The best spa hotels in Ireland

Advice

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Up until about the Nineties, the prepackaged concept of ‘wellness’ didn’t meaningfully exist in Ireland. But Irish culture has always been underpinned by a sense of spirituality and we’ve long understood that nature has the power to help the spirit soar; exploring the majesty of our wild, primordial landscapes readily induces natural highs. So the building blocks for a distinctively elemental take on wellness were already there as Ireland’s hotels began to consider wellness more seriously at the turn of this century.

Now, every property worth its (Atlantic or pink Himalayan) salt has a slew of spa facilities (as something of an Irish idiosyncrasy, you’ll find lots of them include purportedly good-for-the-skin seaweed baths). And they deliver when it comes to providing heartfelt hospitality – it just feels good to be in these wholesome, welcoming places. So if you find somewhere that offers all that, and then it’s additionally in yet another spectacular, uplifting setting wedged between mountain and sea, you’re pretty much guaranteed a feel-good holiday. These are the best spa hotels in Ireland.


How we review

Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer. 

Farnham Estate

County Cavan, Ireland

8
Telegraph expert rating

There is a beguiling combination of old and new at Farnham Estate. The ghost of the original fine country house can still be glimpsed, combined today with a sparkling contemporary hotel, a world-class spa – and all of this surrounded by hundreds of acres of serene Irish fields, lakes and woods. Walk for miles through woodland and on well-laid paths; play golf at the on-site 18-hole course; take your ease in manicured garden and courtyard areas. Or plunge into the Espa spa – one of the largest in any Irish hotel, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, excellent relaxation areas and a full range of treatments. There’s even an amethyst salt inhalation room (to encourage deeper sleep).


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From


£
132

per night

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Ashford Castle

Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

With a peerless Lough Corrib setting and innate grandeur, centuries-old Ashford Castle has long been known as one of Ireland’s best hotels. Extensive renovations have imbued the property with sufficient modern comforts to ensure it can stake a claim as one of the most characterful and successful hotels in Europe. A Victorian-style greenhouse houses a pool and spa. Activities range from fishing with a local ghillie, horse riding, and joining the Irish School of Falconry.


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From


£
297

per night

Park Hotel Kenmare

Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

A wild grass covered Scandi-esque eco-lodge with a sparkling interior, the ultra-modern Samas spa is a chilled spot from which to survey the ever-changing tides. There are five treatments rooms where you can enjoy heavenly Sisley treatments and the knock-out thermal suites consist of a 40-degree thermal eternity pool open to the wilderness, a steam room, a tropical shower and knippe pool. To finish, a relaxation room with beds in which to tuck yourself up while enjoying floor-to-ceiling views of the ferns and pine forest.


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£
279

per night

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The Marker Hotel

Dublin, Ireland

8
Telegraph expert rating

Recently taken over by Anantara, the modern spa and wellness area is the big draw here, and it’s extremely impressive. It’s spacious and enveloping, with a cool, smooth palette of greys to create a sense of intimacy. The fabulous emerald-green infinity pool comes in at a generous 23 metres; there’s also a commodious whirlpool tub, plus a very extensive range of treatments. The pair of hammock-esque ‘retro-cocoons’ that hang from the ceiling and promise instant and immersive relaxation, look very inviting.


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£
214

per night

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Lough Eske Castle

County Donegal, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

Lough Eske has been garlanded with praise – and no wonder: this five-star hotel offers marvellous service and hospitality. And a splendid setting too: the hotel and its grounds lie on the shores of beautiful Lough Eske, surrounded by some of Donegal’s most rugged landscapes. The excellent Spa Solis looks out onto the hotel gardens: it’s modern and sleek, with indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, infinity pool and eight treatment rooms.


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£
221

per night

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The Merrion Hotel

Dublin, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

The very lovely 18-metre swimming pool in The Merrion’s Tethra Spa is especially worth experiencing: flanked by symmetrical columns and tiled in lapis lazuli-blue mosaic, this is as Roman as they come, and beautifully relaxing. A full range of spa and beauty treatments is available, with a choice of Espa and Bioloque Recherche products, plus steam room, and gym with personal trainers. Spacious and light-filled Garden Wings to the rear enclose a pleasant half-acre quadrangle of fountains and manicured greenery. Rooms are beautifully appointed.


