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26 Best Spa Hotels in Ireland For 2024

26 Best Spa Hotels in Ireland For 2024

Our guide to the best spa hotels in Ireland only contains places that our team has collectively visited on 2 or more occasions and loved.

Spa breaks in Ireland can be hit and miss – often, you’ll find a hotel that claims they have a ‘great spa’ when it’s really just a pool with fancy lightning…

Then there are the spa resorts in Ireland, like Galgorm (and Centre Parcs!), that have completely disrupted Ireland’s spa hotel scene.

Below, you’ll find the top spa hotels in Ireland, ranging from luxury to budget friendly. Enjoy!

The best spa hotels Ireland has to offer

best spa breaks in Ireland 2024

The map above will give you a sense of the best spa retreats in Ireland from the guide below – it’s a mix of 4 and 5 star hotels.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we may make a small commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we greatly appreciate it.

1. Dromoland Castle (Clare)

Dromoland Castle spa

Photos via Dromoland Castle on FB

Few castle hotels in Ireland are as revered as Clare’s Dromoland, located in Newmarket on Fergus.

This 5-star is set amidst the stunning Clare countryside where it is steeped in both history and elegance.

A stay at Dromoland costs a pretty penny, but if you’re looking for a unique and very memorable night away, few spa breaks in Ireland compare!

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Newmarket on Fergus, Clare
  • Spa features: 6 treatment rooms, amber and quartz crystal bed, the whisper room relaxation space and pool
  • Hotel features: Championship golf course, gardens + several outstanding dining options
  • Nearby attractions: King John’s Castle, Loop Head Peninsula + Craggaunowen
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

2. Galgorm (Antrim)

Galgorm

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!

Galgorm boasts a thermal village that’s home to a Celtic Sauna Infusion, a snow cabin, a sanarium, a river house, snail shower, hot tubs and much more.

If you’re looking for spa resorts in Ireland for a break with friends, there are log cabins, huts and cottages that can take groups.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Ballymena, Antrim
  • Spa features: Riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam rooms and saunas
  • Hotel features: Championship Castle golf course, gin bar + numerous dining options
  • Nearby attractions: The Antrim Coastal Route
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

3. Adare Manor (Limerick)

Adare Manor

Photos via Adare Manor on FB

Next up is Adare Manor – one of the best spa hotels in Ireland if you have cash to splash!

Set within 840-acres of parkland in Adare in Limerick, this is one of the stand-out 5 star hotels 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.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Adare, Limerick
  • Spa features: Private manicure and pedicure rooms, a relaxation pool and hands-on treatments
  • Hotel features: Golf course, numerous dining options including a Michelin star restaurant and countless on-site activities
  • Nearby attractions: Curraghchase Forest, King John’s Castle + Desmond Castle
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

4. Monart (Wexford)

monart the best spa hotel in Ireland

Photos via Monart on FB

Monart Spa is widely regarded as the best spa hotel in Ireland. In fact, a few years back in was awarded ‘Runner-up Best Spa Retreat Worldwide’.

This is a five star destination spa with one sole aim – enhancing the well-being of its guests. Oh, and the best part? It’s one of a tiny number of adults-only spa resorts in Ireland!

There’s a large spa area here with 15 rooms, Michelin-recommended dining and large grounds to saunter around, too.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Enniscorthy, Wexford
  • Spa features: 15 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, salt grotto, infra-red suite, hydrotherapy pool + more
  • Hotel features: Michelin recommended restaurant, garden lounge + 100 acres to explore
  • Nearby attractions: Enniscorthy Castle, Curracloe + Wells House
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

5. The Europe (Kerry)

luxury spa hotels ireland

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!

This is one of Kerry’s most extravagant 5-stars and it boasts an equally lavish ESPA luxury spa along with decadent rooms with lake and mountain views.

The Europe offers one of the best spa breaks in Ireland for those looking to combine chill time with exploring as many of Killarney’s top attractions are minutes away.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Killarney, Kerry
  • Spa features: Thermal suite, outdoor vitality pool, indoor pool and relaxation areas
  • Hotel features: Horse riding, numerous restaurants and bars + glorious gardens
  • Nearby attractions: Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

6. The Cliff House (Waterford)

The Cliff House

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 spa here offers spectacular views (as does the dining area) and the hotel also boasts a one Michelin-star restaurant.

With just 39 rooms, the Cliff House is by no means big, however, it packs a punch far beyond its size when it comes to overall experience.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Ardmore, Waterford
  • Spa features: Indoor infinity pool, outdoor heated Jacuzzi, stone baths, sauna, steam room + more
  • Hotel features: Michelin star restaurant + outstanding views
  • Nearby attractions: Ardmore Cliff Walk + countless beaches
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

7. 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.

Tucked away in the forest, the spa here offers 21 different experiences across 4 spa zones and includes everything from a heated outdoor spa to saunas and steam rooms.

There’s also the option of visiting for a day-spa break if you don’t fancy spending the night!

