20 destination spas to visit around Ireland

There are few places in society that offer as much escapism and conscious "me-time" as a good spa. Although still a luxury for many of us, spas have come to rival even hotels as destinations in themselves, and are often at the core of many a weekend getaway or couples' trip.

Not only that, but spas have become the focal point for many of the country's leading skincare and wellness brands, as well as innovative treatments that cater to a formerly underserved demographic.

Those living with cancer, menopausal women and more can now find treatments specially curated to their needs. In this sense, spas can offer a much-needed respite for those of us who are lucky enough to afford them.

A spa trip doesn't have to break the bank, however, and nor do they have to be part and parcel of a weekend away. Day spas with more affordable treatments have surged in popularity recently, and can be found in many parts of the country.

Here, we've rounded up 20 of the best spas (and their noteworthy treatments) around Ireland, from the more casual to the very luxurious.

Ice House Hotel and Spa, Ballina, Co Mayo

Don't be fooled by the name: this spot doesn't specialise in cyro-therapy but it does promise an immersive dip into the elements. Located along the banks of the River Moy, the Ice House Hotel and Spa is a chic and contemporary destination designed to contrast the untouched natural landscape surrounding it.

Comprised of five indoor treatment suites, an outdoor and indoor thermal suite and a range of themed relaxation rooms, its Chill Spa is particularly popular, with bathing therapy baths (from €45) positioned along a glass balcony to better soak up the atmosphere.

Access to the thermal suite costs €25 for residents and €40 for non-residents, while massage treatments start at €80 for a Swedish back, neck and shoulder massage. They also offer treatments for pregnancy treatments, as well as those tailored for men.

The g Hotel, Galway

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Unsurprisingly for a hotel designed by famed milliner Philip Treacy, the spa at the g Hotel is every bit as glamorous and memorable as the hotel itself. The 5-star hotel recently underwent a renovation of its lounges and cocktail bar, but its moody and sleek spa remains the same.

Spread over two floors, the ESPA spa includes 12 therapy rooms and a lush thermal suite, outfitted with dark marble and low lighting. You can take your pick of the bubbling vitality hydro pool, soothing crystal steam room, rock sauna, a cooling ice fountain, lifestyle rain showers and tepidarium heated loungers.

As for the treatments, you can choose from facials (from €125), body rituals (from €85), massages (from €125) and the luxurious signature treatments that combine holistic rituals and a mix of practices (from €220).

Access to the thermal suite costs €15 per hour for residents, and €30 per hour for non-residents.

Castle Spa at Dromoland Castle, Co Clare

If you have a beauty enthusiast on your hands, this is the place for them. Proving that spas are becoming a hub of innovation in Irish skincare, the Castle Spa at the 5-star Dromoland Castle has recently announced a partnership with Seabody, one of the country's most dynamic new brands.

The Kerry-based luxury brand harnesses the power of hardworking marine-based nutraceuticals found in sustainably harvested ocean plants from Ireland's Atlantic coastline, and will bring their first and only holistic suite of treatments to the luxurious spa. Their indulgent Signature treatment costs €360.

Nestled far into the 16th century castle estate, the Castle Spa is already notable for its regal design, as well as offering treatments from world-class brands like Dr Barbara Sturm and OSKIA, with treatments inspired by one of Dromoland Castle's most revered guardians, Lady Ethel.

Massages and body treatments start at €180.

The Spa at Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co Meath

If you're looking to escape the city for a while, a visit to this Georgian rural manor will do the trick. The 4-star hotel recently added a spa to their sprawling estate, which offers an equally expansive range of treatments.

With 15 treatment suites and a Rooftop and Indoor Thermal Experience, as well as a couple's room and Rasul mud and mineral treatment chamber, this spa is certainly one of the more robust ones, with enough to entertain a gaggle of girls or a full family looking to unwind in luxury. Psammotherapy and Aqua-beds are also on offer, as well as treatments using ELEMIS and Gharieni products.

Wellness treatments start at €85, while facials cost €135 and massages start at €135.

Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

One of Ireland's first and most renowned destination spas, Monart hasn't lost an ounce of its commitment to wellness and relaxation, which pours out of every inch of their serene spa.