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£
396

per night

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The Ice House Hotel

Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland

8
Telegraph expert rating

The Ice House is swish, small and delightfully situated. Moreover, it features an evocative history to add to a luxurious present life – for it really was an ice store, built to serve the bountiful salmon fishery on the river Moy. Don’t neglect the Chill spa, with its lovely products created by Voya Seaweed Baths along the coast – and definitely don’t miss the outdoor seaweed bath on the deck overlooking the river; even on a chilly Irish day, it is both therapeutic and luxurious. A full range of treatments is on offer.


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£
196

per night

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Hayfield Manor

Cork, County Cork, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

While the original merchants’ property on the estate has since been rebuilt, Hayfield Manor still exudes period-style elegance. Guests can expect a serene and pampered ambiance and a great spa. A small residents-only fitness suite is available 24-hours and personal training can be pre-booked with former Olympian Gillian O’Sullivan. The 16-metre pool overlooks the enclosed garden with sauna, steam rooms and an outdoor hot tub. The Beautique Spa, featuring Elemis products, offers a wide range of treatments for both sexes or as a couple, with many packages including lunch or afternoon tea. Facials, massages, wraps, reflexology, manicure/pedicures and waxing are available. Handily, residents can also access the spa directly from a bedroom corridor.


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£
274

per night

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InterContinental Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

A handsome, friendly spot: come here for luxury, style and impeccable service in spacious surroundings a 10-minute taxi ride from the city centre. It’s a great choice for weekending couples in need of a little pampering; business travellers seeking excellent facilities; and families after space and comfort. The swish spa features a 14-metre pool, hot tub, good gym and a relaxation area with herbal teas and daily newspapers on offer; plus treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. Espa is the brand of choice.


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£
240

per night

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The Shelbourne Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

The Shelbourne Dublin is the grand old lady of the Dublin hotel scene. Stylish, opulent and utterly distinctive in a Victorian style, the property has glowed on the northern side of St Stephen’s Green since 1824. The main bar is a popular fixture on the city’s social scene, while afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge is something of a Dublin tradition. An excellent range of facilities is offered, including beauty salon, and smart barber shop in the basement. The spa area is delightful, complete with treatment areas, a gym, a top-lit 18-metre pool and a wonderful relaxation space, with park views and cocktails.


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£
333

per night

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The Cliff House Hotel

Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

The hotel, with Michelin-starred dining, superb Atlantic views and striking modern architecture, clings to a cliff on the south side of Ardmore Bay. It’s very modern, with a ’boutique’ feel rather than a country house or explicitly rural one. The ace card here is the architecture of the building itself and its simply stunning views, through walls of glass. It’s a feel-good place, full of light. Of course, the full spa experience is indoors and it’s pretty special, complete with vast windows, infinity pool and a full range of treatments, plus in-house beauty products available for purchase.


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£
257

per night

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Adare Manor

County Limerick, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

While Limerick isn’t one of Ireland’s foremost holiday destinations, Adare Manor’s 842-acre estate provides a resort feel. Beside the grounds, it’s a pretty village with a terrace of photogenic thatched cottages and smattering of pubs. Activities on offer at the hotel include expert-led falconry, archery and fishing. Furnished in 19th-century style, well-sized Classic Rooms feature king-sized beds, marble bathrooms and minibars stocked with complimentary snacks and soft drinks. La Mer spa has a sauna but no steam room; a shallow plunge pool but no lap pool and a basic gym.


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£
280

per night

Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa

Wicklow, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa offers top-notch facilities and excellent service, but the smart and beautiful Espa spa is the hotel’s stand-out asset. It’s enormous, ranging over two floors and opening onto the hotel gardens – but intimate and relaxing too, and decorated in soothing shades of cream and muted gold. There’s an excellent gym, 24-metre pool (its tiled floor studded with Swarovski crystals), hammam suite, and a impressively wide range of treatments – plus a Spa Café, and a delightful relaxation room with wide views of the Wicklow landscape.