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Ballymahon, Longford
  • Spa features: Outoor pool, saunas, chill-out spaces, steam rooms, hot tubs + more
  • Resort features: Ireland’s largest water park + endless activities
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

8. Ashford Castle (Mayo)

Ashford Castle

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.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle was founded in 1228 by the de Burgo family and you get a sense of its past in every corner of the impressive property.

Spa wise, you’re in for a treat – they 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.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Cong, Mayo
  • Spa features: Pool, 5 treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, steam room, and serene terrace
  • Hotel features: Historical setting, beautiful grounds and gorgeous old world interior
  • Nearby attractions: Cong Abbey, Doolough Valley + Connemara
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

9. Castlemartyr (Cork)

Castlemartyr

Photos via Castlemartyr on FB

Next is one of the better-value spa hotels Ireland has to offer, 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.

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!).

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Castlemartyr, Cork
  • Spa features: 7 treatment rooms, 4 mani-pedi stations, vitality lounges + pool
  • Hotel features: Golf course, 2 Michelin star restaurant + impressive grounds
  • Nearby attractions: Ballycotton Cliff Walk, Midleton Distillery + beaches
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

10. Powerscourt (Wicklow)

Powerscourt Hotel

Photos via The Powerscourt Hotel

Next of is the the most famous of the spa hotels in Wicklow – Powerscourt. Set on a 1,000 acre estate, it’s home to 198 rooms, 2 golf courses and an outstanding 30,000 sq.ft spa.

This 5-star features Palladian-style architecture, every luxury you desire and rooms (most of them, anyway!) with views of the Wicklow countryside.

If you just want to relax, you can easily check-in and chill in the hotel for the duration of your stay. If you want to explore, this is one of the best luxury spa hotels Ireland has to offer when it comes to nearby attractions.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Enniskerry, Wicklow
  • Spa features: Pool, Hannan Suite, thermal suites + more
  • Hotel features: Large scenic estate, wide range of dining options + leisure club
  • Nearby attractions: Powerscourt Waterfall, Lough Tay, Sally Gap + more
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

11. The Johnstown Estate (Meath)

The Johnstown Estate

Photos via The Johnstown Estate on FB

The Johnstown Estate in Enfield is one of the most overlooked spa breaks in Ireland. This is a 4-star Georgian mansion that boasts an award-winning 1,300sq metre spa.

The hotel is set on 120 acres of woodland and gardens, which you can explore on foot (there are plenty of walkways) or via one of the hotels bikes.

You can fine-dine in Fire & Salt Restaurant, chill in the Coach House or take a dip in the 20m pool.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Enfield, Meath
  • Spa features: Rooftop and Indoor Thermal Suite, salt chamber, steam room, dry sauna, hydro pool + more
  • Hotel features: Fine-dining and casual dining options, large leisure club + luxurious rooms
  • Nearby attractions: The Royal Canal Greenway, 
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

12. Muckross Park (Kerry)

Muckross Park

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 (which you can explore on foot or by bike).

The hotel is home to the award-winning ‘Gothic-inspired spa’ which delivers a whole-host of luxurious experiences and treatments to guests.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Killarney, Kerry
  • Spa features: Vitality pool, chill area, vitality suite, spa garden, hot tub + more
  • Hotel features: Numerous restaurants (including the 2 AA Rosette ‘Yew Tree’) + extravagant rooms
  • Nearby attractions: National Park, Dingle Peninsula + Skellig Ring
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

13. Lough Erne Resort (Fermanagh)

Lough Erne Resort

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.

This award-winning 5-star boasts a Thai-inspired spa, a championship golf course, several dining experiences, luxurious rooms and a stunning lakeside setting.

If the budget is there, spring for one of the Lakeview Rooms. You can chill in your room while soaking up the sights and sounds of the Fermanagh lakelands.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Enniskillen, Fermanagh
  • Spa features: Infinity pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, light therapy sauna + more
  • Hotel features: 3 exceptional restaurants, 36-hole golf course, gym + on-site activities
  • Nearby attractions: Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh + Bundoran
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

14. The Marker Hotel (Dublin)

Marker Hotel

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.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Dublin City
  • Spa features: Infinity pool, sauna, steam room + award-winning treatments
  • Hotel features: Rooftop bar, several dining options, gym + luxury rooms
  • Nearby attractions: Epic Museum, Trinity College + National Gallery
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

15. The Ice House (Mayo)

The Ice House

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 award-winning Chill Spa.

Yes, this is the one with the outdoor jacuzzis, Cedarwood Seawood Baths and chill out areas overlooking the river.

You can watch the world drift gently by from the Riverside Relaxation Room or spend some time steeping in piping hot water in the outdoor hot tub.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Ballina, Mayo
  • Spa features: Sauna, steam room, thermal suite + outdoor bathing
  • Hotel features: 54° 9° Restaurant + rooms with river views
  • Nearby attractions: Enniscrone Beach, Ceide Fields + North Mayo Coast
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

16. Kilronan Castle (Roscommon)

Kilronan Castle

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.

