6 of The Best Places For Luxury Golf And Spa Breaks Ireland
If you’re in the mood for a spot of golf, gorgeous scenery, superb food and top of the range rooms, then look no further than the Emerald Isle. And for the non-golfers, we’ve handpicked six of the best resorts and hotels that just happen to have stunning spas as well as all of the above. It’s our pleasure . . .
CASTLEMARTYR RESORT | County Cork, Ireland
Just 20 minutes drive from the city of Cork, Castlemartyr is a glorious 18th century manor house with contemporary wing, set in 220 acres of beautiful formal gardens and parkland. With 103 rooms, it’s certainly a large luxury hotel, but one with the warmest of welcomes – especially from the two resident Irish setters who love a walk with guests around the marked estate trails. Spacious bedrooms and lavish marble bathrooms are the hallmarks here, while golfers will be more than happy with the hotel’s 18 hole course, and relaxation seekers will adore the Espa spa which includes relaxation rooms, vitality lounges and Germaine di Capaccini treatments.
ASHFORD CASTLE | Cong, County Mayo
When you learn that Ashford Castle was named the No1 Resort & Inn in Great Britain & Ireland by Travel & Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards, 2016, and also won Ireland’s Best Spa Hotel award last year, you can see why this wonderfully opulent castle just had to be on our list. It also happens to have had an extraordinary restoration in the last four years and is a truly spectacular destination: Irish craftsmanship meets lush interior design everywhere you look, from the moss green marble bar to the shimmering Waterford chandeliers. Regarded by many as Ireland’s top hotel, the new spa and indoor pool, nine hole golf course and individually decorated bedrooms and suites, not to mention the legendary breakfasts, are just some of the reasons why no luxury trip to Ireland should miss at least one night at Ashford Castle.
THE K CLUB KILDARE HOTEL SPA AND COUNTRY CLUB | Straffan, County Kildare
Originally built in 1832, the four poster beds, lavish use of silks and brocades and antiques everywhere you look ensure that the Victorian origins of this five star hotel are plain to see. But the best of modern hospitality is also here, not least in the spa and no fewer than two renowned golf courses which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006. And after a long day on the greens or being pampered in the Wellness Suite, there are four restaurants proudly using local ingredients to fabulous effect and a glamorous cocktail bar in which to recover from your exertions. . .
FOTA ISLAND RESORT | Cork, County Cork
A sophisticated and modern resort set in 500 acres of landscaped gardens, Fota Island is a real haven and amazingly just 15 minutes from the centre of Cork. The views are spectacular and the 27 hole golf course is first class, with four Irish Opens played here and Padraig Harrington’s ‘favourite par five’. The spa hydrotherapy suite has a unique walking river S shaped pool with a variety of temperatures and jet pressures, while the hotel itself offers 131 blissful bedrooms with 24 hour room service or alternatively you can choose to stay in a luxury lodge.
CLIFFHOUSE HOTEL, ARDMORE | County Waterford
This contemporary, light filled, boutique seaside hotel boasts an intimate spa and wonderful indoor pool, dominated by a wall of glass and breathtaking ocean outlook. Michelin-starred gourmet cooking and every single room enjoying a sea view make a stay here something very special, and while there’s no golf course as such (sorry, we cheated slightly on this one) golfers can practice their swing on the tee box cliff top platform: tee off into the sea in the direction of the hotel’s floating pontoon green using biodegradable golf balls which turn into fish food after 48 hours in the water! Clever, and lots of fun.
AGHADOE HEIGHTS HOTEL & SPA | Killarney, County Kerry
High above the lakes of Killarney lies this five star beauty, with the Macgillycuddy Reeks – Ireland’s tallest mountains – rising up behind. Airy interiors with a colonial feel, a hint of hipster tweed here and there and lakeside dining all make for a memorable stay. The award winning spa includes an indoor pool with waterfall and a thermal suite with heated cabins, multi-sensory showers and even heated mosaic loungers to relieve tired muscles. There is no on-site golf course as such, but the hotel more than makes up for that with its close connection to neighbouring Killarney Golf Club which has two beautiful parkland courses: Kileen and Mahony’s Point. Aghadoe Heights offers assistance with tee times and golf coaching, early breakfast from 5am, golf club and shoe cleaning and even a dedicated golfers’ drying room and a convivial sports bar for golf buddies to get together at the end of the day’s play.
Abigail Stubbs, Feature Editor
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