Brought to you by Discover Ireland 

Time to relax...

Taking time out for yourself over the Christmas period might seem like an indulgent luxury, but a little bit of self-care this time of year goes a long way to ensure the holidays and the new year are as holly-jolly and stress-free as possible.

Whether it's as a pre-Christmas break or an act of self-care in the new year, here are some wonderful experiences across Ireland that will do wonders for your wellness this winter.

Wellness Experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths

Whiskey and wellness don't usually go together, that is unless you are enjoying the Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths. The uniquely Irish experience sees you soaking in a seaweed-filled whiskey barrel in some of the most stunning locations along the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s not as bizarre as it sounds, honestly. It is an incredibly decadent and deeply satisfying feeling as the silky seaweed works its magic (releases its therapeutic properties) and helps ease any tiredness and tension. The sweeping views, fresh air and outdoor bathing are also remarkably restorative.

Yoga Mara - Salthill, Galway

Feeling off-keel? Looking to bring balance and calm back into your hectic life? That's exactly what sisters Rachel and Hannah Healy help you achieve at their Yoga Mara practice in Salthill, Galway. Through yoga, mindfulness, good food and great company, you'll recharge those batteries and realise the importance of taking some time for yourself, especially during this fast-paced period.

Wellness Experiences in Dublin

The Shelbourne Hotel Spa

The glamorous five-star Shelbourne Hotel is home to the largest spa in Dublin City Centre. Plush and luxurious, The Shelbourne Hotel Spa is a pampering paradise with bespoke treatments and packages designed to boost tranquillity and enhance wellness. There's also a terrific thermal suite with an 18-metre heated pool, sauna and steam room. For optimum, and opulent self-care, enjoy a glass of Champagne in the relaxation room, which overlooks St. Stephen’s Green.

 

Wellness Experiences in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Yew Point - Hodson Bay, Athlone

Yew Point at the Hodson Bay Hotel is an unspoiled peninsula of ancient woodland that juts out into Lough Ree. In the heart of this serene haven, you can unwind with outdoor yoga and meditation classes. As you practice your tree pose in the woods your senses are awakened by your surroundings. The flowers perfuming the air, the breathtaking views, the birds singing, the gentle breeze grazing your skin and your feet grounded in the Earth. It's the perfect way to reconnect with nature while focusing on yourself.

Ard Nahoo - Dromahair, Leitrim

Nestled in the hills of Leitrim, Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat is an idyllic setting to reset, revive and recharge. Here you can soak away aches and pains in the hot tub followed by a purifying session in the outdoor sauna. Sufficiently warmed up, you can stretch out any tension with a restorative yoga session. If you stay in one of the beautiful self-catering eco-cabins, you can enjoy a digital detox. With no wi-fi, it's easy to disconnect your devices and reconnect with nature and loved ones. You'll be totally zen in no time.

Wellness Experiences in Ireland's Ancient East

Sólás na Mara - Helvick, West Waterford

For a thoroughly modern experience of an ancient treatment, head to Sólás na Mara in Dungarvan to relax in a traditional hot seaweed bath. People have been using seaweed baths as therapeutic treatments for over a century. Your therapist fills a bath with warm, filtered seawater and clean silky seaweed, and as you soak, the seaweed releases its minerals, trace elements and essential oils. Soon your stresses and strains will slip away and your skin is left feeling smooth and soft.

Creacon Wellness Retreat - New Ross, Wexford 

Transport your mind, body and soul to the Far East with a trip to Ireland's Ancient East. Nestled in the verdant countryside of County Wexford, Creacon Wellness Retreat is an ideal destination for those looking to try Tibetan and other regenerating treatments. Take your pick from yoga, meditation, tai chi, reiki and sound healing and mix in facials, massages and acupuncture, and you've got a recipe for total rejuvenation.

From saunas to seaweed, massage to meditation, there are plenty of ways to enhance your wellbeing in Ireland. Not only will you feel more relaxed, recharged and rebalanced, you'll also have bags more energy to enjoy all the fun that 2022 has in store for us.

Capacity restrictions may be in place at visitor attractions, sites and restaurants so you are encouraged to book ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this winter and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.

Brought to you by Discover Ireland