Escape to Ireland’s serene spas
Tucked away in Ireland’s most tranquil spots, you’ll find some of the finest and most luxurious spas anywhere. Ireland’s spas have been gaining attention worldwide. County Wexford’s Monart Spa is widely regarded as one of the best spas in the world, and it was selected as among the top 10 destinations in the world by Forbes magazine.
Ireland’s spas are also renowned for their magnificent settings, ranging from opulent castles set on vast estates to modern, super-glam boutique spa hotels in bustling cities. Northern Ireland’s Killeavy Castle is set in a woodland escape where guests can envelop themselves in the calmness of nature with forest bathing on the slopes of Slieve Gullion, along with relaxing treatments involving saunas, steam baths, hydro–pools, and more.
When it comes to relaxing in the wilderness, it doesn’t get much more scenic than at Elements Spa at Finn Lough in County Fermanagh. Just picture yourself on the edge of Lough Erne immersed in a salt bath, lakeside sauna, or even soaking up nature in the tranquil waters of Lough Erne itself…. Bliss. The five-star Solis Lough Eske Castle spa in County Donegal is nestled in woodland along a lakeshore overlooked by a mountain range; if you fancy something a bit more urban, the G Hotel is a five-star feast for the eyes in the heart of bohemian Galway city, designed by milliner Philip Treacy– with an ESPA spa you just won’t want to leave.
Marine cure therapy is one of Ireland’s most famous indigenous therapies and was cultivated during the Edwardian era. Voya is responsible for bringing the therapy to international attention with a cosmetics line and spa based in Strandhill, County Sligo. Built by the Walton family in place of the original Strandhill bath houses, this day spa attracts thousands of visitors every year. There are seaweed baths all over the island, including the Connemara Seaweed Baths in County Galway and the SOAK Seaweed Baths in Newcastle, County Down.
Luxury resorts are easily accessible, too. Out on Cork’s Fota Island Resort, the spa boasts a “walking river” and a unique range of body treatments, including a chocolate body wrap, milk and honey bath, and gold body polish made with 24-carat gold. Nestled alongside the River Maine and set within 163 acres of parklands, the luxury resort of Galgorm offers pure relaxation with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms, and saunas.
Victorian Treatment Rooms at Castle Leslie offer specially designed Victorian steam boxes, while at the Powerscourt Hotel, County Wicklow, the spa boasts a signature treatment which includes hot jade stones and rose quartz crystals.
Gorgeous scenery, luxurious surroundings, and a side order of seaweed…. If you’re looking for the perfect relaxing getaway, Ireland has you covered.