Top bucket list spas in Ireland

Galgorm Resort and Spa, Co.Antrim

Very much the jewel in Ireland’s spa crown at the moment, Galgorm has everything from innovative spa packages to a beautiful location and exceptional food. The River Maine flows through the estate to really set the scene, and making relaxation in the River House which overhangs the water a delightful experience. The spa embraces its Celtic heritage with offerings such as the Beltane Experience where you relax around a sunken fire available, and the hotel does everything to five-star standards.

Favourite spa features include:

• The Beltane Experience where you relax around a sunken fire with friends before enjoying a dip in the 12 person hot tub.
• The River House, which is raised on stilts by the River Maine and is where spa guests enjoy classes.
• The award-winning River Room restaurant as well as three other amazing dining options.
• The option to stay in cottages or cabins - which is great for groups of friends.

What guests say about Galgorm:

"Amazing break! The staff were so helpful and friendly. We were treated like VIPs! I had a problem with my locker key which was quickly sorted out. Fantastic setting! Can’t wait to go back."

Castleknock Hotel, Dublin

A luxurious retreat 15-minutes from central Dublin, Castleknock Hotel is surrounded by nature and offers a sense of restfulness amidst the urban buzz. Complete with its own golf course, multiple bars and restaurants and four-star status, it has a purpose-built spa which opened in 2017. The expansive environment is equipped with an 18-metre swimming pool with a separate children’s pool, a 1000 sq. ft. gym, a 600 sq. ft. aerobics suite, a sauna, steam room and a spa Jacuzzi all with views of the grounds. Meanwhile, their treatments range from holistic to innovative in a complete wellbeing experience.

Favourite spa features include:

• They offer Biotec from Elemis. Biotec is a powerfully rejuvenating clinically proven facial treatment that effectively irons out wrinkles and fills out lines.
• The fusion of contemporary and traditional design.
• The farm to fork style dining experience in the Earth & Vine Restaurant.
• The 18-hole golf course, which was named as one of the top 100 courses in Ireland by Golf Digest Magazine.

What guests say about Castleknock Hotel:

"Had the best time at castleknock spa. We picked the relaxation to tea package. Tailored facials and massages for me and my friends. Amazing facilities and the afternoon tea was delicious. Staff and facilities were 10/10."

Aghadoe Heights, County Kerry

A magical modern spa retreat that embraces and incorporates the beauty of the natural world outside, Aghadoe Heights is an idyllic contemporary wellness retreat. Surrounded by the magnificent Lough Leane and the Kerry countryside, the five-star hotel and spa is dedicated to a world of luxury wellness. The spa is a particularly special feature, incorporating 10 treatment rooms, a couple’s suite, a relaxation area and a thermal suite which includes a laconium, a hammam, a rock sauna, and an aroma grotto. They use the acclaimed Irish product house VOYA for their treatments, which focus on holistic wellbeing and pampering.

Favourite spa features include:

• The panoramic views of Lough Leane and the Kerry countryside, which you can admire from all angles.
• The design of the spa, which uses materials that reflect the outside world and large windows that mean it feels as though the space flows from the outside in.
• The award-winning spa therapists who are talented, empathetic and dedicated to delivering the best spa treatments, tailored to the individual.
• The five-star style and experience.

The Heritage Killenard, Co. Laois

A five-star hotel with an award-winning spa, The Heritage Killenard draws on the Celtic heritage of the surrounding area to inspire a sense of wellness. The luxury retreat Ofers everything from exceptional afternoon teas to seaweed spa treatments from VOYA. They have 16 treatment rooms making it a great destination for a group of friends seeking a sophisticated getaway. Then, finish the day with a lavish meal over a five course set menu and an excellent wine list.

Favourite spa features include:

• Five-star luxury all the way.
• 16 treatment rooms, which is great for groups.
• Fitness facilities including TRX equipment, a spinning studio, a 5k jogging track and trim trail.
• It's just one hour from Dublin Airport.

Lough Rea Hotel, County Galway

A sanctuary of a hotel and spa, Lough Rea Hotel is just two hours from Dublin and offers a true sense of luxury escapism. The hotel offers quirky and contemporary design, but it's the spa that really sets it apart. The wellness experience hinges on an adult-only thermal suite, which features an aromatherapy sauna room, steam room, tropical experience shower, ice fountain, soothing foot spa, Jacuzzi, sanarium, rasul and both light and dark relaxation rooms. Treatments are from the beautiful Yon Ka, ranging from hot stone therapy to reflexology so you can completely relax and unwind.