Celebrated by international publications like Condé Nast Traveller, Forbes and TripAdvisor, this adults-only spa is located in an ivy-covered manor house on 100 acres of lush landscape, which includes an elegant bar and restaurant onsite.

The spa itself features sauna, steam room, a mud chamber, an outdoor Finnish Sauna, salt grotto, infra-red pro suite, caldarium, sanarium and a striking hydrotherapy pool that is hedged in by lush greenery.

The thermal suite costs €30 per person. Wellness rituals start at €95, facials start at €50 and massages start at €70.

The Island Spa at Lusty Beg Resort and Spa, Kesh, Co Fermanagh

Although smaller than many spas on this list, Lusty Beg Island Resort's one more than makes up for that with its location.

Set on a small, lush island on Fermanagh's Lough Erne, which you can only reach via a cary ferry, this hotel is a true hidden gem and a world unto itself. Comprised of individual cabins, larger houses and mini chalets, the hotel is nestled among forests, making it impossible not to relax.

Helping this is the onsite spa, which features seaweed barrel baths overlooking the lough, where you can indulge in bath rituals from £40/€46, and treatment rooms for massages (£50/€58), facials (£45/€52) and body treatments (£45/€52).

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Clonakilty, Co Cork

Set in the stunning West Cork landscape, this hotel and spa has unsurprisingly pulled inspiration from the natural world around it, making it a truly serene destination.

In business for 25 years this year, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is an elegant spot along the Wild Atlantic Way, and recently scooped a nomination as one of Ireland's leading hotels 2023 in the 30th annual World Travel Awards.

It's spa is similarly chic and tranquil, specialising in Thalassotherapy Treatments – which originates from the Greek word 'Thalassa', meaning 'ocean', and involves the therapeutic use of seaweed, mud and other marine ingredients – as well more traditional Beauty & Body Treatments and Rituals.

Guests are free to use the seawater therapy pool, sauna, hammam, and ocean view relaxation areas. Seawater treatments start at €45, signature treatments cost €145 and massage rituals start at €70.

The Europe, Killarney, Co Kerry

For a luxury getaway that will steep you in nature, look no further than The Europe.

The striking contemporary building highlights the 5-star hotel's setting along the shores of Lough Léin and watched over by Kerry's MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, belying the fact that it's only 5 minutes' drive from Killarney town.

The ESPA spa echoes this balance of nature and luxury, with a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the mountains from the pool. Guests can choose from Full and Half day Spa Rituals (from €370 and €275 respctively) with full use of the unique Spa and Leisure facilities including thermal suite, outdoor vitality pool, indoor swimming pool and relaxation areas, capped off with a lunch in Riva, the onsite restaurant.

Massages range from €75 to €180, while facials cost from €55 to €175.

Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort, Co Cavan

Tap into a bit of old world luxury at this majestic manor house hotel, where the spa is nestled in its elegant modern extension. Set among a 1,300 acre country estate on the outskirts of Cavan Town, this spa and golf resort is the perfect amount of secluded.

The adult-only spa was designed Heinz Schletterer ,whose previous projects include spas at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, the Sandy Lane in Barbados and the Queen Mary cruise liner, and is predictably elegant.

The Lavender Lullaby signature treatment (€145) is a highlight, while the staff offer rituals specifically designed for guests undergoing, or who have recently undergone, treatment for cancer, which start at €110.

Fota Island Resort, Co Cork

Situated on its own private island, this 5-star hotel in East Cork offers pure relaxation and serenity, surrounded by lush forest and landscape.

The spa includes 18 treatment rooms, a large indoor heated swimming pool, a relaxation area, and a Hydrotherapy Suite, complete with a 'walking river' of water currents and reflexology to invigorate the senses.

Access to the Hydrotherapy pool and Thermal Suite it is €25pp for residents and €35pp for non-residents.

Brooks and Co Spa, Glasson Lakehouse, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Located in the rich and historic heartlands and along the shores of Lough Ree, this eclectic dog-friendly hotel features a sprawling golf course, as well as a memorable spa and barrel baths.

The rustically designed spa offers full and half day packages with a focus on aromatherapy to soothe the senses. Their pamper package for at least six guests includes a 30-minute treatment, a two-course lunch, a foodie platter served in the relaxation room and a drink on arrival, and costs €95pp.

