When it comes to kicking back and soaking up a bit of chill time, there are few things as relaxing as weekend spent flaked out in a spa hotel in Ireland.
If you pick the right spot, that is.
Many spa hotels in Ireland pack a mighty punch, but just as many fail to live up to expectations (yet still charge an arm and a leg!).
In the guide below, you’ll find a clatter of the best spa hotels in Ireland. Now, some of these hotels are pretty damn expensive.
But others are fairly OK on the wallet.
So, with that in mind, we’ve split the guide into expensive spa hotels (section 1) and pocket-friendly hotels (section 2).
Spa Breaks Ireland: A Guide for Every Budget
I never really understood the fuss about spa breaks in Ireland (or anywhere, for that matter). Then I spent a weekend flaked out in Farnham Hotel in Cavan and things clicked.
I didn’t opt for any of the treatments or any of that craic – I just wandered around the different saunas and steam rooms, chilled with a book in a fat spongy chair and spent a couple of hours floating about the pool.
Spa hotels in Ireland are a solid option for escaping life for a little while. Especially if you’ve had a particularly shite week (or month!) in work and you need to clear the head.
If you’re on the fence about visiting one, or if you’re in need of some inspiration about which one to visit, you’ll find everything you need below.
Section 1: 10 of the Best Spa Hotels Ireland has to offer (if you’ve a fat budget)
The first section of this guide is for those of you that have a sizable budget that you’re not afraid to dip into. The spas below are swanky… and pricey!
If you’re after luxury and impeccable service and you’re not afraid to fork out a few quid for them, the below spa hotels in Ireland should tickle your fancy.
1. Monart Spa
Recently named one of the “Top 3 Spa Resorts in the World” by Conde Naste, Monart Spa is particularly special.
This is a five star, adults-only destination spa with one sole aim – enhancing the well-being of its guests. The spa thermal suite takes you directly to nirvana with its green outlook from the hydrotherapy pool.
There’s a sauna, steam room, salt grotto and more to deep cleanse pores and begin the chill-me-the-f**k-out process.
Fifteen treatment rooms stand ready with a full menu of beauty therapies, not to mention the Spa Cafe and the blissful dark and light relaxation rooms.
I’ve never heard of anyone visiting Monart that hasn’t absolutely loved it. This place is arguably the best spa hotel in Ireland!
2. Ashford Castle (one of the most unique spa hotels in Ireland)
If you dipped into our guide to the best castle hotels in Ireland (one for every budget), you’ll recognise the 800-year-old Ashford Castle.
The castle is the former home of the Guinness family and it was Ireland’s first Forbes five star spa retreat.
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Corrib, Ashford Castle is the ideal spot if you’re visiting with someone that wants nothing to do with saunas and treatments, as there’s a host of activities on the estate.
While you wallow in the relaxing steam room or enjoying an invigorating hammam experience, your significant other can play golf, kayak or try their hand at clay shooting.
3. The Powerscourt Hotel
Set on a scenic estate in County Wicklow, this world-class spa hotel in Ireland boasts elegance and luxury by the boatload.
Powerscourt is home to 194 rooms, two golf courses, a signature restaurant and an outstanding 30,000 sq.ft spa by ESPA.
Visitors can soak up views of the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the surrounding valley, or book in for a facial, a body massage or a number of signature treatments.
If you’re looking for a spa hotel near Dublin, it’ll take you just 40 minutes by car to get here from the city centre.
4. The Europe Hotel and Resort
If you read our guide to the best places to stay in Ireland with a view, you’ll be familiar with this next hotel.
Overlooking the world-famous Lakes of Killarney, The Europe is one of Ireland’s most opulent five-star hotels with an equally lavish ESPA luxury spa.
Combine the exquisite spa treatments with golf, horse riding, fishing, walking and gym activities to complete your holistic luxury spa experience.
Qualified therapists deliver a full range of spa treatments using all-natural ingredients. There’s even a private spa suite for two for the ultimate couple’s massage.
5. Galgorm Resort and Spa
The Galgorm is the perfect spot for a couple of nights respite if you’re in search of a luxury spa in Ireland.
You’ll find it a handy 30-minute drive from Belfast, in Ballymena in County Antrim, a stone’s throw from the Causeway Coastal Route.
The Galgorm boasts a 163-acre park that’s home to the rushing River Maine, 48 deluxe rooms and suites and an award-winning spa and Thermal Village.
You can look forward to riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam rooms, saunas and more amidst the tranquillity of Mother Nature.
6. Castlemartyr Resort and Spa (one of the few dog-friendly spa hotels Ireland has to offer)
Castlemartyr Resort is a grand 17th-century country mansion on the site of an even earlier castle in East Cork.
The resort is located on 220 lush acres that encompass beautiful streams, a lake, and an 18-hole golf course.
Castlemartyr offers a spa with 10 treatment rooms delivering ESPA and Germaine de Cappucini products via a series of treatments.
This resort is also one of a small number of spa hotels in Ireland that’s dog friendly (there’s pet-friendly accommodation on site!).
