Whether you’re a fan of holistic therapies or cutting-edge skincare, you’ll find treatments to suit you.
To help you glide through Ireland’s many infinity pools, tepidariums, and seaweed baths, we’ve chosen some of the country’s best five-star spa hotels. But don’t worry about compromising on fun, because these hotels know that enjoyment is an essential part of wellbeing.
One of the most popular five-star hotels in Ireland, The Europe Hotel makes the most of Killarney’s dramatic landscape. Set on the banks of Loch Léin, The Europe is an elegant cocoon of clean lines and spacious rooms. Settle into a Lakeview Room, where you can look out over the sparkling water and the rugged peaks of the McGuillycuddy Reeks mountain range.
This balance with nature continues in the ESPA spa. Visit the Active Level of the spa first, where you’ll find a serene infinity pool, as well as indoor and outdoor vitality pools. In the thermal suite, there’s a saltwater pool, ice fountain, and steam room to chill out in. Or for the ultimate self-care day, choose from a list of indulgent facials, massages, and body wraps. The Harmonising Ayurvedic Ritual aims to restore balance, while the Muscle Relaxer soothes aching muscles.
Afterwards, you can replenish with a healthy lunch in the Spa Cafe. A bright and airy space, the cafe serves colourful salads and light bites, like the vegetarian wrap, vegetable focaccia, and nourishing soup.
If fresh air, fine dining, and deep relaxation are your priorities, make your way to the Cliff House Hotel. Perched on the cliffs of Ardmore in Co. Waterford, this five-star hotel overlooks a vast expanse of the Celtic Sea. Everything about Cliff House is beautifully serene, from the sea views to the tranquil colour palette in the luxurious bedrooms.
Thanks to the spa’s floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s hard to know where the sea begins and the infinity pool ends. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an outdoor rock pool for swimming at high tide. After your chilly plunge, you’ll deserve the warmth of the stone baths on the outdoor relaxation terrace. Choose from an essential oil blend, organic peat bath, or seaweed bath for maximum relaxation.
Inside the spa, there’s plenty more to indulge in. Using Irish-made botanicals, therapists will work to improve your skin and soothe your muscles through facial treatments and massages. Afterwards, treat yourself to a delicious Afternoon Tea in the House Restaurant. It’s a feast of buttermilk scones, pretty pastries, and sandwiches filled with local salmon, cheeses, and meats.
If you’re looking for a hip hotel in Dublin, treat yourself to a weekend at The Marker. From its chequerboard exterior to its sophisticated wellness centre, this five-star hotel is all about design.
Stepping into the Spa and Wellness Centre is like entering a sleek, grey cocoon. Glide through the waters of the 23-metre infinity pool, before unwinding in the sauna or the eucalyptus-infused steam room. The Jacuzzi is big enough for 8-10 people, so it’s perfect for a luxurious girls’ trip.
After taking a dip, it’s time to pamper your skin with a Kerstin Florian, Organic Nation, or Skinceuticals facial. Or if you’re in the mood for a full body treatment, try a dreamy massage, body wrap, or scrub. And of course, relaxation doesn’t end in the spa. The Marker’s deluxe rooms feature furnishings by Irish designers, blissfully comfy beds, and views of the Grand Canal.
The first glimpse of Hayfield Manor never fails to thrill me. The red-brick, ivy-covered walls of this country manor-style hotel are just a hint of the grandeur that you’ll find inside. From the friendly, top-hatted doorman to the relaxed warmth of The Library, luxurious comfort is the priority here. And it’s all just a short walk from the restaurants and bars of Cork City.
Up the relaxation level by spending an afternoon in the glamorous Beautique Spa. Whether you’re in the mood for a deep tissue massage, facial therapy, or body rituals, you can expect full professionalism from the Elemis Spa trained therapists. There’s also an indoor pool, sauna, and outdoor jacuzzi, where you can let any remaining tension melt away.
Each spacious, gold-toned room is individually designed. But no matter which one you choose, you can expect a sumptuous level of comfort. Splash out on an opulent Deluxe Room for comfy armchairs and views of the walled gardens.
Surrounded by velvety golf courses and lush gardens, Fota Island Resort is a refreshing escape from urban life. Despite the fact that the hotel sits on a serene private island, it’s just a 20-minute drive from Cork City. So if you want the best of both worlds, treat yourself to a luxurious spa break here.
Thanks to its on-trend spa treatments, a visit to Fota Island Spa is never boring. Start your journey in the Acacia Thermal Suite, where nine sections of the Hydrotherapy Pool will target different parts of your body. Then there’s an extensive range of treatments to explore, from the Sublime Deluxe Skin Lift facial to the muscle-soothing Full Body Massage. And if like me, you’re a fan of all things holistic, you’ll love the Chakra Balancing Massage.
Post-spa, enjoy an evening of fine dining in the Fota Restaurant with a menu inspired by local ingredients. On summer evenings, ask for a table on the outdoor terrace and toast to a truly blissful weekend.
If you appreciate old-world luxury, then you’re likely to fall in love with The Merrion. A short stroll from Dublin’s busiest streets, this beautifully-restored Georgian building is a tranquil escape from the bustle. From shimmering chandeliers to marble fireplaces, The Merrion is a stunning example of period-style elegance.
After a day spent exploring Dublin, chill out in the peaceful Tethra Spa. Here, therapists use ESPA products with seaweeds, essential oils, and organic plant extracts to purify and hydrate the skin. There’s also an 18-metre pool, that’s perfect for relaxed swims, and an Italian-marble steam room. Or if you have the energy to burn, head to the hotel’s fully-equipped gym.
Afterwards, treat yourself to dinner in Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland’s only two-star Michelin Restaurant, before snuggling up in your King Koil bed for a night of restorative sleep.
Set on the edge of Lough Atalia, just a stroll from Galway’s vibrant city centre, The g Hotel is all about style. Each room, designed by the Irish milliner Philip Treacy, is inspired by the land and seascapes of the region. Oyster toned wallpaper is a nod to Galway’s oyster heritage, while Philip Treacy’s hat-shaped lamps light the rooms. For full glamour, check into the luxurious Linda Evangelista Penthouse.
The g’s ESPA spa is spread out over two zen-like floors. Take time out in the Thermal Suite, where the hydro pool, crystal steam room, rain showers, rock sauna, and ice fountain, are sure to get you feeling relaxed. Choose from a range of detox massages, intensive facials, and maternity treatments, or simply rest in the Relaxation Room.
Spend your evening in one of the three distinctive Signature Lounges. Head to the Grand Salon and marvel at its 300 twinkling globe lights, sip cocktails in the boldly colourful Ladies’ Lounge, or relax in the plush comfort of the Gentleman’s Lounge.
Set in the Kildare countryside, The K Club is a blend of classic luxury and next-level comfort. This is a hotel where no two rooms are the same but for an extra-special stay, settle into an opulent Kildare Suite. Their spacious living areas are perfect for snuggling up with a book while looking out over the river and gardens.
If wellness is your thing, you’ll love the unique style of The K Spa. Weekly wellness classes include shamanic meditation, hatha yoga, and mindfulness. The spa treatments are varied, so you can choose to focus on skincare, massage, or beauty. And golf isn’t limited to the hotel’s famous Ryder Cup Course – the Quiro Golf Massage uses golf balls to improve flexibility and enhance circulation.
To balance out all of that relaxing, make the most of the surrounding landscape. The K Club is very helpful when it comes to organising activities, like kayaking, walking, horse-riding, tennis, and archery.