While we love our summer holidays with the family, we only really get to let our hair down when the kids stay at home.
Whether for a hen weekend or a night away with your besties, there’s nothing like booking into a nice hotel for a well-overdue girls’ weekend break and leaving all the stresses and strains of daily life behind. Luckily, we’re spoiled for choice in Ireland with the range of stunning hotels that are available to us and a weekend away can be really affordable if you choose to travel during the off-peak season.
So, put your feet up, have a browse through these beautiful locations and start planning a mini-getaway — you deserve it!
1. The Marker Hotel, Dublin City
If you’re more of a city slicker than a lady of the manor, then The Marker Hotel in Dublin is the place for a girls’ weekend in Dublin. Located right beside the fabulous Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, this luxury five-star hotel has a really unique vibe and some of the nicest cocktails in Dublin, which can be enjoyed on the rooftop bar. The Marker is also home to one of Dublin’s best spas.
You can tell that we strongly recommend The Marker Hotel – after all, we use it as our fashion launch venue!
An overnight stay for two (including breakfast) is priced from €212.
2. The G Hotel, Galway City
If it’s been designed by Philip Treacy, you can be pretty sure that it’s glamorous. Located on the outskirts of Galway City, the G Hotel definitely lives up the hype with a fab ESPA on site and a delicious afternoon tea option!
A two-night weekend stay with B&B and dinner on one evening starts from €280 per person.
3. Parknasilla Hotel & Spa, Co. Kerry
Offering unrivalled views, Parknasilla Hotel & Spa is an absolute gem in the Kingdom and offers both B&B and self-catering options. The hotel also has dog kennels so you can bring your furry friend along for the trip!
A weekend two-night stay in one of Parknasilla’s two bedroom lodges (up to four people) is priced from €330.
4. Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, Co. Wicklow
Planning a girls’ pamper weekend? With 20 treatment rooms, including a private spa suite and a 20-metre Swarovski-crystal-lit heated pool, the Powerscourt Hotel has one of the most beautiful spas in the country. In addition, it has a fab terrace and is decked out in classic vintage decor.
A weekend overnight stay for two is priced from €320 per night.
5. The Ice House, Co. Mayo
If you fancy heading west, you can’t beat the Ice House on the banks of the River Moy. The hotel’s design is quite eclectic, with the clean lines accented by old-school touches. The restaurant is a must for seafood lovers, while the spa uses the lush VOYA range of products (one of our faves!)
A weekend overnight stay for two (with breakfast) in a Heritage Suite this September is priced from €340.
6. The Mount Juliet Hotel, Co. Kilkenny
If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, we would thoroughly recommend taking a step back in time with a trip to the elegant Mount Juliet. The Manor House is a 250-year-old Georgian property, which is also home to the Michelin-starred Lady Helen restaurant. Ultimate indulgence!
A weekend overnight stay for two at Mount Juliet, including breakfast and a 55-minute spa treatment each, is priced from €440.
7. The Cliff House Hotel, Co. Waterford
This seaside boutique hotel is a real treat for foodies as its Michelin-starred restaurant has been getting rave reviews since it opened. Cliff House also has a great spa offering, with a whole range of dedicated treatments for any mums-to-be!
The Gourmet Package, which includes an overnight stay with B&B and dinner for two is priced at €600.
8. The Europe Hotel & Resort, Co. Killarney
This five-star resort is definitely one of the most opulent hotels in the country, overlooking Loch Lein and the McGillycuddy Reeks. Choose to sit back and enjoy a relaxing ESPA treatment or get busy with one of the many activities on offer including golf, horse riding, boating and fishing, walking, hiking, tennis and swimming. Phew!
A weekend overnight stay for two with breakfast is priced from €260.
9. Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork
The People’s Republic can lay claim to one of our favourite hotels ever, Castlemartyr. We probably don’t have to do a lot of explaining here because the below pictures says it all but suffice to say, it’s got uber-glam rooms and you can even take a carriage ride around the estate.
A weekend overnight stay for two in a Junior Suite is priced from €220 for advance bookers.
10. Monart Hotel & Spa, Co. Wexford
There’s no denying that the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Monart is top of many a wishlist when it comes to a hotel staycation. Perfect for a girls’ spa weekend, this five-star location specialises in relaxing spa breaks, with everything from dry flotation to caviar facials on the menu. There are 68 bedrooms on the property and it’s an adult-only hotel so there’ll be no crying babies or busy toddlers in sight! While not exactly a cheap girls’ getaway, this hotel does run a little more affordable than the rest on this list.
A one-night weekend B&B getaway with access to classes starts from €199 per person.
11. Castle Leslie, Co. Monaghan
Pampering, cocktails and togetherness: these are the essential qualities of any successful girls’ weekend away. At Castle Leslie, you’re in for all that, plus, an award-winning restaurant, welcome breakfast baskets and cosy holiday homes stacked with the latest girly rom-coms and more.
In between all that chill time, you and your gal pals can go for an energy-balancing back massage and facial at the ultra-indulgent spa located onsite, or opt for a soak in the spectacular hot tub which overlooks the surrounding countryside.
Two-night breaks are available starting from €240.
For beauty nerds like us, half the fun of a trip away is getting ready for it. Treating yourself to an at-home hair mask, pedicure and tan? Sounds like our idea of heaven! Start prepping for your girly weekend away now by checking out the best beauty buys over on Littlewoods Ireland.