7. The K Club
Just 35 minutes from Dublin, the K Club boasts a mix of old-world elegance mixed with an extravagant luxury spa in spectacular surroundings.
The K Spa is a sublime temple of modernity with its glass architecture, relaxing ambience and wide range of treatments.
This place is the perfect choice for a luxury spa break in Ireland. Special packages include accommodation, fine dining and either a K Spa Signature Massage or Natura Bissé Skin Comfort Facial.
If you’re travelling with someone that isn’t a fan of the whole spa buzz, they can explore the extensive grounds or try their hand at golf, fishing, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, air shooting, horse riding and plenty more.
8. Lough Erne Resort
The award-winning Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen in County Fermanagh is one of the best-known spa hotels in Northern Ireland.
Its 120 luxurious rooms and suites are the perfect place to unwind and destress for a couple of nights.
The Thai Spa is the hub of all your relaxing treatments during your stay at Lough Erne. Full body skin brushing, an apricot kernel scalp massage and a deep relaxation room will rejuvenate and revitalise.
9. Park Hotel Kenmare
Located on the picturesque Ring of Kerry, the Park Hotel in the gorgeous town of Kenmare combines history with heritage and luxury.
This swanky spot offers the ultimate spa break in Ireland’s countryside with open fires, golf, a cinema room and a bar with Europe’s largest collections of whiskey.
Visitors to the Park Hotel can whittle away an afternoon at the Samas Spa where both the body and mind will receive their fair share of nourishment.
10. The Ice House in Mayo
Located on the mighty Wild Atlantic Way in County Mayo, the Ice House includes an award-winning Chill Spa with an extensive range of treatments that are guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Guests can kick back in the steam room or the aromatherapy dry heat room. There’s also Cedarwood Seawood Baths.
Watch the world drift gently by from the Riverside Relaxation Room or spend some time submerged in piping hot water in the outdoor hot tub.
11. Slieve Donard
You’ll find the Slieve Donard Hotel a handy 45-minute spin from Belfast and just 90 minutes from Dublin, in County Down.
This spa hotel overlooks a beautiful windswept Beach, the majestic Mountains of Mourne and rolling sand dunes.
Visitors to Slieve Donard can expect floor-to-ceiling sea views, a fancy gold-flecked mosaic pool, endless ESPA treatments and plenty more.
Pair a visit to this spa with a long walk or hike in the Mourne Mountains or take a spin out as far as Strangford Lough.
12. The Cliff House
The Cliff House Hotel in County Waterford is a luxury 5-star hotel that clings to a cliff on the south side of the beautiful Ardmore Bay.
Although the Cliff House is small in size (there are just 39 rooms) it packs a sizeable punch.
The spa here offers spectacular views (as does the dining area) and the hotel also boasts a one Michelin-star restaurant.
A Budget Spa Weekend in Ireland: 7 Pocket-friendly Spa Hotels
Spa breaks in Ireland don’t have to cost a fortune, as these budget-friendly spa hotels prove. If you’re on a limited budget, these will hopefully fall within what you want to spend.
If you’re on a very tight budget, try and visit midweek or on a Sunday night. You’ll find that many spa hotels in Ireland offer decent mid-week deals.
11. Fota Island Resort
The five-star Fota Island is one of the best spa hotels in Ireland for cheap spa breaks (a Friday night in July will set you back around €211).
It’s also a solid option for those of you travelling with hard to amuse kids. The resort is home to Ireland’s only wildlife park, which should help keep them occupied for a couple of hours.
Guests can choose from 60 rejuvenating spa treatments along with 18 treatment rooms, so expect holistic relaxation and pampering by the bucketload.
12. The Galmont Hotel and Spa
You’ll find the Galmont Hotel on the edge of the beautiful Lough Atalia, where it overlooks the chilly waters of Galway Bay, making it the perfect base to explore the surrounding county.
Over the years the Galmont has won everything from Resident Spa of the Year at the Irish Beauty Industry Awards to Best Elemis Treatment at the RSVP Spa Awards.
This luxury hotel also boasts 275 guest rooms, a top-notch restaurant and a decent fitness centre with an 18-metre pool.
13. Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
If you’re looking for spa deals in Ireland or cheap spa breaks, book the Spa Super Stress Reliever Package at the Killarney Plaza Hotel.
Guests can kick back on submerged loungers in the Gulf Stream Hydrotherapy Pool or destress with a massage or detox treatment.
There’s also an Earth, Fire, and Water Serail Mud Chamber… I’ve no idea what that actually is, but it sounds class!
14. Redcastle Hotel
The oceanfront Redcastle Hotel and Spa in Donegal is the perfect base for those looking to explore one of the most picturesque corners of Ireland.
You’ll find it in on the incredible Inishowen Peninsula, where it’s a stone’s throw from many of Donegal’s top natural attractions.
Those that visit Redcastle can opt for all of the usual spa treatments while also enjoying mighty views of the surrounding landscape from the pool.
15. Kilronan Castle Hotel and Spa
Set in a grand historic castle with a lake and expansive grounds in County Roscommon, Kilronan Castle combines a thoroughly Irish experience with a relaxing spa break.
