Long before we had spa hotels in Ireland, we had seaweed baths, holy wells, and natural springs which people swore could cure anything from heartbreak to headaches.
In towns like Lisdoonvarna, wellness meant sulphur-rich waters, brisk air, and the belief that a good soak could set you right (a far cry from today’s thermal suites and rooftop hot tubs!).
Fast forward to 2025 and spa breaks in Ireland have taken on a whole new meaning, with everything from thermal villages and forest spas to lavish 5 star retreats on offer.
The best spa hotels in Ireland
This guide highlights the best spa retreats in Ireland, offering a mix of 4 and 5 star hotels for a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation.
Why trust this guide: It only contains places that The Irish Road team has collectively visited on 2 or more occasions and that we’re confident you’ll love.
1. Galgorm (Antrim)

Photos via Galgorm on FB
You’ll find one of the most unique spa breaks in Ireland tucked away in a 450-acre park in Ballymena – Galgorm! The Galgorm spa is a multi-award-winning escape set across three themed gardens.
It features riverside hot tubs, snow cabins, saunas, a Celtic Sauna Infusion, salt cave, vitality pool, eco-friendly bathing tubs, cabanas, indoor and outdoor pools, 13 treatment rooms, a skin clinic, botanical cocktail spaces, and a dome-covered spa eatery.
The hotel is a full-on resort with 125 rooms, stylish lodges and forest dens, a championship golf course, four on-site restaurants (from BBQ to fine dining), a cocktail bar, and a setting that mixes old-world charm with modern comfort in all the right ways (see prices and reviews).
2. Adare Manor (Limerick)

Photos via Adare Manor on FB
Few, if any, 5 star spa hotels in Ireland offer an experience as memorable as Adare Manor. Set within 840-acres of parkland in Limerick, this is the stand-out 5 star hotel in Ireland.
Famous for outstanding service, extravagant rooms and a lavish interior, Adare Manor is also well known for offering one of, if not the, most luxurious spa breaks in Ireland.
The spa is a secluded, high-end retreat with five elegant treatment rooms, private manicure and pedicure suites, a guest-only relaxation pool, and a serene new lounge.
The hotel boasts lavish rooms, suites, lodges, and cottages. The grounds are home to a championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, which is set to host the 2027 Ryder Cup. Dining is a highlight, with options ranging from the Michelin-starred Oak Room to more relaxed options.
3. Monart (Wexford)

Photos via Monart on FB
Wexford’s Monart is widely regarded as the best spa hotel in Ireland for couples. In fact, a few years back in was awarded ‘Runner-up Best Spa Retreat Worldwide’.
Monart is Ireland’s only destination spa, with a state-of-the-art thermal suite, 15 treatment rooms, outdoor saunas, a spa café, and tranquil dark and light relaxation rooms.
Set on 100 acres of countryside, the hotel offers 68 deluxe rooms and two elegant suites, plus casual and fine dining, afternoon tea, and a Michelin-recommended restaurant.
4. Ashford Castle (Mayo)

Photos via Ashford Castle on FB
The next stop in our guide to the best spa hotels in Ireland is Cong’s 800-year-old Ashford Castle. The former home of the Guinness family, it was Ireland’s first Forbes five star spa retreat.
The hotel is set on a 350-acre estate and it boasts opulent rooms, lakeside adventures, a 9-hole golf course, falconry, and fine dining across seven venues, including the Michelin-recommended George V.
Ashford’s 5 star spa features a relaxation pool beneath a seashell chandelier, five treatment rooms, a Hammam, steam room, gym, and luxury treatments using VOYA and Natura Bissé.
They also recently won their 8th award for ‘the best spa hotel in Ireland’ at the World Spa Awards and their spa underwent a multi-million investment in 2023 (see prices and reviews).
5. The Europe (Kerry)

Photos via The Europe
Overlooking the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, The Europe is one of the best places to stay in Ireland if you’re fond of a view (or if you want a luxury base for the Ring of Kerry).
The Europe’s ESPA spa overlooks Lough Léin and features a thermal suite with an indoor infinity pool, saltwater pool, sauna, steam room, ice fountain, outdoor vitality pool, and a relaxation area with lake views.
The hotel has 180 rooms and suites, panoramic balconies, extensive leisure facilities, and a choice of fine and casual dining (see prices and reviews).
6. The Cliff House (Waterford)