Favourite spa features include:

• The adult-only thermal suite.
• Fine dining in The Abbey Restaurant.
• Cocktails at the Rooftop Garden with panoramic views of Lough Rea and the mountains beyond.

What guests say about Lough Rea Hotel:

"The spa was fantastic. Beautiful relaxation rooms overlooking the lough. Jean was absolutely fantastic, highly recommended."

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Templepatrick

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is a wonderfully unique hotel and spa experience, brought to you by the people behind the famous Galgorm spa destination. Just 20-minutes from Belfast, the hotel combines Scandi-inspired style and individual charm, peppered with quirky style and home comforts. Food is a delicious and convivial experience with Italian-American influences. Meanwhile, the spa is a haven of glamorous bohemian wellbeing, offering Balearic vibes and a show-stopping Roman bath surrounded by palms, columns, cosy heated loungers and relaxing cabanas.

Favourite spa features include:

• The Balearic vibes and chilled party playlist
• An impressive Roman bath
• Halotherapy in the salt chamber
• Germaine de Capuccini treatments

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, County Down

Enjoying views across the majestic Mountains of Mourne and windswept dunes of County Down, The Spa at Slieve Donard was named ‘Spa of The Year’ for 2024 by Ulster Tatler, and is a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. It has two floors of wellbeing facilities and a menu of spa treatments from ESPA, that tap into advance techniques and ancient therapies, delivering a world-class spa experience. It's a beautiful destination for a romantic getaway, time with friends, or to yourself.

Favourite spa features include:

• Three saunas, three steam rooms, three hot tubs, and a 20-metre indoor pool
• Views of the Mountains of Mourne and the rolling sand dunes of County Down
• 11 treatment rooms offering ESPA therapies

What guests say about Slieve Donard Resort and Spa:

"Excellent spa hotel with top level service and food. Not to mention the beautiful mourne mountains as a back drop and the ocean at your feet. Highly recommend"

Lough Erne Resort, County Fermanagh

An award-winning spa which fits with the luxurious and exclusive resort it sits in, this is an experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. The spa has 10 Thai inspired treatment rooms and therapies are delivered by a mixture of Western and Thai therapists. Choose from traditional Thai massages and a selection of facials and body treatments, but save time for relaxing in the thermal facilities aimed at easing tired limbs. There’s also a Thai Spa Boutique to allow you to enjoy some divine spa products in your own home.

Favourite spa features include:

• The air is scented with lemongrass, jasmine and coconut
• Views of Castle Hume Lough
• Treatments using organic skincare brand VOYA

Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, County Wicklow

Nestled among ancient trees, within the granite walls of one of Ireland’s most renowned estates, you’ll find Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, surrounded by a vast resort - a complement to the formal gardens of historic Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, just 30 minutes from Dublin. Famously luxurious, it has three dining options including the Sika Restaurant, named after Japanese deer introduced to the estate in 1860. Meanwhile, the Sugar Loaf Lounge is especially popular for its cocktails. The spa by ESPA is a spectacular experience, not least for its 20-metre Swarovski Crystal-lit pool, thermal suite, serenity room, and cutting edge fitness studio.

Favourite spa features include:

• View of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain
• A 20-metre Swarovski Crystal-lit pool
• Design featuring organic materials such as wood, stone, and slate

Lusty Beg, County Fermanagh

An island resort accessed by ferry, Lusty Beg Island Spa in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands is a completely unique getaway. Surrounded by 75 acres of parkland, you can choose to stay in self catering lodges and chalets, which have a Swiss mountain vibe, or in B&B accommodation in the Courtyard or the Lakeside cabins. Alongside the welcoming hospitality, you can enjoy a range of leisure opportunities, from walking to cycling and kayaking. Then there's The Island Spa - a bubble of relaxation in a lodge-style building, complete with a sauna, pool and garden, as well as award-winning therapies.

Favourite spa features include:

• Located within a unique, island resort in the Fermanagh Lakelands
• Spa treatments using hand-harvested, Irish seaweed to nourish the skin
• A world of leisure activities within 75 acres of parkland