Best Luxury Hotel and Spa in Ireland?

11-08-2013 3:43am #1

Since myself and the OH won't get the chance to go on a foreign break until 2014, we're looking to Ireland to indulge in a few days in a nice hotel/spa environment this autumn, preferably with good food also and not directly in a town/city.

So far, I've been looking at the likes of the Monart in Enniscorthy, the Cliff House in Ardmore and the Ritz Carlton at Powerscourt. Do any of you posters have any personal experiences in the above resorts? Or suggestions regarding some hidden gems around the country? I've discovered that not everything is listed on booking.com, notably the kind of place I'm looking for in this instance.

Any help would be much obliged

naughtysmurf · 11-08-2013 8:47am

Of the ones you have mentioned, I've only been to Monart, a few times though and it is great for two or three days to totally chill

Layinghen · 11-08-2013 10:10am

For hotel and spa Parknasilla in Kerry is my absolute favourite. Old world charm, incredible scenery and a fantastic spa and leisure facilities. If you want to get away from it all and be indulged, this is the place. I just love it.

Fagashlil · 11-08-2013 11:41am

Have been to both the cliff house and ritz Carlton, much prefer the cliff house. Spa was divine and the dinner in the michellen starred restaurant was amazing.

Qprmeath · 12-08-2013 9:10am

Monart is very good but a little bit pricey to be honest

dak · 12-08-2013 11:47am

Kellys Resort Hotel Rosslare .. lovely spa and good food!

anne burnell · 19-08-2013 6:32pm

check out the k club in kildare.... and especially the private room in the spa which has its own jacuzzi/hot tub, shower and is absolutly fab....you also have access to the swimming pool. the rooms in the hotel are lovely... a really chill place to relax...

corked · 20-08-2013 12:08am

Europe Hotel in Killarney is amazing. Not cheap but it's luxury.

I was in Parknasilla for lunch on Sunday and it was over run with children. Nothing against kids but not sure it would be the right atmosphere for your break.

Blingy · 20-08-2013 10:32am

How about the park hotel in kenmare. Haven't been but meant to be fab.
Love the spa in the heritage killenard. Reckon it's nearly the best I have been too.
Really enjoyed the ritz but it's crazy expensive and the spa is a bit of a let down.
Marlfield house is meant to be good.

Yamanoto · 20-08-2013 11:35am

corked wrote: »

Europe Hotel in Killarney is amazing

Strangely enough, many folks appear completely oblivious to its existence.

ButtersSuki · 20-08-2013 11:41am

Castlemartyr if you splash out and get a suite is very much worth a look. Last time I was in Ritz Carlton I was very disappointed, Monart and the Cliff House are both nice though.

If you don't mind venturing up North Galgorm (about 20mins north of Belfast) is very, very nice and the Merchant in Belfast is spectacular. All have excellent spas.

Layinghen · 20-08-2013 11:46am

In Northern Ireland the Culloden just outside Belfast is superb.

sun_seeker · 20-08-2013 12:30pm

Monart in Wexford, The Europe in Killarney or The G Hotel in Galway would be my recommendations.

cyberspider · 20-08-2013 3:30pm

If you are looking for a Spa hotel then Monart sounds like the perfect option. It was awarded the runner up for best destination Spa retreat worldwide by Conde Naste last year.

If however you are looking for more of a luxury hotel then you can also check out the following:

Marlfield house in Cork Website
Ballyfin house in Laoise Website
Lough Eske in Donegal Website

The blue book (Website) also has some other interesting options.

Cienciano · 20-08-2013 3:32pm

I heard Ballyfin is amazing. Never there though, it's out of my price range

cyberspider · 20-08-2013 4:00pm

Cienciano wrote: »

I heard Ballyfin is amazing. Never there though, it's out of my price range

I was recently speaking to someone who stayed these and they said it was really nice but certainly not worth the price they charge.

adox · 20-08-2013 6:46pm

Anyone stayed in Castlemartyr resort lately? I'm looking to go somewhere next week with the Mrs and they have a 3 nights for 2 mid week offer.

Others under consideration are Castle Leslie and Waterford Castle.