Photos via The Cliff House on FB
The Cliff House in County Waterford has long established itself as one of the best spa hotels in Ireland and you’ll find it perched on the side of a cliff overlooking Ardmore Bay.
The Well by the Sea features sea-view treatment rooms, an outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam room, and stone baths, all perched above the water. Treatments use natural ingredients and focus on physical and emotional reset.
The hotel itself delivers across the board, with ocean-facing rooms, private balconies, and deep soaking tubs. Dining is top-tier, from the Michelin-starred restaurant to the clifftop bar, where local seafood is served with sweeping Atlantic views. (see prices and reviews).
7. Castlemartyr (Cork)

Photos via Castlemartyr on FB
Next is one of the better-value spa hotels in Ireland, especially when you consider it’s a 17th-century 5-star hotel with a 2 Michelin star restaurant!
Cork’s Castlemartyr is located on 220 lush acres that encompass streams, a lake, and an 18-hole golf course along with a large spa area.
The Spa at Castlemartyr includes a 20m pool, hydrotherapy facilities, ESPA treatments, and a Technogym fitness suite, with access to a steam room, sauna, and relaxation spaces.
Rooms range from elegant Manor House suites with four-poster beds to modern, spacious resort rooms. Dining spans Terre (2 Michelin stars), Canopy Restaurant, a traditional pub, and 24-hour room service (see prices and reviews).
8. Park Hotel (Kerry)

Photos via Park Hotel Kenmare on FB
Located on the Ring of Kerry, the Park Hotel in the charming town of Kenmare combines history with heritage and luxury.
SÁMAS Spa at the Park Hotel offers holistic treatments, an infinity pool overlooking Kenmare Bay, thermal suites, and personalised wellness experiences focused on mind and body rejuvenation.
The hotel features elegant period-style rooms, fine dining with a strong focus on Irish ingredients, curated art collections, and a serene setting (see prices and reviews).
9. Powerscourt (Wicklow)

Photos via The Powerscourt Hotel
Set on a 1,000 acre estate in Wicklow, Powerscourt is one of the most popular luxury spa hotels in Ireland, mainly thanks to the sheer volume of attractions located close by.
Escape into 20 bespoke treatment rooms and a private Spa Suite in the award‑winning ESPA, featuring a 20‑metre Swarovski crystal‑lit heated pool, a state‑of‑the‑art thermal suite, sauna and steam facilities, plus access to a fitness studio.
The hotel is set on 1,000 acres of Palladian elegance and it offers 198 refined rooms (many with mountain views) and 3 dining spots: Sika’s modern Irish fare, the airy Sally Gap Bar & Brasserie, and the Sugar Loaf Lounge for classic afternoon tea (see prices and reviews).
10. Muckross Park (Kerry)

Photos via Muckross Park on FB
Kerry’s 5 star Muckross Park provides the perfect balance of 18th century opulence and 21st century comfort.
Few luxury spa breaks in Ireland boast a setting like Muckross – it’s located on 25,000 acres within the national park and it’s a 30-minute spin from the Dingle Peninsula.
The Spa at Muckross is an adults-only sanctuary with a thermal area, herbal sauna, steam room, and an outdoor hot tub, plus access to a tranquil Vitality Pool for deep relaxation after a treatment.
Set inside Killarney National Park, this 5 star retreat offers luxurious rooms, fine dining at the 2 AA Rosette Yew Tree Restaurant, cosy vibes at Colgans Pub, and elegant afternoon tea in Monk’s Lounge (see prices and reviews).
11. Lough Erne Resort (Fermanagh)

Photos via Lough Erne Resort on FB
The award-winning Lough Erne Resort in Fermanagh is one of the best-known spa hotels in Northern Ireland and it’s set amidst 600 acres of tranquility.
The Thai Spa blends soothing Thai traditions with ESPA and VOYA treatments, featuring aromatic steam rooms, crystal-clear showers, and treatment rooms filled with Far Eastern textures and scents.
Expect 5 star rooms, 2 championship golf courses, and a trio of restaurants serving locally sourced dishes, from classic cuts at the Loughside Grill to refined fare in the Catalina (see prices and reviews).
12. The Marker Hotel (Dublin)

Photos via Marker Hotel on FB
Although there are countless spa hotels in Dublin, one reigns supreme – The Marker on Grand Canal Dock. Now, a note, first – when people see city-based hotels in guides to the best spa hotels in Ireland, negative comments tend to follow, but bear with me.
While the Marker doesn’t have the most scenic surroundings, its opulent spa takes you a world away from the hustle and bustle. The Anantara Spa is a serene urban retreat with holistic treatments, a heated infinity pool, steam rooms, and a 360° riverview relaxation suite designed to restore balance and wellbeing.
The rooms combine Irish design with modern luxury, while dining spans everything from rooftop cocktails and afternoon tea to fine Irish cuisine by Gareth Mullins at Forbes Street restaurant (see prices and reviews).
13. The Ice House (Mayo)

