I once went on a trip with friends, thinking it’d be the perfect weekend getaway. We thought it was self-care, but we actually stressed ourselves out trying (and failing) to be our own artsy photographers. We also packed so much stuff… just because!
Just one day in, and we were already thinking that this isn’t going to work. We needed a break—from our own vacation!
That’s when we started to look into wellness retreats in Ireland, where we could detox from the internet and the chaotic city life. Best decision ever! Here are our top picks for some of the best self-care weekends we’ve ever had.
Where can I enjoy a relaxing escape in Ireland?
There are a bunch of facilities where you can enjoy a relaxing escape in Ireland! Do some self-care and boost your physical and mental well-being at peaceful spots like Creacon, Cliffs of Moher, and Shannon Estuary Way.
Creacon Wellness Retreat
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Website: https://www.creaconwellnessretreat.com/
Address: Creakan Lower, New Ross, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: +353 51 447 666, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 10 PM
Creacon Wellness Retreat is one of our favourite wellness retreat spots in Ireland because of its many retreats and workshops. Notable ones are Tai Chi or QiGong meditation workshops, healing breathwork, and yoga.
The serene accommodations also offer modern, media-free suites to disconnect guests from electronic devices. Along with the simple yet well-decorated rooms, we think this truly helps retreaters focus on finding their zen away from the outside world.
We also like that the retreats highlight the importance of eating nutritious food. It serves seasonal, garden-to-table meals that nourish both the body and mind.
Foodie reminder:
If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, it’s best to inform Creacon Wellness Retreat’s staff beforehand to avoid any food-related concerns or inconveniences later.
Cliffs of Moher Retreat
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Website: http://www.cliffsofmoherretreat.com/
Address: Moher Lodge, Kinielty, Liscannor, Co. Clare
Contact Details: [email protected]
If it’s your first time in the country, we think the Cliffs of Moher Retreat is a must-try! This wellness spot offers healing workshops, hiking excursions, and yoga weekends, as well as breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean!
It’s popular for its Wim Hof method, combining breathing techniques, cold exposure, and full commitment. This aims to increase oxygen levels, reduce stress, and boost the body overall—lots of like-minded people do this here!
We find the country lodge accommodations charming and the thermal suites comforting. Pair these with the organic homegrown food here, and we believe you’ll have a truly restorative stay.
Something to note:
The weather in Ireland, especially around places like the Cliffs of Moher, is unpredictable.
We recommend bringing layered clothing, comfortable and non-slip footwear, waterproof phone cases, and the like to ensure a great experience outdoors.
Shannon Estuary Way Retreat
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Website: http://www.shannonestuarywayretreat.ie/
Address: Burren, Ballynacally, Co. Clare
Contact Details: +353 85 851 9818, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
The Shannon Estuary Way Retreat combines the beauty of the serene waters of the location with holistic retreats to promote guests’ overall well-being. This involves nature walks, sound baths, yoga, and meditation.
One of our favourites is the cedar wood barrel sauna and the cold water plunge pool. Even the hot tub is an outdoor amenity, allowing the guests to be one with nature in a very soothing way.
And if you want more, we like that you can enjoy a bunch of customized treatments, like massages and Reiki energy healing.
Cool idea:
Make the most of your stay at the Shannon Estuary Way Retreat by including casual nature walks to stunning attractions, like nearby waterfalls, Dangan Castle, and Ballynacally Pier.
Cloona Health Retreat
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Website: https://cloona.ie/
Address: Cloona, Westport, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +353 98 25251, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
Located in a converted old woolen mill on a rural hillside, Cloona Health Retreat provides one of the most peaceful environments to give yourself a well-deserved rest.
Besides yoga, meditation, and digital detox, this spot offers proper diet and juice fasting, as well as an ideal environment to quit smoking if you’re planning on going on that route.
We love that this spot is close to Croagh Patrick and Westport’s heritage town, too! This gives guests a delightful opportunity to go on scenic explorations.
Smart move:
We suggest easing into detox before arriving at Cloona Health Retreat. We think the retreat would be a more enjoyable experience if you start cutting back on coffee, sugar, alcohol, and other bad habits a few days beforehand. Lesser headaches too!
Lake Isle Retreats
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Website: http://www.lakeisleretreats.com/
Address: 42 Geaglum Rd, Derrylin, Enniskillen
Contact Details: [email protected]
Lake Isle Retreats offers a nice space for you to recharge among lush greenery and tranquil waters. You can also enjoy various programs, such as yoga and meditation, silent retreats, and even vegetarian cookery workshops for the foodies!
You can combine the activities with other comforting treatments as well. This involves reflexology, aromatherapy massages, and sound therapy for a more rejuvenating experience.
For the non-morning peeps:
Not a morning person? We bet you’ll change your mind at Lake Isle Retreats! We say set your alarm early to catch the sunrise over Lough Erne. You can also start journaling for a change!