back massage and facial. And if feeling up to it, you can also participate in a scheduled yoga class too.
The Merrion Hotel
A mere stroll from Dublin’s major shopping streets and just across from Government Buildings, The Merrion Hotel is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life. Treat your mum to an overnight Sunday stay where champagne will be waiting on ice for your arrival. You can both unwind with a one-hour full body massage and relax in the spa or make use of the gym. Dinner is served in the Garden Room. Before checking out on Monday, you could also participate in a 50-minute yoga class, guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away.
The Park Hotel Kenmare
Overlooking Kenmare Bay in Co Kerry, and perched within ancient woodlands and the Caha Mountains, Samas Spa is a jewel in The Park Hotel Kenmare crown. Enjoy the spa, take in a treatment and make good use of their yoga classes, botanical walks, hikes, bikes, croquet and tennis courts. Dinner is served at Landline, the hotel’s in-house restaurant.
Wineport Lodge
On the shores of Lough Ree, Wineport Lodge is a special place in the heart of Co Westmeath. Views across the lake are second to none and you can soak away all the stresses of life and take in the vista from the deep outdoor bathtubs that are perched on glass-panelled decking. Staff are exceptionally friendly, and the service is top notch. Your breakfast will be delivered to your door on time, to be enjoyed in bed or on your private balcony.
Center Parcs
You might think zip lining and tree climbing when you think of Center Parcs but the Aqua Sana Forest Spa is a popular place in its own right and a great overnight stay for you and your mum in Co Longford. Stay in one of the lakeside apartments, enjoy spa access, lunch at Vitalé Café Bar and dine in Center Parcs restaurant area.
Dunboyne Castle
Want to take a break from the capital but be home in time for school pick up the next day? Dunboyne Castle hotel will allow just that. Its recently reopened spa includes a brand-new thermal suite where you can try out one of their excellent 45-minute treatments. These include either a customised facial — tailored to your skin’s individual needs; a body glow booster — including a full body scrub and a super hydrating body melt; or an aromatic anti-stress massage — a light and soothing body rub using a warm blend of aromatherapy oils. Eat at The Ivy Restaurant before enjoying an overnight stay.
Farnham Estate
Explore 1,300 acres of mature Cavan woodlands and lakes, or 11km of scenic walking trails before diving into the outdoor infinity pool, where you’ll get further acquainted with the bovine neighbours in surrounding fields. Take some time to relax in the Watermint thermal suite before enjoying a spa treatment.
Fota Island Resort
Who wouldn’t want to stay on a private island for a weekend while having your every need catered to. At Fota Island in Cork you can do just that and re-emerge to the real world refreshed and restored. Step into the hydrotherapy pool and the Acacia Thermal Suite before drifting off during an Indian head massage, which is proven to relieve tension and alleviate anxiety. Explore the 780 acres of lush grounds, or if feeling brave, take a refreshing dip on one of the local Blue Flag beaches before dining at the Fota restaurant.
The G Hotel
The G Hotel, designed by Philip Treacy, and situated just five minutes from Galway city on the banks of Lough Atalia, is a great option if you can’t do an overnight but still want to treat mum to some R&R. Enjoy a treatment of your choice, an hour of thermal suite access and a glass of prosecco to celebrate.
