Top 10 award-winning spas and spa hotels in Ireland

At the best spas and spa hotels in Ireland the spa therapists are award-winning and so is everything else.  From the style to the customer service. The facilities to the locations. Here are Spabreaks.com’s top 10 award-winning spas and spa hotels in Ireland…

Culloden Estate and Spa, County Antrim

Set in 12 acres of gardens and woodland, Culloden Estate and Spa was originally built as the official palace for the Bishops of Down.  Today it retains its sense of grandeur, coupled with five star service and views across the Belfast Lough. It has been the recipient of multiple awards including commendations in the Best Body Treatment at the Irish Tatler Awards.  They also won Luxury Hotel of the Year at the Irish Hotel Awards in 2017.

Galgorm Resort and Spa, County Antrim

Just 30 minutes from Belfast and overlooking the beautiful River Maine, Galgorm Resort and Spa has made a name for itself as one of the most spectacular spa hotels in Ireland. Combining luxury and wellbeing, it is little surprise it has been the recipient of multiple awards.  Most recently that includes mention in the Irish Independent Travel Awards 2019 - Top Six Spas to Visit in Ireland. They won Ulster Regional Spa of the Year and Innovative Spa of the Year at the Irish Tatler Spa Awards 2017. They also won Ulster Regional Spa of the Year at the Irish Tatler Spa Awards 2018 as well.

The Maryborough Hotel and Spa, County Cork

An 18th century manor house, surrounded by rural Cork. The Maryborough Hotel and Spa is a family friendly hotel which also has dedicated Spa Guest Rooms complete with Jacuzzis.  The team have put careful thought and consideration into every detail. From the separate male and female thermal suites to the AA Rosette restaurant complete with walk-in wine cellar.  Little wonder then that it has won awards, including sweeping the boards at the Irish Hotel of the Year awards. They were the regional winners of Wedding Hotel of the Year, Spa Hotel of the Year and Hotel Restaurant of the Year.

Fota Island Resort, County Cork

A spectacularly unique spa hotel in Ireland, or anywhere in the world for that matter. Fota Island Resort sits on a small island in Cork Harbour, which is home to Ireland’s only wildlife park.  The result is a destination that really feels a million miles away with boundless entertainment and activities as well as natural beauty. Five star hospitality extends all the way from Ireland’s first Walking River in the spa, to 75 whiskeys from the nearby Midleton Distillery in the hotel bar.  Guests can choose from rooms, suites or lodge accommodation within the grounds. Fota Island Resort has recently won in the Irish Independent Travel Awards 2019 - Top Six Spas to Visit in Ireland amongst a catalogue of other awards.

Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort

A romantic hotel surrounded by the historic Farnham Estate, perfect for exploring on a walk or one of the bicycles available to hire.  It has its own golf course, and a real sense of old school elegance from the health spa to the 17th century manor house. The Spa at Farnham Estate was named in the Irish Independent Travel Awards 2019 - Top Six Spas to Visit in Ireland. It also won Best Treatment Package at the 2018 Irish Tatler Spa Awards.

Lough Rea Hotel, County Galway

A contemporary and quirky hotel that provides a wealth of visual inspiration for style hungry travellers. Lough Rea Hotel is blessed with beautiful details including a seductive spa amidst the historic beauty of Galway and a rooftop garden for cocktails with a view of the lochs and mountains.  The hotel has won multiple awards for its service, in particular for its attributes as a hotel for weddings.

The Heritage Killenard, County Laois

A chic retreat and five star hotel, The Heritage Killenard has everything you could possibly ask for from a luxury hotel spa break.  Surrounded by beautiful historic sites and the mystical village of Killenard, the spa is contemporary and decadent with plenty of space for groups of friends.  The 16 treatment rooms are accompanied by a jogging track outside and a 15-metre pool inside. Meanwhile, the restaurant offers five course dinners and a wonderful selection of whiskeys and brandys.  It has won multiple awards including Wedding Planner of the Year and regional winner of the Spa Hotel of the Year at the Irish Hotel Awards.

Knightsbrook Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, County Meath

When you visit Knightsbrook Hotel, you can choose to stay in one of 12 suites or the self-catered courtyard houses .  Either way, you’re in for a luxury pampering treat complete with wellbeing spa treatments and just the right amount of indulgence in the restaurant.  Views are of the natural Meath countryside, while the likes of Trim Castle are not far away. They have won multiple awards, especially for their role as a wedding venue. In particular they received the CIE Tours International Awards of Excellence 2018 prize for Consistently Exceeding our Client’s Expectations.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, County Down

Overlooking a windswept Irish Beach, the Spa at Slieve Donard is an exquisite haven of escapism. Here you will find that contrasts of light and dark mingle in inspiring spaces to relax.  Meanwhile, the majestic Mountains of Mourne and the rolling sand dunes of County Down provide the perfect backdrop. The spa is accompanied by a self sufficient hotel with its own bakery, vegetable gardens, pigs, laundry, and power plant. Dating back to 1898, it sits next to the Royal County Down golf course as well.  Winning awards each year, they have included the Irish Tatler Spa Awards 2017 Therapist of the Year and Northern Ireland Spa of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards 2018.

Aghadoe Heights, County Kerry

Consistently one of the best spas in Ireland, Aghadoe Heights is set in the most spectacular of locations with panoramic views of Lough Leane and Killarney mountains.  Inside, the spa has been expertly designed with finishes reflecting the immense beauty and natural materials of the outdoors. Customer service is always personal, paying attention to the details and your personal preferences. That’s whether it’s how you like your tea in the morning or the pressure of your massage.  The list of awards and accolades this hotel holds is exhaustive. Most recently they won the for Munster Spa of the Year at the 2017 Irish Tatler Spa Awards, and Best Service at the 2018 Irish Tatler Spa Awards.