Look forward to four-poster beds and fine dining after a day in the spa where you’ll enjoy thermal suites, hot and cold vitality pools, saunas, steam rooms and your own chill-out suite with jacuzzi.
Blissful spa treatments include collagen facials, massages, reflexology, detox wraps and a King of the Castle spa treatment for men.
16. Kelly’s Resort
Rosslare is the home of Kelly’s Resort and Spa which is located smack back on a beautiful sandy beach.
This family-run resort has been offering superior service and quality accommodation for over 125 years.
Chill out in the SeaSpa where saltwater, steam and heat are used for holistic treatments including Thalassotherapy.
The top-class spa has an extensive menu of therapies spread across 11 treatment rooms with a couples suite, vitality pool, bio sauna, mud room and ice fountain.
I’ve heard from a lot of people over the years that this is one of the best spa hotels in Ireland if you’re travelling with kids.
17. Farnham Estate
The four-star Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort is one of Ireland’s most popular spa and golf escapes. It’s set in 1,300 acres of ancient forest, meadows and lakes, so there’s plenty to explore on its doorstep.
This award-winning 44,000 sq.ft health spa is for adults only (16+). It was designed by Heinz Schletterer who has designed spas for the exclusive Sandy Lane in Barbados and the Waldorf Astoria in New York.
Enjoy an extraordinary range of spa massages and treatments with serene views from the pool and relaxation rooms.
18. The Dingle Skellig
You’ll find the mighty 4-star Dingle Skellig Hotel a handy walk from Dingle Town in the Kingdom of Kerry.
The hotel is finely located on the shores of the beautiful Dingle Bay, which means you’ll get to enjoy magnificent views throughout the hotel.
I was here a year ago and there’s no better view in the place than the one from the big ass hot tub, just outside the pool area.
There’s something special about kicking-back in hot water while chilly wind bashes against your face while you admire the view above.
19. The Shandon
The 4-star Shandon hotel in Donegal overlooks the breathtaking Sheephaven Bay. You’ll find it a handy drive from Dunfanaghy and the incredible Horn Head ( a fine spot for a ramble).
Inside the spa, you’ll find a luxurious range of heat and cooling experiences that’ll help cleanse and relax the mind, body and soul.
There’s also a vitality pool, heated loungers, state of the art lifestyle showers, foot spas, a sauna and plenty more.
The highlight of the Shandon’s spa, for me, is the Canadian hot tub (above). The view from here is out of this world.
The Best Spa Hotels Dublin has to Offer
There’s no end to the number of spa hotels in Dublin. If you’re visiting the capital for the weekend, each of the hotels below will make a perfect base for exploring.
You’ll find everything from historic hotels, like the Shelbourne, to more recently built accommodation, like the Marker, in the section below.
20. The Marker Hotel
Awaken your senses in this award-winning boutique hotel and spa in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock area where state of the art facilities offer a host of indulgent spa treatments and skincare programs.
Kick back in the 23-foot infinity pool or chill in the Jacuzzi, sauna and eucalyptus-infused steam room. You can also sample one of the many award-winning massages available.
Advanced skincare treatments include Rejuvapen micro needle treatments which stimulate new collagen to reduce scars, pores and lines.
21. The Shelbourne
The Shelbourne has been a luxury hotel landmark in Dublin for 200 years and is arguably the most iconic hotel in Dublin.
Overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, it boasts exquisite guest rooms, fine dining, a cluster of bars and lounges and, of course, the ultimate luxury spa.
Spread over three floors, this luxury spa in Dublin has 7 treatment rooms with plush but homely surroundings.
Arguably one of the top spas in Ireland, it delivers signature treatments and beauty rituals designed by world renowned brands. Think body wraps, scrubs, thermal facilities, swimming pool and an opulent relaxation room.
22. The InterContinental
The InterContinental brand is known for its worldwide luxury and this five star retreat is no exception.
Secluded in two acres of finely landscaped gardens, this hotel is surrounded by embassies and luxury townhouses in Ballsbridge, minutes from Dublin city centre.
Reputedly one of the finest five-star hotel spas in Dublin, it promises luxury massages along with skincare and body treatments using ESPA products.
Four treatment rooms, a lap pool, a gym and a heated whirlpool are complemented by spa treatments and massages designed to restore balance and harmony to body, mind and soul.
23. The Spencer
Just a short stroll from Temple Bar, this heavenly spa in Dublin has all the luxuries that you would expect of a swanky hotel.
You can expect the usual spa treatments here, like facials, massages, body wraps, tanning, and reflexology.
After a busy day of relaxing pampering treatments as part of your spa day in Dublin, head to the Spencer Cocktail Bar before grabbing a feed in the East Restaurant which features Pan-Asian cuisine.
What spa hotels in Ireland have we missed?
Although we’ve included many of the best spa hotels Ireland has to offer in the guide above, I’ve no doubt that we’ve missed some.
Have you been on a spa break in Ireland recently that you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments section below.
The Heritage, Killenard. Spa is top class.