The Hotel Guru
15 of the Best Spa Hotels in Ireland

15 of the Best Spa Hotels in Ireland

Ireland is an incredibly restorative setting with its green open spaces, coastline that varies from serene to dramatic, its mountains and its loughs, and we think that might be why it has so many fantastic spa hotels. There’s nothing better than relaxing against a gorgeous backdrop, and our recommendations for 15 of the best spa hotels in Ireland offer the full range of natural beauties, from pastoral idylls to clifftops above thunderous waves. We’re also recommending some excellent golf resorts, for those who find it a relaxing pursuit, and some perfect honeymoon escapes, as well as quite a few family-friendly spa hotels. We hope we’ve found something for you!

For total luxury

Our list of the best spa hotels in Ireland is packed with beautifully designed, luxurious spas designed to make you feel relaxed, renewed and important, but if you really want to treat yourself, one of the hotels on our list with decor that matches their luxurious spa is Adare Manor in Adare, County Limerick. This neo-Gothic manor offers the full manor house experience: hand crafted wood panelling, palatial ceilings, chandeliers, velvet, damask, beautifully landscaped grounds, a banqueting hall and ballroom, a Michelin star, a choice of over 300 wines, and a spa that offers you a full spectrum of treatments. If you prefer it they also have a collection of self-catering villas.

The Park Hotel, Kenmare, on the other hand is offering you a one-of-a-kind spa experience, a three hour ‘spa journey’ incorporating thermal and holistic treatments. In addition to a luxurious and traditional country house hotel experience of old fashioned service, open fires, an extensive whiskey menu, a raft of bracing outdoor pursuits and gourmet cuisine. The location, on the Beara Peninsula and the Kerry Way, is heavenly. And there are just 46 rooms and suites.

For a complete escape

The Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa is in a truly exceptional spot on a spectacular stretch of rugged coast on the edge of West Cork. The hotel has been perfectly designed to make the most of the views, and each of the 67 rooms and suites have floor to ceiling windows which face the water. The restaurant on the third floor has the same view, but a panoramic version of it, including a blue flag beach as well as the expanse of the Atlantic. And the spa is spoiling. Play golf locally, or surf, fish, cycle or go whale watching.

It’s difficult to play one view off against another, but Aghadoe Heights is another spa hotel escape with stunning views, this time of gorgeous Lough Leane and the mountains of the Kilarney National Park behind it. The Penthouse Suite, especially, has incredible views: panoramic, and with the option of enjoying them from your private hot tub. There are 73 other rooms and suites, plus terraces, a bar and restaurant, and a destination, award-winning spa with a couples room, a relaxation room and and extensive range of thermal treatments.

Romantic Spa Hotels

One of the smaller spa hotels on our list of favourites, 34 room Bellinter House is a wonderfully romantic looking Palladian country pile turned country house hotel. During its conversion each of the house’s rooms and suites was individually designed, so have a look at a few. All over the feeling is of luxury, from the restaurant, which is an offshoot of the award-winning Eden in Temple Bar, to the views over the Boyne Valley, and the wide range of treatments available at the Bathhouse Spa. And you’re just 30minutes from Dublin.

Also surrounded by lush, green rolling views, Monart is an award-winning spa hotel in a renovated Georgian mansion aimed at providing a relaxing haven for you and other adults to recharge in. If you think you’d benefit from spending time in somewhere called the Relaxation Area, wearing your robe to stroll the elegant landscaped grounds and being pampered using high-end French spa products then Monart will be one to consider. The decor is spacious and elegant, with clever use of glass and Italian marble. And there’s a restaurant which specialises in both indulgence and the very opposite: deliciously detoxifying cuisine.

Ireland’s Hip Spa Hotels

The G’s bright, confident, contemporary interiors by Philip Treacy, and its fantastic location on the water in Galway are what set it apart. The views out to sea are surprising, considering you’re also only about five minutes from the centre of Galway. Some of the interiors in the public spaces might be too confident for your tastes, but the 101 rooms and suites are more muted and restful. The ESPA is award-winning, and the restaurant has an extensive menu featuring Irish classics and modern European cuisine.

Northern Ireland’s Best Hotels with Spas

The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is one of Northern Ireland’s best known hotels, built in 1898 with the railway line that brought people to this spot: ‘where the Mountains of Morne sweep down to the sea’. It’s also big, with 172 rooms and suites, elegant and yet affordable. The Espa is state of the art, and you’re on the doorstep of the Royal County Down Golf Course. And the beach. During a recent refurbishment ‘resort rooms’ were created, which might appeal to families, or those intent on using the spa a lot.
One of our other Northern Ireland picks is the Culloden Estate and Spa, which is on Belfast Lough, just out of the city but overlooking it. The building has been here since 1876, built as a Bishop’s Palace and surrounded by 12 acres of gardens and woodlands, and it’s not just historic and impressive, it’s also glamorous and elegant. There are 105 rooms and suites, ranging from simple to extravagant, the restaurant, The Mitre, is well known across Northern Ireland, and the spa is perfectly indulgent, with a great range of treatments and facilities.