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.

After relaxing, a host of gastronomic delights await. Try fine-dining in the Douglas Hyde Restaurant or relax with afternoon tea next to the piano in the Palm Court.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Ballyfarnon, Roscommon
  • Spa features: Thermal suites, vitality pools, hydro showers, saunas, aroma light-therapy + more
  • Hotel features: Gym, pool, leisure centre, old-world setting and award-winning restaurant
  • Nearby attractions: Arigna Mining Experience + Knockranny Woods
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

17. Fota Island Resort (Cork)

The 5-star Fota Island is one of the best spa hotels in Ireland when it comes to value-for-money, especially if you’re bringing the kids.

The resort is home to Ireland’s only wildlife park, which should help keep them occupied for a couple of hours. Spa wise, there are 60 treatments along with 18 treatment rooms.

There’s also three championship golf courses, luxury dining experiences and a mix of accommodation options, including self-catering lodges. The perfect spot for families looking for suitable spa breaks in Ireland

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Fota Island, Cork
  • Spa features: 18 treatment rooms, pool, chill area, hydro suite, walking river, thermal suite, 
  • Hotel features: Golf course, gym, tennis courts, walking trails + Fota Wildlife Park
  • Nearby attractions: Cobh, Cork City, Kinsale + more
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

18. The Shandon (Donegal)

The Shandon

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.

Located a short stroll from Marble Hill Strand, the Shandon has a compact yet impressive spa that offers mighty sea views, a vitality pool, heated loungers and more.

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.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Dunfanaghy, Donegal
  • Spa features: 8 treatment rooms, Salt Grotto, sauna, foot spas, lifestyle showers, pool + more
  • Hotel features: Large leisure suite with pool, rooms with views + several dining options
  • Nearby attractions: Marble Hill, Horn Head + Glenveagh
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

19. Park Hotel (Kerry)

Park Hotel Kenmare

Photos via Park Hotel Kenmare on FB

Located on the picturesque Ring of Kerry, the Park Hotel in the charming town of Kenmare combines history with heritage and luxury.

This swanky spot offers one of the ultimate spa breaks in Ireland’s countryside with its Samas Spa, open fires, cinema room and a very cosy bar to kick-back in.

Out of the handful of luxury spa hotels in Ireland I’ve stayed in in recent years, the Park was hands-down the best service wise. It wasn’t cheap, but I felt at-home from the minute I arrived in the car park.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Kenmare, Kerry
  • Spa features: Thermal suite, relaxation room, ice fountain, steam room, sauna, outdoor pool + more
  • Hotel features: Old world elegance, numerous bars (including a Champagne bar), cinema, gym + AA Two Rosette Dining
  • Nearby attractions: The Beara Peninsula + the Ring of Kerry
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

20. Wineport Lodge (Westmeath)

Wineport Lodge

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!).

The Lakeview suites at Lough Ree offer impressive views of glistening Lough Ree as does The Glasshouse restaurant, where you’ll dine by the water.

The Lakeview Suites at Wineport are finely kitted out for comfort, with the show-stopper being the balcony that looks out over Lough Ree.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Glasson, Westmeath
  • Spa features: Infinity plunge pool, hot tubs + wide range of treatments
  • Hotel features: Lakeview rooms, several dining options + water-based activities
  • Nearby attractions: Portlick Forest, Athlone Castle + Tullamore Distillery
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

21. Redcastle Hotel (Donegal)

Redcastle Hotel

Photos via Redcastle Hotel on FB

Last but by no means least in our guide to the best spa hotels in Ireland is the oceanfront Redcastle Hotel and Spa in Donegal.

This is 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.

Sea views aside, this is arguably one of the best-value spa breaks in Ireland with a 2 hour spa experience starting at just €49 p/p.

Here are the need-to-knows:

  • Location: Inishowen, Donegal
  • Spa features: Chill out areas, pool with sea views, treatment rooms, sauna + steam room
  • Hotel features: Gym, restaurant with a view + bar
  • Nearby attractions: Kinnagoe Bay, Malin Head + Greenan Mountain
  • How much a night costs: See latest prices here

Spa hotels Ireland: Where 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. 

FAQs about the best spa resorts in Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What are the best-value spa hotels Ireland has to offer? to ‘Which are the best spas in Ireland if money is no option?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best spa hotels in Ireland?

In our opinion, the best spa resorts in Ireland are Monart, The Cliff House, Johnstown Estate, Galgorm and the excellent Dromoland Castle Hotel.

What are some luxury spa breaks in Ireland?

There are plenty of luxury spa hotels in Ireland. Arguably the most notable is Monart in Wexford, however, Kenmare’s Park Hotel, Dublin’s Shelbourne and Cork’s Castlemartyr are all luxury spa breaks in Ireland.

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Dara

Thursday 15th of October 2020

The Heritage, Killenard. Spa is top class.

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