Spring into Spa
By Jessica, March 10, 2022
The arrival of spring gives us the chance to get out into nature and enjoy the endless activities that Ireland has to offer once again.
After a day of hiking, biking or exploring, you’ll have earned some well-deserved relaxation time to soothe any aching muscles. Combining energetic activities with a refreshing spa experience makes for a truly holistic getaway.
We’ve put together a list of 7 Irish spa destinations where you can take advantage of the warmer spring weather without ever having to leave the hotel grounds.
1. Sheen Falls Lodge, Co. Kerry
The Activities
Sheen Falls Lodge has some of the most exciting activities on our list. This 5 star venue offers a range of outdoor pursuits that perfectly complement its natural surroundings.
Saddle up and start your adventure by exploring the beauty of the 300 acre estate on horseback. If you prefer exploring on your own two legs, there are also plenty of walking trails and tours to choose from.
Kenmare town is just one of the many quaint towns nearby for you to discover. Venture further along the Wild Atlantic Way or trail though the untamed hills of Kerry during your stay.
Back at the estate, get your game on with a choice of clay pigeon shooting, fishing or archery.
How about getting up close with a majestic bird of prey? The age-old activity of falconry is available on the estate grounds.
For the warmer spring days ahead, take your adventure onto the water with kayaking and paddleboarding in Kenmare Bay.
The Spa
After a day of thrilling activities, kick back and relax at Easanna Spa. Wash away the day with a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, or simply recline in the stylish indoor heated pool. For added replenishment, choose from a variety of treatments including facials, seaweed body wraps, Swedish massage and much more.
2. Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork
The Activities
Situated on its own private island, Fota Island Resort is host to an array of activities to keep guests busy.
The resort is home to not one, but three golf courses with varying degrees of difficulty, promising an entertaining day out for every level of player.
If golf isn’t for you, you can practise your serve at the Munster Tennis Hub. Located in the midst of the resort’s woodland setting, the club welcomes hotel guests on their all-weather, floodlit courts.
Want to get really competitive during your stay? Stop by Fota Island Adventure and choose from combat archery, bushcraft survival activities, orienteering challenges and much more.
For a more family-friendly outing, explore the grounds’ fairy trail and amble along the walkways that take in majestic views of Fota Island Resort.
The Spa
After a day of outdoor action, unwind in the Fota Island Spa. Start with the large indoor heated swimming pool, relaxation area and Hydrotherapy Suite. Then, choose from over 60 rejuvenating treatments across 18 treatment rooms, where you are sure to find the perfect spa experience to restore both body and mind.
3. Center Parcs, Co. Longford
The Activities
Nestled in 400 acres of beautiful historic forest, Center Parcs has endless activities for all the family tucked amongst the trees.
Put your putting skills to the test with themed adventure golf, featuring a series of fun obstacles for all ages to enjoy. Accomplished golfers will also find a driving range and 9 hole course on site.
Practise your bullseye in field archery, where you are let loose in the forest to find and fire at targets. Or, try your hand at crossbow and learn how to lock and load this classic weapon from a team of experts.
Thrill seekers can conquer Center Parcs’ spectacular aerial course, swinging through the trees on a harness and finishing with an exhilarating zip line descent. The “drop jump” is yet another airborne activity on offer to get your adrenaline pumping.
When you’re done adventuring across land and sky, take to the water in a kayak, multi-person katakanu, pedalo, row boat or paddleboard to enjoy the beautiful lake.
If you can still find time for sporting action after all that adventure, you can also take part in football, footgolf, tennis, cycling and even more on the resort’s grounds.
The Spa
With so many activities on offer, you may need a day to recharge by the pool at Aqua Sana Spa. Explore 21 different spa experiences across four spa zones. Each spa experience offers unique health and wellbeing benefits, and has been designed to stimulate your senses, heal your body and calm your mind. You’re guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and ready to take on the world.
4. Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork
The Activities
Steeped in Irish history, Castlemartyr Resort sits on 220 acres of woodlands and features the ruins of an 800 year old castle that you won’t want to miss while out exploring.
The resort is also famed for its 18 hole, inland links style golf course which offers a scenic yet challenging experience. Need to work on your game? Sign up for private tuition with a PGA qualified professional.
For guests who wish to experience some action during their stay, the hotel can organise archery or laser clay pigeon shooting on the grounds.