The Best Spa and Golf Hotels

Against the spectacular backdrop of the Kerry mountains in one direction and gorgeous bay views on the other, Parknasilla Resort is a really wonderful place to stay on the Ring of Kerry, whatever kind of holiday you’re planning. We’ve included it in this category because it has its own golf course, but it’s also extremely romantic — some of the 83 rooms and suites have their own private hot tubs. And there are some excellent family suites too, lots on offer for your kids and a long stretch of private coastline to explore. And the food is good, served in a variety of locations. Of course the spa is a destination in itself too, with a selection of outdoor hot tubs, an indoor pool and steam rooms and an array of treatments on offer.

With classic country house hotel appeal, the Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort is a spacious, contemporary haven of relaxation and golf — combined, if that’s how you take them. If not you’ll find the expansive, green countryside views will help you unwind too, or a dip in either the indoor or outdoor pool, and the luxurious spa designed by Heinz Schletterer. There are 158 rooms and suites, and some of the suites are nothing short of sumptuous palaces of relaxation. If the 18 hole golf course isn’t enough there are numerous walking trails nearby.

Close to the sea and Ballymoney, County Wexford, the Seafield Golf and Spa Hotel is only an hour's drive from Dublin. In addition to sea views, access to the Seafield Golf Club and an award-winning spa, the Seafield has 131 rooms and suites, the simpler of which are very affordable. The location is peaceful, perfect for long, sandy strolls, and there’s a fancy looking bar and restaurant too. Some of their suites are suitable for families.

For a family friendly spa break

Lough Eske Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to spoil your family, a magnificent castle conversion right on the shores of Lough Eske in beautiful, rural Donegal. Take them trekking, sailing, fishing or surfing, or borrow one of the hotel’s bikes and explore the region on two wheels, and then come back to a spacious family room or suite, and the infinity pool. The Cedars Grill restaurant prides itself on its locally sourced seafood and the Cara Organic Beauty Spa has an impressive thermal suite and an extensive range of restorative treatments.

In a stunning spot overlooking Sheen Falls in County Kerry, Sheen Falls Lodge is an elegant country house hotel complete with ivy trellis and manicured lawns, which also has a collection of more modern buildings where you’ll find comfortable rooms and family suites. All in all there are 66 rooms, most with views of the falls, plus 300 acres of land, two restaurants — one fine dining, one more relaxed, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, an extensive collection of board games and DVDs, complimentary bike hire, a resident ghillie, and a five star spa.
Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel and Spa is an affordable, 94 room country house hotel near pretty Adare in Country Limerick. Surrounded by beautiful woodland, this property blends comfort and friendly service with style, and provides the perfect setting for families to relax in. For the little ones there’s a kids club, a big, welcoming pool, and a good range of family sized rooms. There are two restaurants to choose from, a fancy, award-winning one and a relaxed bistro, and of course the spa is excellent, with a thermal suite, rasul chamber, 18 treatment rooms, a foot spa and an outdoor hot tub.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best spa hotels in Ireland on our Guru’s list you could:

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Ireland? which is quite a long list, so you might want to
refine your search to the best hotels in Dublin? or the best places to stay in County Cork? or the best hotels in County Galway? for example?
Or you could consider our Guru’s recommendations for 11 of the Best Golf Hotels in Ireland? or 20 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Ireland? or 16 of the Best Hotels for Families in Ireland?
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Adare Manor Adare 58 rooms from £650
  
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  Restaurant  -  The Oakhouse Restaurant for award winning fine dining and the Carriage Restaurant for more relaxed dinners.
  Spa  -  Luxury spa offering offer the full spectrum of body treatments, massages and wraps.
  Swimming Pool  -  Large 15 metre indoor pool overlooking the River Maigue
  Great walks  -  Wonderful surrounding countryside
  
  A simply stunning 19th century manor in the quintessential Irish village of Adare, Co. Limerick with Michelin star dining, a luxurious spa and stunning grounds. Adare Manor is without a doubt one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels. See More
  
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- Park Hotel, Kenmare Kenmare (Co. Kerry,) 46 rooms from £252
  