Anantara The Marker, Co Dublin

Set in the bustling heart of Dublin City's Docklands, this luxury 5-star hotel spa excels when it comes to blocking all of that noise out.

Nestled away from the vibrant rooftop bar, the chic lobby and the crowds of theatre lovers at the nearby Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, the spa is an intimate and soothing space, with a focus on skincare that would tempt any beauty fan.

Inspired by therapies from East and West, it offers everything from Skinceuticals facials (€145) to mssages starting at €85. As well as this, there's a 23 metre infinity pool, Jacuzzi, sauna or our eucalyptus infused steam room to melt away stress.

The Galmont Hotel and Spa, Co Galway

Just minutes away from the hubbub of Eyre Square, this elegant hotel overlooking Galway Bay is home to the Spirit One Spa, a compact spa with a range of unique collection of cold, cool, warm and hot thermal treatments.

Walking through the foggy glass doors is like entering another world, with a laconium, rock sauna and the Sabia Med or 'beach' room, which mimics the passing of day on a sandy beach.

Access to the thermal suite costs €35pp for non-residents, €20pp for residents and €10pp if booking a treatment.

The Well in the Garden, Cliff at Lyons, Co Kildare

This surprising and unique spa is located in the restored two-storey Carriage House building of the stately Kildare property.

Its treatment echoes the lush natural landscape surrounding the spa, with a botanically focused treatment menu such as botanical facials (€140) to a complete body ritual (€120). Each treatment is complimented with organic juices and smoothies by Cliff at Lyons chefs, ensuring you're as well on the inside as you feel on the outside.

Especially notable are the Finnish saunas dotted around the vibrant outdoor space, and the copper baths (€150 for two people) and stunning garden room.

The Beautique Spa at Hayfield Manor, Co Cork

Currently booked up for weekends up to eight weeks in advance, it's not surprising why this luxury hotel spa has become so popular. Set in the grand manor building, the striking spa includes an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi along with a newly added intimate relaxation lounge.

It's also the flagship hotel spa for GROUND Wellbeing products, which focus on holistic treatments and local Irish ingredients. This is reflected in some of the treatments on offer, including a specialised GROUND Balancing Ritual for menopause (€165).

Aqua Sana, Longford Forest, Co Longford

With prices starting from €75 for a spa day, Aqua Sana is certainly one of the more accessible spas in the country – but that doesn't mean it skimps on luxury and tranquility.

Located in the lush Longford forestland, only 90 minutes from Dublin, the contemporary spa features no less than 21 different spa experiences across four spa zones, each one inspired by ancient wellbeing practices and the healing powers of heat, water and nature.

Nordic Forest, Volcanic Forest, Treetop Nesting and Hot Springs are just some of the themed spa treatments on offer.

Merrion Day Spa, Co Dublin

In need of some R&R during your work week, or maybe you want to take a day to yourself on the weekend? This city centre day spa is ideal for finding some peace among the hustle and bustle of the city.

Located opposite Merrion Square Park, the plush and atmospheric spa offers everything from LED facials (€80) to hot stone massages (€60).

Rainforest Spa, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow

Ideal for a couple's getaway or a girlie weekend away, this chic cliffside day spa is located in The Summerhill Country House Hotel in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow and only 30 minutes from Dublin.

Their spa packages cost between €115 and €185, and combine a mix of treatments and access to the thermal facilities.

Dawson Spa, Co Dublin

Another hidden gem in Dublin City, The Dawson Spa spans three floors and offers a range of wellness and beauty treatments to soothe your body and soul.

Their hot stone massages range from €50 to €120, while facials cost between €55 and €95.

VELVÆRE SPA, Co Dublin

This medi, spa and wellness centre is also centrally located on Chancery Lane, and offers a range of soothing treatments on the go from brands like Codage, IS Clinical and Margaret Dabbs.

There's a range of packages available for those wanting to relax for longer, such as the 'Be My Baby' babymoon experience, which includes access to the thermal area followed by a 60-min Tailored Pregnancy massage and a 30-min CODAGE Hydration facial, for €160.

20 destination spas to visit around Ireland

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