Things to Do / Health & Wellness

Escape to a place where the wild Atlantic Ocean meets a rugged beauty on the edge of Europe; an untamed landscape where nature’s abundance has the power to embrace and nourish you. Breathe in pure air; feel the soft rain on your face; immerse yourself in the country’s history and heritage and be inspired by what you see and what you feel.
Now a leading international spa destination, Ireland enjoys a multitude of wonderful spas in some spectacularly remote locations. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities, bliss-inducing therapies and treatment rooms set amidst stunning scenery, a spa trip to Ireland is an experience that everyone will want to enjoy.
Add in the legendary Irish welcome, the peace and serenity of the countryside, wholesome, locally sourced food and a real commitment to quality and service, and you have the perfect package: a natural, health-giving experience that will leave you rested, nourished and enriched.
Or maybe you’re looking for inspiration and guidance to a better a way of life, with strict regimes and detoxification programmes? Just imagine all this while surrounded by breathtaking views and an array of energising outdoor activities, from hill walking, to horse trekking and golf to cycling.
Spa treatments are also more varied than ever. Some take their inspiration from their beautiful surroundings using natural home-grown products, while others have imported spa services from across the globe. It's not unusual to find Ayurveda, reiki, lomi lomi massage, and balneotherapy all at one spa.
Whatever your preference, you are guaranteed a truly memorable and rejuvenating wellness experience.
Below is a list of our Top 5 recommendations for spa in Ireland:
Powerscourt Springs Health Farm & Spa
Touted as Ireland's premier health farm, the Powerscourt Springs Health Farm & Spa is located just 30 minutes drive from Dublin. Nestled in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains, and now running for over two decades, Powerscourt Springs is Ireland's original health farm and still one of the most popular spa retreats today. Here the emphasis is on providing a relaxing environment, caring service and world-class choice of treatments and activities.
Address: Coolakay, Enniskerry, County Wicklow, Ireland.
Tel: +353.1 276 1000
Fax: +353.1 276 1626
E-mail: info@powerscourtsprings.ie
Website: www.powerscourtsprings.ie
Ballycoursey Day Spa, St. Johns Manor
At the Ballycoursey Day Spa at St. Johns Manor in County Wexford be sure to try some of their famous Full Body Salt Scrub Exfoliation, Thermal Mud Treatment, Dermalogica Facials, Full Body Massage, or Aloe Vera Gel Body Wraps. The day spa is built on the site of a 13th century monastery, with the manor commanding one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Slaney. With acres of landscaped grounds to enjoy, this tranquil escape allows you to truly unwind & recharge.
Address: St Johns Manor, Slaney Drive, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland
Tel: 053 92 37736
FAX: 053 92 43411
Email: info@ballycoursey.com.
Website: www.ballycourseylodgehealthspa.com

Ballybunion Seaweed Baths
The famous seaweed baths on The Ladies Strand in Ballybunion, County Kerry have been serving the North Kerry community for nearly 100 years. The natural goodness of bathing in salt water brings welcome relief to general muscular stiffness, tension, arthritic and rheumatic pain. The hot water stimulates the release of concentrated iodine from the seaweed. This acts as a natural antiseptic, whilst its oils moisturise your skin leaving a tingling freshness. The bath owners hand pick the seaweed daily from the "Blackrocks". The water provided for your bath is sea-water, pumped straight from the Atlantic Ocean each day. This is heated and ready for you at the turn of a tap.
Telephone: +353 (0)68 27 469
Address: Lady's Strand, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Republic Of Ireland
SÁMAS, Park Hotel Kenmare
SÁMAS, meaning “indulgence of the senses” in Gaelic, is a deluxe destination spa that blends healing and therapeutic traditions from the East and West with the life inspiring scenery of Kerry to revive the body, mind and soul. The spa resort has received many international awards including the Top 10 Spas in Europe, and Top 100 Spas in the World awards from Condé Nast Spa Awards 2007 as well as being voted Number 4, in the “Top 50 Spas in the World” by The Independent. The Spa Finder 2006 also awarded the spa Top 10 Most Romantic Spas in the World and Top 10 Best Spa Interior Design.
Address: Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland.
Tel: +353 64 41200
Fax: +353 64 41402
E-mail: info@parkkenmare.com
Website: www.parkkenmare.com
Life Spa, Lynch Breaffy House Hotel
Life Spa, at Lynch Breaffy House Hotel is regarded as one of Ireland's premier spa resorts. Whether you are looking for relaxation, rejuvenation or just an oasis of calm in which to relax, Life Spa provides the perfect environment for all your health and relaxation needs. There are over 150 treatments to choose from, including reflexology, hydrotherapy and algotherapy.
Address: Breaffy House Spa and Suites, Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland
Tel: 094 9044160
E-mail: escapebreaffy@gmail.com
Website: www.escapebeauty.ie/breaffy.html