Think bubbling hot tubs, lavish pools and detoxifying steam rooms all rounded off by fine dining. These spa hotels in scenic County Clare also give you the opportunity for lengthy countryside treks as well as craggy coastal walks that fringe the Atlantic. And what better way to wind down afterwards than to sink into the pleasures of a full-body massage or a hearty three-course meal? Our picks combine upscale spa experiences with culinary excellence and cosy yet elegant rooms – all you need for a relaxing break.
Spa hotels Clare: serene spa hotels to relax and rejuvenate you
Treat yourself, your girlfriends or your mum and escape to one of these top spa hotels in Clare, for an indulgent getaway to remember.
An elegant spa hotel in Clare just minutes from Bunratty Castle
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Situated in the heart of County Clare, the sophisticated Bunratty Castle makes for a memorable stay – ideal if you’re looking to kick back and relax with the girls. If you’re from outside the area, Bunratty Castle is also the ideal base for visiting Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren (and you can stroll to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle). After some retail therapy? Bunratty Mills shopping village (where you can pick up contemporary designer homeware alongside knitwear and linen) is at the edge of the hotel grounds.
To start your weekend of relaxation, look no further than the Angsana Spa with its tranquil pool and hydro-therapy jets, as well as a state-of-the-art gym, sauna and steam room. After a few lengths in the pool and a detoxifying sauna, pamper yourself with a full body massage from experienced Thai therapists. Using aromatic oils like lavender and jasmine, they’ll ease away tension in your body and transport you to a state of total wellbeing.
Continue the indulgence with afternoon tea in the library, think traditional finger sandwiches, freshly baked pastries and sweet treats along with fine teas and coffee – or why not add a glass of fizz to make the occasion extra special? In the evening, choose from the laidback Kathleen’s bar for a pre-dinner Bellini or light bites, or opt for the romantic and refined Fibber McGee’s steakhouse restaurant. Expect mouthwatering steaks from the grill as well as other locally sourced plates that wash down nicely with a glass of Malbec.
Settle down for the night in your deluxe, executive room or suite, tastefully decorated in soothing neutral tones and complete with cosy linens and blankets. If you’ve booked into one of the latter options, tuck into fresh fruit and brew yourself a latte while you watch the world go by from the large windows, or sink into a hot bath before giving in to the comfort of a king-sized bed.
Hotel Bunratty Castle
Bunratty
A sophisticated spa hotel in Clare with a top-class restaurant overlooking the River Inagh
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Escape to the country for down time at the elegant Falls Hotel & Spa, an 18th-century mansion that sits amid 50 acres of peaceful land. Check in to a spacious en-suite superior room, make yourself a fresh cup of tea and admire views of the nearby woods, river and Cascades. If you need to freshen up, your spacious marble-finish bathroom with walk-in rainforest shower is just the place to do it, before slipping on your robe and slippers to relax in your cosy queen-sized bed.
Let’s face it, Falls Hotel’s River Spa is probably the reason you’ll come here, and it doesn’t disappoint. Choose from over 50 treatments to fully relax and rejuvenate the mind and body. Start with a mud bath in the Mud Rasul treatment suite, before indulging in a body scrub and hydrating facial, your skin soaking up the goodness of the Elemis and VOYA product range. Find yourself slipping into serenity as you sit back in the relaxation room taking in views of the River Inagh. If you fancy a refreshing dip, head to the 65 ft swimming pool, before detoxing in the sauna and sinking into the luxurious outdoor hot tub.
In the evening, make your way to the hotel’s Dylan Thomas bar – formerly known as Ennistymon House, the hotel was at one time the family home of the Welsh poet’s wife Caitlin. Today, you can expect a warm and welcoming interior with rustic touches such as the original stonework of the manor house, alongside panoramic views of the Cascades on the River Inagh. After a pre-dinner cocktail (or two), Cascades restaurant calls. Here you’ll get to taste local produce with an emphasis on seafood from West Clare’s Atlantic coastline. Tuck into dishes such as lemon sole stuffed with a prawn, smoked salmon and spinach farce and served with a sun-dried tomato and basil veloute. Finish off with a dessert like the mouthwatering Belgian chocolate and pear tart with Ferrero Rocher ice cream.
Falls Hotel & Spa
Ennistimon
A 16th-century spa hotel in Clare nestled in the countryside
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Dromoland Castle old-world charm is offset by a polished, contemporary decor, making it an elegant and romantic option, ideal for couples. Set in 450 acres of countryside estate, it’s a great spot to relax and unwind. You can wander through a sweet-smelling rose garden, take a boat out on the lake or try a spot of archery. Or, simply chill out in the luxurious spa.
Leave your cares at the door and make your way to the hotel’s serene spa where a team of experienced therapists will pamper you in one of six treatment rooms. Soothe your muscles with an aromatherapy back massage using Elemis products, or add a little glamour to your look with a luxe mani and pedi before recharging in the heated massage chairs with a herbal tea. The Dromoland Royal Escape Signature Journey includes a hot mineral body-boosting massage, followed by a pro-collagen age-defying facial. Round off the experience with a dip in the bubbling outdoor Jacuzzi.
When evening rolls around, dress up and prepare yourself for a night of excellent food and silver service in the refined Earl of Thomond restaurant. Discover a grand dining room that features opulent glass chandeliers, Renaissance artworks and floor-to-ceiling windows in an elegant setting (grand for special occasions). Once you’ve chosen a bottle of wine from the cellar, you can run your eyes over a creative menu of Irish dishes including Burren smoked mackerel and Silverhill duck breast, or dream over indulgent desserts like the salted caramel parfait roulade.
Once you’re ready to retire for the night, your stylish deluxe room with its marble-clad bathroom and comfortable king-sized bed awaits. Relax with a decaf Nespresso from your machine and tuck into complimentary chocolates before soaking in the bath with luxe Asprey toiletries. It’s the ideal way to wind down before a good night’s sleep.
Hotel Dromoland Castle
Newmarket-on-Fergus
Live music nights at this friendly spa hotel in Clare
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The charming Auburn Lodge Hotel makes for a welcoming and memorable stay. Tailor Quigley’s – the on-site bar – hosts local musicians playing live throughout the summer, so grab a Guinness and head on down to rub shoulders with friendly folk and soak up the atmosphere. If you fancy a bite to eat, you can always make your way into the hotel’s elegant Oyster Restaurant, which serves a variety of Irish fare as well as continental foods. Expect to savour the freshest of local ingredients alongside fine wines, complemented with excellent service.
In the daytime, unwind with some gentle exercise in the hotel’s 52 ft pool and fitness centre. Or simply make the most of your relaxing weekend away with a soak in the Jacuzzi before following up with a visit to the sauna and steam rooms. Take a book or magazine and rest up in the leisure centre’s relaxation area afterwards. The beauty spa will leave you pampered and polished, with a hot oil lavender massage helping to ease you into a state of bliss. Book in to have your nails and makeup done afterwards to look as good as you feel! If you like to get out and about, there are plenty of activities to try in the area including golf, fishing, horse-riding and hiking. Visit one of the nearby villages to browse the shops and have a coffee out.
After a day of wandering, wind down in your cosy superior bedroom. Brew yourself a coffee from the machine and settle in front of the TV before bed, or run yourself a hot bath to help you nod off. There’s a writing desk for scribbling any congratulations cards on, and complimentary fruit and teas to keep you going. Rooms are simply decorated with crisp white linens and coordinated soft furnishings. If it’s a special occasion, opt for the Burren Suite, which provides more space and is decorated in shades of regal blues, golds and bronze.
Auburn Lodge Hotel & Leisure Centre
Ennis