Or, you can take a more laid back approach with the resort’s garden games, which include giant Jenga, Connect 4 and croquet on Mitchell’s Lawn. Outdoor picnics can also be arranged to complete your day out in the warmer spring months.
During particularly nice weather, Castlemartyr also offers history trails, outdoor crafts and an animal zoo for children.
The Spa
After a long day on the course or in the gardens, take some time to chill out in Castlemartyr Spa. The resort facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, experience showers, a couple’s treatment room and much more. The spa has created a range of treatments and packages using the ESPA range, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated from head to toe.
5. Slieve Russell Hotel, Co. Cavan
The Activities
Take in the rolling hills and glittering lakes of Co. Cavan from the stunning grounds of the Slieve Russell Hotel.
The ultimate destination for golf-lovers, the resort’s highly acclaimed PGA National championship course wraps around the local landscape to offer a number of entertainingly tricky greens.
For a less challenging alternative, check out the adventure golf and foot golf options also on offer within the grounds.
Of course, golf isn’t the only activity available for guests. Hiking, cycling and fishing options can all be found in the vicinity, with a number of historical sites to choose from. Don’t miss Devenish Monastic Site, Drumlane Abbey, and Clough Oughter Castle, all just a short distance away.
Fans of water sports will be spoiled for choice in the area too, with Share Discovery Village & Water Park, Cavan Adventure Centre and Lough Allen Adventure Center nearby. Get your wetsuit on and experience everything from windsurfing to banana boating while the sun shines.
The Spa
The Slieve Russell Hotel is home to the tranquil Ciúin Spa which has an impressive selection of amenities. Boasting a hydrotherapy suite, herb sauna, steam room, salt grotto, foot baths, adventure showers, ice fountain, rasul chambers, pedicure chairs, a relaxation suite and more.. the list of invigorating facilities at Ciúin Spa is endless.
6. Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan
The Activities
Castle Leslie is one of the great Irish castle estates and is a truly luxurious destination in which to experience Monaghan’s idyllic countryside.
Horse riding enthusiasts will instantly fall for Castle Leslie’s equestrian centre, with exhilarating cross-country rides and tuition for all ages on offer.
Animal lovers will also be left in awe by a choice of four falconry experiences, where you will get up close with different species of falcons, hawks, owls and the magnificent golden eagle.
For a test of skill, hone your accuracy at archery or experience the thrill of clay target shooting.
Prefer a more relaxing day out? Go for a stroll around the 1,000 acres of ancient woodlands, or sit back and enjoy the scenery from a horse-drawn carriage.
The Spa
A visit to The Victorian Treatment Rooms at Castle Leslie Estate will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised after a day of activities. There are seven treatment rooms in which to enjoy a selection of traditional organic spa therapies from the Eminence Organics and Voya ranges. Post-treatment, visit the relaxation area and outdoor hot tub overlooking the stables to complete your spa experience.
7. Carton House, Co. Kildare
The Activities
With over 1,000 acres to explore, Carton House promises outdoor activities to suit every guest as the weather gets warmer.
Home to two championship courses, a putting green and a pro shop, golfers can book an expert lesson and get measured for the perfect clubs before taking to their preferred course.
Cyclists can venture along the 9km trails within the grounds, or take advantage of the resort’s location at the beginning of the enchanting new Royal Canal Greenway.
Two outdoor tennis courts are available for both fun and competitive encounters between guests, with equipment provided on site.
Beginning in spring, guests can also opt to spend the day fishing on the local lake or river. You will be accompanied by the resort Ghillie who can provide fly-fishing tuition for beginners, and if you’re lucky, you might just catch a pike, wild brown trout or salmon.
The Spa
Nestled in the historic heart of a fully walled estate, Carton House Spa offers guests the opportunity to momentarily escape reality for some self-care. Surrender your stress and choose from a carefully curated menu of spa treatments delivered by highly skilled therapists. Spa facilities at Carton House include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation room to round off your experience.
Refresh body and mind with a spring spa break
All of these spectacular Irish spas offer a number of outdoor activities within their grounds, but your adventure doesn’t have to end there. Around the country, you’ll find many more scenic spa hotels with outdoor activities located just a stone’s throw away. Whether you choose to combine your active spa break with a brisk hike, a round of golf or even a yoga session, an energising spa break is a glorious getaway for your body and mind this spring.