Layinghen · 20-08-2013 6:55pm

I love Waterford Castle but just in case you aren't aware of it, they don't have spa there. (But I would still be very jealous if you went there:D)

Bannerman7 · 21-08-2013 1:46am

I have stayed here a few times & would recomend.

http://secure.inchydoneyisland.com/bookings/specialspage?gclid=CKvfk9qnjbkCFbQetAodzyoALg

21-08-2013 1:57am

I've been to Monart a few times and it's amazing. The minute you drive up to it it's being in a different world. Can't recommend it enough.
I'd love to go to the park hotel in kenmare run but anytime I've looked it up its been so expensive, has any kind been?

Todd Toddington III · 21-08-2013 2:06am

adox wrote: »

Anyone stayed in Castlemartyr resort lately? I'm looking to go somewhere next week with the Mrs and they have a 3 nights for 2 mid week offer.

Others under consideration are Castle Leslie and Waterford Castle.

Really nice spot but they do weddings too which may or may not be to your liking re the crowds (though the reception was held seperate from other guests). Was there two months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. There are also two resident dogs available for walks which sold it to my wife. Nice pool and gym but didnt use the spa. Do it!

Edit. Midweek so weddings shouldnt be an issue.

Castle leslie is also lovely but no pool and its a little pricey. Would go with castlemartyr over it. Never stayed in waterford castle

Gatica · 22-08-2013 8:44am

Lyrath Estate and Mount Juliet are on my short-list for when we finally do a spa weekend away.

Can also recommend Mount Falcon. Lovely pool/jacuzzi overlooking the woodlands. Great restaurant and fab bedrooms.

Wouldn't recommend the G in Galway. The spa in nice, the rest of the hotel is rather dated and doesn't feel like a 5* at all.

deestaunton · 22-08-2013 2:49pm

Monart is the best as no kids allowed so sheer peace!

naughtysmurf · 22-08-2013 9:37pm

Gatica wrote: »

Lyrath Estate and Mount Juliet are on my short-list for when we finally do a spa weekend away.

We got a great midweek deal a couple of years ago for Lyrath, €230 for 3 nights B&B + 2 dinners, it's a nice hotel but nothing special, dinner(s) were only ok. The spa & infinity pool is nice, would return but the price would have to be right.

deestaunton wrote: »

Monart is the best as no kids allowed so sheer peace!

Wouldn't describe Monart as luxury but by far our destination of choice, agree that adults only is a huge positive

22-08-2013 10:35pm

[/S]

Wouldn't describe Monart as luxury but by far our destination of choice, agree that adults only is a huge positive[/QUOTE]

Wouldnt descibe Monart as luxury.....seriously? im obviously not living!!

adox · 22-08-2013 10:46pm

Was very underwhelmed by Lyrath Estate when we were there last year.
Took forever to check in, bags took forever to come up to the rather disappointing room. Food was decent but nothing special. Didnt use the spa so can't comment on that.

Definitely wont be returning.

naughtysmurf · 22-08-2013 10:52pm

Kason Repulsive Seaport wrote: »

[/S]

Wouldn't describe Monart as luxury but by far our destination of choice, agree that adults only is a huge positive

Wouldnt descibe Monart as luxury.....seriously? im obviously not living!![/QUOTE]

Maybe you're not, I don't know :P
Seriously though, I can't fault Monart, it is excellent & it ticks all our box's without a doubt but luxury is subjective, I wouldn't consider it luxurious or lavish, bedrooms while certainly nice are not opulent but I can't think of a better place to go for a total unwind

adox · 23-08-2013 1:34pm

Booked 3 nights in Castlemartyr for next week. €330 for 3 nights b&b for the two of us, availing of their "stay two nights get the third night free".

Going to take a spin out to Fota Wildlife while we are there and maybe a trip in to Cobh if there is a cruise ship docked(Like my photography).

fishingmad · 23-08-2013 1:42pm

We stayed in the Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel outside Gorey in Wexford and the OH is still raving about it, very relaxing stay with a class spa, and its away from town, private beach walk , greeat food, couldnt fault, will be back.

adox · 23-08-2013 2:01pm

fishingmad wrote: »

We stayed in the Seafield Golf & Spa Hotel outside Gorey in Wexford and the OH is still raving about it, very relaxing stay with a class spa, and its away from town, private beach walk , greeat food, couldnt fault, will be back.

Yeah we were there earlier in the year and enjoyed it. Not much of a looker from the outside when you drive up but very nice inside.

Outdoor hot tub was fantastic.

Would go back.

barcon11 · 24-08-2013 4:02pm

monart defo

Best Luxury Hotel and Spa in Ireland?

Comments