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£
219

per night

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Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Cork, County Cork, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

Surrounded by the natural beauty of West Cork, the Inchydoney Lodge & Spa is in a superb location overlooking the Atlantic on Ireland’s spectacular south coast. The service is super, and there are wonderful facilities: the spa is a top attraction with its heated seawater pools, comfortable relaxation areas and heaps of treatments. There’s a surf school on the beach, kites are available to borrow for windy days and you can order a picnic on sunny days. Indoors, you’ll find open fires, a Netflix room, library, snooker room and tranquil residents’ lounge with views and plenty of books.


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£
234

per night

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Cliff at Lyons

Celbridge, County Kildare, Ireland

8
Telegraph expert rating

This one-of-a-kind hotel on the banks of the Grand Canal is set in a tiny village meticulously restored by aviation tycoon and co-founder of Ryanair, the late Dr Tony Ryan. Service is friendly and eager to please; each of the 39 rooms, suites, apartments and self-catering cottages is different; and amenities are plentiful. The restored Carriage House is a charming setting for The Well in the Garden Spa, where the theme is botanical with signature organic products and impressively deft therapists. There is a fleet of bikes for freewheeling down the mostly car-free towpath, and various excursions can be arranged – even a barge trip.


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£
279

per night

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Mount Juliet

County Kilkenny, Ireland

9
Telegraph expert rating

A compelling history, splendid Georgian architecture, luxurious accommodation and facilities, Michelin-starred gastronomic delights, and some of the best landscapes in Ireland – all come together to make Mount Juliet a very special place. The spa is the cherry on top and offers a 15-metre swimming pool with a gym and several beautiful treatment suites. Spa days here are popular, as well as the use of Ground products (designed by spa consultant and wellness expert Peigin Crowley). The abdominal cleanse ritual is particularly good, focusing on gut health.


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£
175

per night

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Castlemartyr Resort

Castlemartyr, County Cork, Ireland

8
Telegraph expert rating

Castlemartyr lies amid the glorious pastoral landscapes of east County Cork and is the perfect country escape. Come to the sprawling estate for fresh air, relaxation, good food and excellent standards of service. Facilities are excellent, too, and varied: pride of place goes to the testing golf course and the award-winning spa, with its spectacular and enormous wellness centre, smart ESPA and Germaine de Capuccini treatments, and 66-ft pool. Alternatively, try a jog or a long ramble in the mature and beautiful grounds and explore the walled garden.


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£
205

per night

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The K Club

Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland

8
Telegraph expert rating

Originally built by the Barton family in 1832, The K Club hotel retains a delightfully period air. Add thoroughly updated facilities and a marvellous setting amid hundreds of acres of Irish countryside, and the result is truly winning. No shortages of facilities here either. Pride of place goes to the two golf courses, which will bear comparison to the best (the Ryder Cup was held here in 2006). The spacious and gleaming K Spa is also excellent, and comes with Natura Bissé and Grounded products, a 16-metre pool, sauna, steam room a studio with a full range of classes plus an outdoor Canadian hot tub.


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£
294

per night

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Wineport Lodge

Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland

8
Telegraph expert rating

Imagine a secluded wooden hotel built on the edge of a beautiful lake, with windows facing west; balconies on which to drink in the heavenly, endlessly changing views; wood-burning stoves; superb cuisine – and a delightfully relaxed vibe. Don’t expect lavish gyms, saunas and swimming pools (though you can certainly swim in the lake): Wineport is small, and the focus is on relaxation, reading – there are books scattered everywhere – and doing very little. There is a wellness area, however, with a full range of treatments; try a Swedish massage with the excellent Trisha, followed by an immersion in the hot tub.


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From


£
197

per night

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Contributions by Marie Gethins, Neil Hegarty, Aoife O’Riordain 

  • Ballyfin

    HOTEL
    County Laois, Ireland

    10
    Telegraph expert rating

    Splendid Ballyfin is one of Ireland’s finest country houses, now restored to elegant and graceful…


    Read expert review


    From


    £
    700

    per night

  • Ashford Castle

    HOTEL
    Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

    9
    Telegraph expert rating

    With a peerless Lough Corrib setting and innate grandeur, centuries-old Ashford Castle has long b…


    Read expert review


    From


    £
    297

    per night

  • Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa

    HOTEL
    Wicklow, Ireland

    9
    Telegraph expert rating

    Spacious, gracious and beautifully secluded, Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa offers top-notch fa…


    Read expert review


    From


    £
    219

    per night

    Rates provided by
    Booking.com

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