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  Spa breaks  -  The SÁMAS spa is one of Ireland's finest. Embark on a 3hr 'journey' incorporating thermal and holistic treatments.
  Country Escape  -  It's all about fires, coastal walks, indulgent food and excellent aged-whiskey.
  Sailing  -  Take a seal-spotting boat trip around Kenmare.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux
  
  5-star luxury overlooking the Kenmare Bay. Boasting old-school service and traditional style. Individually styled rooms with chintz fabrics and sash windows. Open fires and excellent whiskies ideal post-outdoor activities. An excellent spa. Gourmet cuisine using local produce. Truly spoiling. See More
  
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- Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa West Cork, County Cork 67 rooms from £196
  
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  Spa breaks  -  A spoiling spa set in an outstanding location amidst the natural beauty of West Cork.
  On the beach  -  Overlooking the Atlantic and a gorgeous blue flag sandy beach on Clonakilty Bay
  Surfing  -  Nearby Inchydoney Beach has perfect conditions for surfing.
  Great walks  -  Embark on long walks along the rugged coastline.
  
  A luxury hotel and spa boasting a spectacular location set on the rugged and beautiful coastline of West Cork. Plush rooms are contemporary in style and boast enormous floor to ceiling windows to take in the fabulous views. The third floor restaurant is exceptional and spa utterly spoiling. See More
  
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- Aghadoe Heights Killarney 74 rooms from £201
  
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  Spa breaks  -  A contemporary award-winning spa featuring a couples room, relaxation room and extensive thermal suite.
  Country Escape  -  A 5 star country escape with an impressive placing overlooking the Atlantic coast.
  Private Hot Tub  -  Book the Penthouse Suite for a private terrace with outdoor hot tub and wonderful views!
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle.
  
  A contemporary five star luxury hotel with a stunning position overlooking the Lough Leane. Gorgeous rooms, with plenty of glass, are simple in design with focus drawn to the impressive views. A spoiling modern spa is worthy of a visit in itself. Excellent cuisine and a trendy bar. A rural treat. See More
  
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- Bellinter House Navan, County Meath 35 rooms from £104
  
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  Fishing  -  Private fishing rights on 3 miles of the River Boyne plus a ghillie to assist!
  Spa breaks  -  A number of well-being and spa packages are offered by the Hotel
  Restaurant  -  The Eden restaurant is sister to the award wining Eden in Temple Bar, Dublin
  Spa  -  Wide range of rejuvenating treatments on offer at the Bathhouse Spa
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, CN Traveller
  
  An architectural gem of a Palladian mansion turned country house hotel. Situated in beautiful countryside overlooking the River Boyne. 35 individually designed stylish rooms with luxury accessories. The restaurant is an offshoot of the award winning Eden in Temple Bar. Sophisticated country retreat. See More
  
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- Culloden Estate and Spa Belfast (Holywood) 105 rooms from £135
  
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  Restaurant  -  The Mitre is one Northern Ireland's top eateries.
  Views  -  Fine views over the gardens and Belfast Lough
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
  Spa
  
  Luxury hotel and spa overlooking Belfast Lough. Opulent interiors, great food and five star service. Ideal for a short spoiling break to Northern Ireland if you don't want to be in the heart of Belfast, and great for business travellers. See More
  
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- Monart Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, County Wexford 68 rooms from £117
  
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  Country Escape  -  Beautiful gardens in a bucolic setting
  Spa breaks  -  Fabulous spa and treatments.
  Great walks  -  Enjoy the extensive tranquil gardens
  Restrictions on children  -  Children are not permitted
  
  An award-winning spa-hotel set in 119 acres of gardens and parkland. This adult only retreat offers exceptionally spacious bedrooms with chic Italian marble bathrooms and French spa products. Enjoy a healthy detox menu or indulge in the fine dining and extensive wine list. Pure relaxed detox bliss. See More
  
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- The G Galway 101 rooms from £97
  
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  Suites  -  The hotel has 3 remarkable "specialty" suites designed by Philip Treacy, with spectacular views
  5* Luxury  -  The only truly 5 star hotel in Galway
  Restaurant  -  The restaurant offers a very extensive array of Irish dishes and European cuisine
  Sights nearby  -  Five minutes from Galway centre
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller, Kiwi Collection
  
  Extraordinary contemporary five star hotel just outside Galway. Interiors designed by Philip Treacy feature brightly coloured (some might say garish) public spaces, whilst rooms and suites are more restful. Stunning views out to sea, great food & ESPA. All a stone's throw from Galway's attractions. See More
  
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- Parknasilla Resort County Kerry 83 rooms from £140
  
