Girls' weekends away: 15 Irish destinations for you and the gang
Clockwise Melanie Getaways, Mullan's Montenotte, Of Cavan; Sligo; Cork From Some Strandhill, Top Trip The Left: Cabu, Girly
CABÜ Cabins, Killykeen Forest Park, Co Cavan
The vibe: Whether you’re looking to curl up by the fire for two days or head out in the great outdoors together, CABÜ is the perfect setting for both. Once you check in to the self-catering cabins’ idyllic lakeside setting the idea is to never leave.
The USP: There are plenty of activities to meet everyone’s needs from forest trails and boats for hire to spa treatments and hot tubs, while the Sitooterie’s roaring fire makes it the ideal spot for hanging out over a cocktail or two.
The bill: Cabins from €490 for two nights for two; holidays.cabu.co.uk
The Heritage, Killenard, Co Laois
The vibe: Struggling to find a location that suits those travelling from the four corners of the country? The Heritage in Killernard is the perfect middle ground for a stylish stay, just a short drive off the M7. A spacious countryside resort, its newly launched suites mean you and the girls will have plenty of space to chill out and catch up.
The USP: Is it really a girls’ catch-up without afternoon tea? Bridgerton fans will love the special-themed afternoon tea launching next month.
The bill: Suites from €699 for four sharing; Bridgerton afternoon tea from €39, beginning May 16, theheritage.com
Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildare
The vibe: If you’re looking for the ultimate boujee getaway for you and your friends, Carton House offers just that. Unwind in the spa’s tranquil surroundings, tee off on one of two golf courses, the home of this
year’s KPMG Women’s Irish Open, or just enjoy relaxing in style or exploring the resort’s beautiful estate.
The USP: Get dressed up for an evening of fine dining at the Morrison Room. The exceptional cooking paired with a stellar wine list will be the cherry on top of a truly glam stay.
The bill: B&B for two from €345 per night; cartonhouse.com
The Dean Hotel, Galway City
The vibe: A night in Galway is always good for the soul, and The Dean has the perfect vibe to get your weekend off to a great start. The stylish interiors, and Sophie’s rooftop bar and restaurant make the perfect backdrop to a fun girls night out.
The USP: The hotel’s central location means you can leave the car at home and get the train or bus to the city and be within walking distance of Galway’s shops, bars and attractions.
The bill: Rooms for two from €178; deangalway.ie
The Ice House Hotel, Ballina, Co Mayo
The vibe: A stay at The Ice House Hotel will quickly become an annual habit after your discover the joys of time spent at The Chill Spa. Relaxed and peaceful, it’s a place to come for some pampering and self-care with marine-themed treatments followed by downtime in the sauna, eucalyptus scented steam room and snooze room. No better way to switch off and reconnect with good friends.
The USP: Outdoor seaweed baths paired with glorious views over the River Moy are hard to beat.
The bill: B&B for two from €200; icehousehotel.ie
Ballyknocken House, Ashford, Co Wicklow
The vibe: Dreaming of getting the girls together over good food? TV chef Catherine Fulvio’s elegant Ballyknocken House is a laidback get-away for smaller groups or up to 21 guests. Choose from the Farmhouse B&B, the self-catering three-bed Milking Parlour apartment or for an exclusive gathering, why not book out the whole venue.
The USP: For the ultimate Ballyknocken experience try the Master Cookery Class with Catherine followed by a delicious lunch to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
The bill: €240 per night for a two-night minimum stay in The Milking Parlour. ballyknocken.ie
The Montenotte, Cork City
The vibe: Can you ever tire of the views overlooking the city from The Montenotte? This innovative hillside hotel is constantly adding to its offerings meaning there’s always something new to check out when checking-in. The hotel’s private Cameo cinema means you can cosy down for the evening after cocktails, perhaps, and completely remove yourselves from city life.
The USP: August sees the launch of the Woodland Suite Experience, a unique and tranquil escape for you and your bestie in the leafy grounds of the hotel.
The bill: Woodland Suite from €680 per night; themontenottehotel.com
Slieve Donard, Newcastle, Co Down
The vibe: Hikers will love having Slieve Donard as their basecamp for the surrounding Mourne Mountains. Whether you need to rest weary muscles after a day on the hills at the hotel’s spa, or reward yourself with a drink at The Wolf Bar, the hotel has everything to bring you back to life.
