Dunboyne castle or Carton House spa?

Grandpa Hassan · 06-01-2014 08:53PM #1

Ladies,

As the title suggests, I am looking at taking my girlfriend to a luxury spa for her birthday. I intend it to be a day experience, with massage, treatments, pool, hot tubs, sauna etc. Might even get a massage myself. Followed by afternoon tea or dinner. Want it to be a real luxury, long and lazy day

Been looking at dunboyne castle and carton house. Both appear to have good standalone luxury spa facilities. And probably better value than the Four Seasons or Shelbourne.

Has anyone been to either of these, and recommend one? Or anywhere else along those kind of lines?

Many thanks

Steve

jellybear · 06-01-2014 11:06PM

I've been to Carton and although the spa was amazing I was left very disappointed by the rest of the hotel! Seemed in need of a revamp decoration wise and didn't enjoy the meal unfortunately! Haven't been to Dunboyne so cannot comment on it.

I'd also highly recommend Farnham Estate in Cavan, Druids Glen in Wicklow and Castle Leslie in Monaghan. All have gorgeous spas, lovely, picturesque grounds and food to die for!!:)

Tigger99 · 06-01-2014 11:28PM

I wouldn't recommend Dunboyne either.

What about Monart? Heard its fab.

Blingy · 06-01-2014 11:31PM

Would recommend the heritage in killenard or Monart specifically for the lovely Spa experience.

glisten · 08-01-2014 01:22AM

I wouldn't really recommend Dunboyne either. I stayed there last year with my sisters and we all left disappointed by the place. Very run down!

Carton is nice but as previous poster mentioned .... look up Monart...wow!!

Hello Lady! · 08-01-2014 01:40AM

Have to agree WRT Dunboyne - have stayed there many times as they often do special offers. In the years since 2009 when we first stayed there the spa has become very run down. Tiles missing in the pool, the slate floors just never look clean anymore, jets missing in the pool, some of the showers not working, generally just feels a bit grubby and run down. Treatments available are limited and the 'experience' rooms are just gimmicky. Certainly not a luxury spa.

Monart on the other hand is amazing and a spa you stay at, rather than a hotel with spa facilities.

08-01-2014 10:41AM

Monart is supposed to be amazing, never heard a bad word about it
Farnham in cavan I would also highly recommend

byhookorbycrook · 09-01-2014 08:46PM

I have been to Monart every year since it has opened. It's a spa hotel, no wedding music at 2 am, no kids screaming up and down the corridor. When you arrive you get buzzed in through the gates and a valet takes your car and bags and then-bliss! Treatments are in huge demand so you'd nearly want to book them as soon as you book the hotel. The dining room or bar food at night would also need to be booked.
It's not a bit snooty, you are encouraged to wear your robe as much as you like, even to breakfast. If you choose Monart, ask for a room overlooking the lake on the first floor,best views and less chance of someone walking past your window!

Whiteflag12 · 09-01-2014 10:12PM

I'd recommend Carton, great spot!

lollipop19 · 10-01-2014 12:51AM

What about Killashee house in Naas? I was given a voucher for Christmas! Has anyone been there?

Blingy · 10-01-2014 11:56AM

lollipop19 wrote: »

What about Killashee house in Naas? I was given a voucher for Christmas! Has anyone been there?

Have never been but a friend of mine has a couple of times and loves it.

beertons · 10-01-2014 08:21PM

Have a look at Seafield Spa in Wexford.

Rosy Posy · 19-01-2014 11:17AM

I've been to both and Carton House is the better of the two but I still think that somewhere like the Heritage or Monart are in a different league. Carton House has an Aveda spa which is great if she's into natural products but the pool/lounge facilities are limited. Dunboyne has a better thermal suite on paper but the last time I was there half the stuff was out of order and it all seemed in need of tlc. Also the meal was muck. Hope this helps!

Dunboyne castle or Carton House spa?

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