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  Active Holiday  -  With its own golf course and plenty of outdoor pursuits on offer this the perfect spot for those who like active holidays
  Spa breaks  -  The indulgent spa features a fabulous indoor pool, a selection of outdoor hot tubs, and an array of treatments
  Local exploring  -  Perfectly located for exploring both the Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way
  Restaurant  -  Various dining options including fine dining at the Pygmalion Restaurant which features modern Irish cuisine
  
  A luxury hotel and spa boasting a spectacular setting with a backdrop of the Kerry Mountains and sea views. Spacious rooms are contemporary and bright with large planes of glass yet there's a traditional feel with chandeliers and antiques. The spa is utterly indulgent; a chic country escape. See More
  
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- Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort County Cavan 158 rooms from £101
  
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  Country Escape  -  Set on a verdant country estate with an acclaimed golf course, book this hotel for your next escape from the city
  Spa breaks  -  With a luxury spa onsite designed by Heinz Schletterer, book this hotel for your next pampering holiday
  Romantic Break  -  Couples love the relaxed atmosphere at this resort; book a luxury suite for added indulgence
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the Marble Arch Caves; visitors can explore this natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers
  
  Set on a beautiful country estate on the outskirts of Cavan Town, this spa and golf resort offers guests total relaxation. Cut off from the outside world in spacious and contemporary guestrooms with countryside views. Explore the luxurious hotel spa after a day on the green; a superb country escape. See More
  
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- Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel Gorey, County Wexford 131 rooms from £86
  
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  Families  -  The Gate Lodge is perfect for groups or families.
  Spa breaks  -  Winner of the Tatler Hotel Spa of the Year 2012.
  Great walks  -  Gardens at Marlfield House
  Sights nearby  -  Wells House and Gardens
  
  A quiet luxury retreat with spa and golf course just an hour from Dublin. Fantastic for groups, families and weddings. Beautiful sea views from crisp bedrooms - some with balconies. Perfectly unspoilt sandy beaches are great for long walks. A charming and quiet spot, ideal for a weekend getaway. See More
  
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- Sheen Falls Lodge Kenmare (County Kerry) 66 rooms from £139
  
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  Child friendly  -  The hotel has children's menus, free bikes, board games and a wide selection of DVDs
  Fishing  -  The hotel has a resident ghillie who can plan residents' fishing expeditions
  5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
  Spa  -  Easana Wellness & Spa includes sauna, steam room, hot tub, 5 treatment rooms, hair & beauty salon, and a range of therapies.
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller, Relais & Chateaux
  
  Situated amid stunning Kerry countryside with views over the Sheen Falls from almost every room. Family friendly five star luxury country retreat with activities for everyone. Borrow a bike, go fishing with the ghillie or simply relax in the spa then indulge in gourmet Irish cuisine. See More
  
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- Lough Eske Castle Hotel & Spa County Donegal 96 rooms from £157
  
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  Families  -  The perfect spot for a rural getaway, with plenty of space and lots of activities to keep the little ones busy!
  Local exploring  -  In a superb location on the shores of Lough Eske and only a ten minute drive from the town.
  Spa  -  Cara Organic Beauty Spa with thermal suite, infinity pool and extensive range of restorative treatments.
  Fishing  -  Great place for fishing, bring your catch back to the hotel and learn how to cook from the experts!
  
  A magnificent castle set amidst the abundant beauty of rural Donegal. Rooms are luxurious and spacious, adorned with comfortable, tasteful furnishings. In the day unwind in the hotel's extensive spa and at night enjoy delicious locally sourced seafood in the Cedars Grill. A rural Irish gem. See More
  
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- Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel & Spa Adare 94 rooms from £80
  
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  Spa  -  Revas spa includes a thermal suite, rasul chamber, outdoor hot tub, 18 treatment rooms, couples rooms and a foot spa!
  Restaurant  -  There are two restaurants: formal fine dining in Fieldings and a bistro for more casual meals.
  Swimming Pool  -  Leisure centre with 20m heated indoor pool, gym, sauna, steam room and hot tub
  Kids Club  -  Woodys Fun Club is open on Saturdays and during school holidays
  
  Combining excellent rooms, an awarding winning restaurant and an extensive spa within a beautiful woodland setting, Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel & Spa is a fine establishment. See More
  
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- Slieve Donard Resort & Spa Newcastle, County Down 172 rooms from £110
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Whether a few rounds on the golf course or treatments in the spa - there is something for everyone here
  Romantic Break  -  Spoil yourself and a loved one
  Weddings  -  A popular wedding location
  Birdwatching  -  Murlough National Nature Reserve
  
  One of Northern Ireland's best known hotels set between the mountains of Morne and the sea. State of the art spa and pool complex, stylish contemporary rooms, and extensive conference facilities on the doorstep of the Royal County Down Golf Course. A great spot for avid golfers. See More
  
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