From creative breaks to city stays and climbing trips, these overnight escapes will inspire and rejuvenate …
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Co Cork
I can’t think of a more idyllic getaway than the “Island Break for Two” at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. This includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, a five-course dinner on one evening in the hotel’s Gulfstream Restaurant and complimentary access to the fabulous heated seawater therapy pool, gym and relaxation areas. Worth investigating too is the new, purpose-built yoga studio which augments the magical outdoor yoga offering. That means there’s no excuse for not doing a few sun salutations before a leisurely walk along the beach and then snuggling up with a good book in the panoramic lounge area. From €255 per person sharing mid week; www.inchydoneyisland.com.
Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal
Having recently celebrated its milestone 15th anniversary, the team at Lough Eske are not resting on their laurels. As a destination spa and gourmet getaway, this is one location to switch off and feel pampered, knowing you are in expert hands. Currently on offer is its “Revival Spa Package” which includes breakfast, a 30-minute ESPA treatment in CARA Organic Beauty Spa, and a three-course meal in the award-winning Cedars Restaurant. Guests also have complimentary use of the castle’s bicycles and can avail of a history tour of the hotel with one of the team. While in Donegal, do visit the majestic Sliabh Liag sea cliffs, only an hour away by car, or one of the stunning blue flag beaches within 30 minutes’ drive from the hotel. For the more adventurous, horse riding, golfing, or surfing are all on the doorstep. From €415 per person sharing, available until April 30; www.lougheskecastlehotel.com.
Cahernane House Hotel, Co Kerry
If you’re feeling creative, there’s a three-night residential watercolour painting workshop at Cahernane House Hotel from March 5-8 led by renowned artist Mary Dillon. No experience is necessary and during the workshop, participants will be tutored in the art of watercolour and will learn how to bring the beauty and colour of spring flowers to life on paper. (All materials will be provided). This lovely course will include two and half days of painting in the elegant Drawing Room in Cahernane House Hotel which overlooks the hotel’s mature gardens and Killarney National Park. There’s also a farewell table d’hôte dinner in the 2 AA Herbert’s Restaurant on Tuesday evening. Mary says, “This will also be a wonderful opportunity to experience painting and nature in a mindful and relaxed atmosphere.” From €549 per person sharing; www.cahernane.com.
Liss Ard Estate, Co Cork
Led by acupuncturist and wellness expert Hayley Power, the “Spring Wellbeing Retreat” taking place from March 3-5 at Liss Ard Estate is an opportunity to unwind and learn more about self-care rituals. Guests will receive a minimum of three acupuncture treatments, meditative sound healing as well as tea ceremonies with specially tailored tea blends, all balanced with lots of free time to relax or explore the natural beauty of West Cork. The retreat, from €760 for single occupancy and €1,080 for double, includes full board – two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as the full wellness itinerary. Of course, one of the attractions of this idyllic estate is James Turrell’s famous Sky Garden designed to be a dramatic naked-eye observatory on a grand scale. It’s the location for the first sound bath during the retreat; www.lissardestate.ie.
Lyrath Estate, Co Kilkenny
Lyrath Estate’s “Stepping Into Spring” midweek experience includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning, a three-course dinner in The Grill restaurant on one evening with a complimentary cream tea on one day. There’s plenty to do while you’re at this resort-style property too – from cycling on the grounds of the extensive estate, to relaxing in its Oasis Spa (especially in the stunning outdoor hydrotherapy pool) and investigating the onsite Hawkeye School of Falconry where all sorts of birds of prey can be found from owls to eagles. From €185 per person sharing midweek; www.lyrath.com.
Number 31, Dublin
Tempted to check out some exhibitions including “Pastel Revealed” at the National Gallery or perhaps the March First Fridays on March 3 at MoLI, when the museum will be open late? Ideally situated for a cultural as well as secluded and serene stay is Number 31, which is particularly appealing to design enthusiasts. I found it a tale of two halves – one side is an elegant Georgian townhouse on Fitzwilliam Place with ornate stucco ceilings and spacious Art Deco-style rooms, the other a light-filled, modernist, coach house mews – both interlinked by a secret garden. The garden is a particularly lovely spot to unwind and relax. There’s an honesty bar on site beside the comfortable sunken lounge area, while breakfast is worth lingering over. Prepared by Delia and taken in the conservatory – it’s just one of the many highlights of staying at Number 31, where an overnight spring break is from €199; www.number31.ie.
Marlfield House, Co Wexford
For a mid-week break with a difference, guests booking an overnight stay at Marlfield House on Wednesdays can enjoy a hawk walk and falconry display in the afternoon with Wayne from Southeast Falconry and his birds of prey. It’s an opportunity to get close to and learn more about owls, falcons, buzzards and osprey. In addition to luxurious accommodation and breakfast the following morning, there is also a three-course dinner in The Duck Restaurant. From €154; www.irelands-blue-book.ie.
The Kingsley, Cork
As a base to enjoy Cork city and explore the collection at the Crawford Gallery, the Mahon Point Farmers Market and some great shops including Vibes and Scribes (for bibliophiles) and Samui (for fashion) the “Awaken this Spring” offer at The Kingsley will appeal. This is a two-night break for two people sharing and includes accommodation with breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening at Fairbanks Restaurant and two Brightening Facials in the hotel spa. From €404; www.thekingsley.ie.
Clontarf Castle, Dublin
Perfectly located in leafy Clontarf, overlooking Dublin Bay and just minutes from the many attractions in the city centre, Clontarf Castle is the perfect location for a brief but therapeutic spring stay. Mixing history and tradition, the hotel’s new “Spring Knights” experience includes a three-course evening meal in either Fahrenheit Restaurant or Knight’s Bar and breakfast the next morning. Guests will also be treated to a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates on arrival. I recommend taking the self-led art tour while on the premises. Available from Sunday to Thursday, this offer starts from €229 based on two people sharing; www.clontarfcastle.ie.
Coopershill House, Co Sligo
With better weather on the horizon, climbing the majestic Benbulben is one way to work up an appetite before enjoying a picnic on top of the world. The rewards are breathtaking views of Sligo’s Knocknarea mountain, Coney Island and up to the Slieve League cliffs in Donegal. That’s all part of a two-night stay at Coopershill House, which also includes breakfast and a four-course dinner, and picnic; €708; www.irelands-blue-book.ie.