The USP: Set at the foot of the mountains overlooking the sea, the newly updated hotel makes the perfect access point for big or small hikes with no shortage of breathtaking views.
The bill: Rooms for two from €252 per night; marineandlawn.com/slievedonard
The Leinster, Dublin City
The vibe: Chic and stylish in the heart of Georgian Dublin, The Leinster, Dublin’s swanky new hotel, is your first port of call for an ultra-glam get-together. Its colourful art-led interiors make it a beautiful choice for stylish pals with a Jacuzzi, cocktails and delicious food all on the menu. The rooftop restaurant, Jean- Georges, with its summer terraces and delicious cuisine, is the hottest spot in town right now.
The USP: The Collins’ Club, the capital’s coolest cocktail bar, is the ultimate spot for fun and cocktail-fuelled frolics (with great mocktails too).
The bill: Rooms for two from €309; theleinster.ie
Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo, Co Sligo
The vibe: Never underestimate the magnificence of Sligo — the county’s rugged landscape coupled with the welcoming comforts of the Sligo Park Hotel make it an affordable and exciting destination. Smart interiors and the parkland location make it a perfect place to chill with friends. Think surfing at Strandhill, strolling at Rosses Point, breathtaking views from Knocknarea and an evening of craic agus ceoil in Sligo town.
The USP: Make time for the newly revamped swimming pool, sauna, steam room and plunge pool.
The bill: B&B with dinner for two from €197; sligoparkhotel.com
The Tannery, Dungarvan, Co Waterford
The vibe: Food lovers already know of Dungarvan’s fabled destination restaurant, The Tannery, where Paul Flynn’s food has been delighting diners for two decades. The Tannery Townhouse, just around the corner, is the perfect pairing, a stylish B&B in the heart of the town, within walking distance of plenty of fun. The attention to detail and great dining are matched by the excellent breakfast the next day back in the Tannery.
The USP: Book in for a fun-fuelled cooking class at The Cookery School and enjoy a private dinner there with your gang afterwards.
The bill: Rooms from €170 per person sharing including dinner and breakfast at The Tannery; tannery.ie
Cliff at Lyons, Celbridge, Co Kildare
The vibe: If rest and relaxation is the plan, then look no further then Cliff at Lyons. The hotel’s peaceful surroundings mean your shoulders immediately start to drop upon arrival, not to mention once you’ve spent a couple of hours at the award-winning Well in the Garden Spa.
The USP: A midweek getaway here includes a 45-minute escape at the outdoor Village Thermal, featuring hot tubs and barrel saunas amongst tropical topiary and a three-course dinner in the excellent Mill Restaurant.
The bill: The Midweek Escape from Wednesdays-Fridays in May €459; cliffatlyons.ie
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Inchydoney Island, Co Cork
The vibe: Surrounded by epic sea views and a glorious beach to blow away any cobwebs, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Inchydoney Island Lodge. A tranquil retreat for you and your pals in all weather, come to enjoy the fresh air, throw yourselves in the ocean, soak up the epic views across the Atlantic or cosy up by the fire in the guest areas.
The USP: The resort’s marine-themed spa promises treatments galore to relax and pamper the body and mind.
The bill: B&B for two from €240; inchydoneyisland.com
Killary Lodge, Leenaun, Co Galway
The vibe: Outdoors enthusiasts will love the get-up-and-go activities on offer at Scandi-style Killary Lodge, in the wilds of Connemara. Whether it’s ziplining through the trees, kayaking in the fjord or wild swimming, there’s no shortage of fun to get the blood pumping in this cool self-catering Wild Atlantic Way hide-away.
The USP: Once you’ve tired yourselves out, recuperate in the Killary Fjord Sauna with its incredible views of the water and Mweelrea mountain.
The bill: Killary Lodge can accommodate up to 36 guests exclusively, from €1,600 per night with two-night minimum stay; killaryadventure.com
The Club Hotel at Goffs, Kill, Co Kildare
The vibe: If no girly getaway is complete without some retail therapy, then book your stay at The Club Hotel at Goffs. The smart new four-star’s close proximity to shopping haven Kildare Village — just minutes away — and the added bonus of a 10% retail discount for guests, means you can shop to your hearts’ content.
The USP: Former chef-proprietor of Michelin-starred L’Ecrivain, Derry Clarke is the man behind the amazing menu at The Club. Expect incredibly good food, top service and super cocktails too.
The bill: Dinner, bed and breakfast for two from €235; clubhotel.ie