Photos via The Ice House on FB
Located on the Mayo Coast a short spin from Sligo, the Ice House is one of a handful of spa resorts in Ireland that tends to go viral online thanks to its spa.
The award-winning Chill Spa overlooks the River Moy and features indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, seaweed and spice mud baths, treatment rooms, a sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and a Riverview relaxation space.
This stylish riverside retreat blends old and new with bright contemporary and heritage suites, al fresco dining, and a fine-dining restaurant that champions local Mayo produce and fresh seafood (see prices and reviews).
14. Kilronan Castle (Roscommon)

Photos via Kilronan Castle on FB
Set in a grand historic castle with a lake and expansive grounds in Roscommon, Kilronan Castle has been one of the top spa hotels in Ireland for many years now.
The Spa at Kilronan offers Elemis treatments, thermal suites, and tranquil copper bathing rituals, all set in a serene, intimate space designed for total escapism and indulgence.
This 18th-century castle blends old-world charm with modern luxury – think four-poster beds, antique furnishings, estate views, a 15-metre pool, and fine dining by award-winning chef Daniel Willimont (see prices and reviews).
15. The Shandon (Donegal)

Photos via The Shandon on FB
There are plenty of spa hotels in Donegal, but the best I’ve stayed in in recent years is the Shandon, which overlooks Sheephaven Bay near Dunfanaghy.
The Shandon Spa is spread across 3 floors of luxury, featuring a vitality pool, sauna, salt grotto, foot spas, and lifestyle showers, with each space designed to immerse you in peace, with floor-to-ceiling views over Sheephaven Bay.
One of the reasons this tends to be one of the more popular spa hotels in Ireland is thanks to its Canadian hot tub where you can soak up views of the Donegal coastline.
The hotel offers a wide range of refurbished rooms and suites, most with sea views, plus multiple dining options including the popular Marbles Restaurant and Beats Bar (see prices and reviews).
16. Wineport Lodge (Westmeath)

Photos via Wineport Lodge on FB
Similar to the Ice House, Wineport Lodge is another of the spa resorts in Ireland that’s no stranger to going viral online (mainly thanks to its outdoor hot tubs!).
Their Cedarwood Spa blends lakeside calm with Irish and French skincare, hot tubs, and tranquil views, ideal for serious switch-off.
The lodge features super king beds, lake-facing rooms with balconies, and a dining space that started it all, serving up rustic, generous plates daily (see prices and reviews).
17. Redcastle Hotel (Donegal)

Photos via Redcastle Hotel on FB
Redcastle in Donegal is one of the best value spa hotels in Ireland and it’s the perfect base for those looking to explore one of the most picturesque corners of Ireland with all of the delights of the Inishowen Peninsula a short spin away.
Their spa offers sea-view treatment rooms, a thermal suite, a leisure centre with a pool, and the indulgent Sugar Room for deep relaxation. It’s one of the few spa breaks in Ireland where you can unwind with coastal views and then stroll to the water’s edge.
The hotel itself overlooks Lough Foyle and comes with a 9-hole parkland golf course, family-friendly rooms (some with balconies), and award-winning dining at The Edge Restaurant, all wrapped up in a peaceful Inishowen setting (see prices and reviews).
18. Dromoland Castle (Clare)

Photos via Dromoland Castle on FB
Few castle hotels in Ireland are as revered as Clare’s Dromoland, located in Newmarket on Fergus (15 minutes from Shannon).
The award-winning Castle Spa at Dromoland blends cutting-edge wellness with centuries-old tranquillity, offering tailored treatments, a quartz crystal bed, and a stunning botanical Whisper Room.
The hotel is set in a 16th-century castle on 500 acres, the estate features opulent rooms, a leisure centre with pool and thermal suite, golf, falconry, fishing, fine dining, and immersive estate experiences (see prices and reviews).
19. Center Parcs (Longford)

Although it’s arguably better-known as one of the top family breaks in Ireland, Longford’s Centre Parcs is home to an award-winning spa experience.
Aqua Sana at Center Parcs features a forest spa with nature-inspired thermal zones, outdoor hot tubs, and tailored treatments designed for deep relaxation.
The resort is set in 400 acres of woodland, the resort offers lodges with hot tubs, Ireland’s largest indoor water park, over 100 activities, bike trails, forest dining, and family-friendly adventures.
Dara
Thursday 15th of October 2020
The Heritage, Killenard. Spa is top class.