Travel 22nd January 2025 by Stellar Magazine

5 Spots For A Stunning Spa Break In Ireland This Year

Aaaaand relax

When life gets to much all you can do is escape it and collect your bearings.

In 2025 we are prioritising ourselves and our well being. The best way to achieve that, is to treat yourself to a spa experience every now and again.

Here is our list of top spas and spa retreats located all around Ireland, ranging as far as Cork to up in the hills of Donegal – perfect for any type of person. Ranging from couple getaway to a relaxing girl’s getaway, these spas will make you want to get a massage after reading this article.

Dromoland Castle

Few places capture the fairytale feeling quite like Clare’s Dromoland Castle, located in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Perfect for a weekend retreat, the spa resort is conveniently close to Ireland’s famous Cliffs of Moher. Plus, if you book your stay now, you can take advantage of a limited time offer available until 31st March!

Spring at Dromoland Castle Estate offers an array of exciting activities like clay pigeon shooting, forest bathing, yoga, and archery.

At the spa, renowned aesthetician Dr Barbara Sturm brings her skin-healing expertise, offering non-surgical, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory treatments.

Winter-Spring Offers at the Castle Spa

Indulge in the soothing warmth and therapeutic power of a Hot Stone Massage, designed to relieve tension and calm the mind. Combine this with an Oskia Facial for the ultimate mid-week escape.

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Price: €130

Another favourite is the Full Body Exfoliation, which stimulates circulation and awakens your skin. This treatment is followed by a deeply relaxing back massage and a specialised leg detox to ease heaviness and promote lymphatic flow. Your face gets the VIP treatment too, with a thorough cleanse, detox mask, and a scalp massage to top it off.

  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Price: €160 weekdays / €180 weekends

If you’re after the ultimate relaxation, try the tailored Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massage, enhanced with pure essential oils to relieve tension and restore energy. The treatment finishes with a conditioning facial and a hydrating moisture mask, leaving your skin radiant and rejuvenated. It’s a must-try for tired winter skin!

  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Price: €160 weekdays / €180 weekends

Perfect For:

A first-time spa goer, a guaranteed experience like no other.

Ashford Castle

 

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Whether you’re looking to pamper yourself, improve your fitness, or simply escape the world for a while, Ashford Castle offers a spa experience fit for royalty.

The Spa at Ashford Castle has been crowned Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa for an incredible eight consecutive years at the 2023 World Spa Awards. It also holds the prestigious title of being Ireland’s first Forbes Five-Star Spa.

Located on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle dates back to 1228. Every corner of this remarkable property echoes its rich history, creating an enchanting atmosphere you won’t forget.

Facilities available include:

  • Relaxation Pool: Located inside a copper iron conservatory interior.
  • Treatment Rooms: Including a dedicated couple’s room for shared indulgence.
  • Fitness Suite: Overlooking Lough Corrib with floor-to-ceiling windows. A personal trainer is available on site to create customised sessions tailored to you.

Perfect For:

The Fitness fanatics, perfect place to continue your fitness journey for 2025.

Cliff House Hotel

 

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For seaside luxury, few places compare to the Cliff House Hotel, one of Ireland’s finest five-star boutique hotels. Nestled in the heart of the charming fishing village of Ardmore, this stunning property also boasts a Michelin-star House Restaurant, making it an ideal retreat for foodies and spa lovers alike.

Signature Treatment – The Well Spa

The hotel’s intimate destination spa, The Well, is the star attraction. With an infinity-edge swimming pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms, and outdoor copper tubs overlooking the breathtaking Ardmore Bay, relaxation comes naturally here.

Spa Packages

Perfect for families, couples, and individuals alike, The Well Spa offers tailored experiences for everyone:

  • Mommy and Me Spa Day: A delightful treat for parents and children aged 6–12, creating special memories together.
  • Couples Outdoor Massage: A romantic escape for two, set against the soothing backdrop of Ardmore’s coastline.
  • Back Facial: Ideal for teens and adults prone to irritated body acne, this treatment rejuvenates and soothes the skin.
  • Hydrafacial with LED and Oxygen Infusion: A cutting-edge treatment for those seeking radiant, glowing skin.

Perfect For:

The girlies who are into their skincare routines.

Adare Manor

 

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A neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece, Adare Manor is just 25 minutes from Shannon Airport and offers the perfect blend of luxury and history.

Adare Manor’s expansive grounds are packed with activities. Guests can enjoy golf, falconry, archery, fishing, and exclusive La Mer spa treatments, all conducted on-site. For those seeking a thrill, horseback riding and shooting are also available.

Signature Treatment – Codladh Sámh (Sleep Sound) Spa Treatment

The spa’s signature treatment, Codladh Sámh (which translates to Sleep Sound), is a must-try for anyone struggling with sleepless nights or stress (Duration: 50–80 minutes).

This deeply calming experience combines carefully applied pressures and Swedish techniques with a cooling ceramic stone treatment. It incorporates four magical Irish Ogham stones to promote tranquility and relaxation, leaving you ready to drift off into a peaceful and restorative sleep.

Perfect For:

Adare Manor is an ideal retreat for history enthusiasts and people with luxury taste.

Imperial Hotel Cork – Escape Spa

Escape the everyday and treat yourself to pure indulgence at Escape Spa in The Imperial Hotel Cork. Whether you’re planning a spa break, a girly weekend away , a couples’ retreat, or simply some well-deserved ‘me time,’ this urban oasis offers the ultimate in relaxation, located in the heart of Cork City Centre.

Special Package Deal

For €450–€600, you can enjoy an overnight stay in a luxury guest bedroom, complete with:

  • A spa day at the exclusive Escape Spa & Vitality Suite.
  • Two 50-minute treatments, including a back, neck, and shoulder massage, an Indian head massage, and a customized facial.
  • A two-course dinner for two, paired with a signature cocktail.
  • A healthy continental breakfast or a hearty Full Irish breakfast, freshly cooked to order.

Perfect For:

This package is ideal for couples looking to reconnect

Shandon Hotel & Spa

Nestled along Sheephaven Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Shandon Hotel & Spa offers a peaceful getaway just a short drive from Dunfanaghy and Horn Head.

Facilities Include:

  • A swimming pool and thermal spa.
  • A relaxation room.
  • An outdoor Canadian hot tub with views of the Donegal countryside.

Spring Packages & Deals

Discounted Full Package Deal – Price: €99 per person (Monday–Friday) or €115 per person (Saturday & Sunday).

  • A 30-minute private Bayview tub experience with a glass of prosecco.
  • Access to the thermal suite.
  • An aroma towel foot cleanse.
  • An aromatherapy stone back massage.
  • Your choice of facial, arm/leg massage, or a Shandon Indian head massage.

Special Events

Sunday the 26th January, the Shandon will welcome Phi Royal Artist Leigh Fitzpatrick, assisted by Ben McLaughlin from Dublin Makeup Academy, for a special semi-permanent makeup event.

Treatments available include:

  • Lip blush.
  • Phi brows.
  • Phi microneedling.

Perfect For:

The Shandon Hotel & Spa is ideal for a girls’ weekend or a personal pampering session.

It is important that we take the time away from our busy schedule and prioritise ourselves going into this new year.

So make sure you take that weekend away when the opportunity presents itself and treat yourself, whether it’s to a facial treatment a hot stone massage or a leisure day at the hot tub.

Words by Alyssa O’Sullivan