Places to spa and things to do in Ireland

Top things to do on a spa break in Ireland

There is so much to see and do in Ireland, whether you're a city slicker or a fan of the great outdoors, you want a pub crawl or a hike along the coast, historic sites, a day at the beach or a night on the town. Here are just a few of our favourite things to do on your next spa break in Ireland.

See the Northern Lights at Inishowen

A particularly enchanting experience in Ireland is seeing the Northern Lights at Inishowen. Bring along a flask of hot chocolate, snuggle under a blanket and watch this phenomenon at Grianán of Aileach, a huge 2,000-year-old ring fort sitting 250 metres/820ft above sea level.

Walk the Wild Atlantic Way

The natural beauty of Ireland is much talked about and much celebrated. Wrap yourself in the wilderness of the west coast of Ireland on one of the most iconic coastal touring routes in the world: the Wild Atlantic Way. From the breathtaking views from the cliffs of Slieve League to the rugged landscapes of the Burren, let your inner adventurer out hiking or kayaking through this exceptional terrain.

Play golf

Ireland is famous for its legendary links courses and hosting famous events and players. In fact, there are more than 400 golf clubs including championship courses all of which attract more than 240,000 golfers each year from around the world. The likes of The Heritage Killenard, home to Ireland's only Seve Ballesteros designed championship course, are amongst its popular destinations, while Castleknock Hotel is home to an 18-hole course just 15 minutes from Dublin city centre.

Visit Ireland's cities

From Dublin to Cork, Limerick to Galway, Ireland's cities are awash with historic features, warm welcomes and entertainment. Each one has a story to tell, and it would be remiss not to explore.

For example, in Dublin famous sites include the 13th-century Dublin Castle and St Patrick's Cathedral - built in honour of Ireland's patron saint. Take a stroll around St. Stephen’s Green and the huge Phoenix Park, don't forget a trip to the Guinness Storehouse. The 8th-century Eyre Square and 18th-century Spanish Arch in Galway are also worth a visit.

Belfast is also not to be missed, brimming with intrigue from the renovated dockyards' Titanic Quarter honouring the famous, ill-fated ship, to the grand government buildings at Belfast City Hall.

Climb castles and explore Irish history and heritage

It’s little wonder that this world of myth and legend seems so mystical. Ireland’s history and heritage spans the centuries as well as both city and countryside.

Experience the rich culture of Ireland’s Ancient East. Cycle or walk along the Waterford Greenway, a spectacular off-road trail built on an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan. Make a trip to the luscious greenery of Wicklow National Park, for example, which is also home to a monastery founded in the sixth century, Glendalough.

Perhaps you will follow the flow of Ireland’s folklore in Shannon, or explore the stormy past and enduring splendour of Ireland’s castles, before soaking up tales of the warring lords, cultured ladies and besieged revolutionaries who have left their mark on Ireland’s landscapes.

For that extra touch of magic, gaze beyond Lough Gur’s still waters to Knockadoon Hill, at the imposing hillforts and megalithic tombs around the lake. Discover a horseshoe-shaped lake, hidden away amid hills and green scenes, which locals will tell you is home to the king of the fairies. A short distance away you will also find historic Limerick with the 13th-century King John’s Castle – site of battles and sieges, and the iconic Milk Market, a bustling treasure trove of local produce.

With its castles that look like they’ve dropped out of a movie and walking trails that twist and turn like the words of a poet, it is no wonder that Ireland is a rich source of intrigue. See the ancient bog road built in 148BC or The Hills of the Witch at Loughcrew where local folklore tells the story of a magical woman, Garavogue. You can even visit Cavan Burren Park - the lands where it is believed romancing giants once roamed.

Hike in the hills and see the lakes

The Lakelands are also something to behold. Connecting north to south, county to county and mystical past to modern present, the waterways have a life of their own.

Naturally, there are sites to explore as you tour them: an 800-year-old castle, mysterious pagan idols, a Global Geopark and Europe’s oldest pub. No wonder this is the place that inspired the Nobel prize-winner WB Yeats to preserve in words the timeless calm of:

“lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore”.

Another treat in this beautiful part of the world, is taking in the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Wicklow hills, and don't forget the magnificent Powerscourt Waterfall.

Spa hotels in Ireland

Whether you're travelling with a group of friends or heading off on a romantic retreat, want to stay at a country house, a coastal getaway or an urban oasis, here are a few of our top spa hotels in Ireland.

Natural high at Aghadoe Heights

A spectacular, award-winning hotel and spa Aghadoe Heights is in a magnificent location and offers the best of everything. The hotel is five star all the way, and making the most of the views at every turn. Meanwhile, in the spa slate, the wood and the water features that it’s made of are all reminiscent of the surrounding woods, mountains and lakes. Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool as you enjoy inspiring views of Lough Leane and Killarney mountains. It’s just one example of the attention to detail that makes this spa so special.

Urban escape at Castleknock Hotel

This luxury urban retreat 15 minutes from Dublin offers the best of all worlds. Surrounded by nature but within easy reach of everything the city has to offer, it has its own golf course, four-star style and a chic purpose-built spa. Their Earth & Vine Restaurant is also a favourite for farm to fork style dining.

Country house vibes at Killashee Hotel

Set amidst the rolling countryside of County Kildare, Killashee Hotel is a grand, Victorian hotel surrounded by woodland trails. Inside it's all romance and charm, complete with two restaurants depending on what mood you're in. There's also an adult-only spa offering rest and relaxation with its own hydrotherapy suite and therapies from Elemis.

City sanctuary at No.1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa

Full of personality and bursting with bijoux style, this is a hotel getaway for couples looking for romance and relaxation. With an organic spa, kitchen garden and wonderful food, there’s no reason to leave it once you’ve checked in, especially since the spa is so inviting. With a snooze room, aroma salts foot bath and herbal cocoon, you’ll love the tranquillity here, as well as the private spa suite perfect for couples to indulge in an organic VOYA therapy together.

Atlantic views at The Spa at Orchids, Holyrood Hotel, Do. Donegal

In the heart of Bundoran in the North West of Ireland, The Holyrood Hotel invites you to wake to views of the Atlantic Ocean and take a morning stroll on the beach right outside. Located on the famous Wild Atlantic Way, the contemporary getaway is inviting and stylish, complete with the Watermelon Restaurant, popular for its award-winning fare. The on-site Spa @ Orchids is a Japanese themed retreat offering sensory wellness from the relaxation room and treatment baths to the outdoor hot tub and sauna. There's a separate leisure centre with a swimming pool, and the experience is complete with holistic therapies from French brand Yon-Ka Paris.