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I’m so excited to share my review of The Spa at Ashford Castle after experiencing one of the most luxurious spa days I’ve had in Ireland.
My sister and I recently spent the loveliest day at The Spa at Ashford Castle in County Mayo, starting with a delicious lunch before settling in for hours of pure relaxation.
Ashford Castle is just a 35 minute drive from the house I grew up in, so it is practically on our doorstep. Even with that, it still feels like such a special treat every single time I visit. We already loved Ashford Castle before this spa day as we enjoyed afternoon tea there for my sister’s hen party/bachelorette a few years ago. I also spent a day at the spa with friends a few years ago. I was overdue a visit!
Ashford Castle sits on the shores of Lough Corrib in Cong, County Mayo, and is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. The estate stretches across 350 acres and the hotel is one of Ireland’s most celebrated five-star stays, with a long list of awards and a huge range of activities from falconry and horse riding to boat trips and fine dining.
If you are planning a luxurious spa escape in the west of Ireland, check prices and availability at The Spa at Ashford Castle.
The Spa at Ashford Castle Review
As a quick spoiler before we get into the details, we had the BEST time. The Spa at Ashford Castle is absolutely one of the top spas I have ever visited (I have visited a lot of spas)!
From the second you arrive, everything feels polished, calm, and incredibly luxurious. Ashford Castle is already such a magical place, with the old castle setting, beautiful grounds, and that experience-of-a-lifetime feel. The spa really has a wow factor of its own.
The Spa at Ashford Castle has earned the title of Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa for 10 consecutive years in the World Spa Awards, and it also holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first Forbes Five-Star Spa. The spa was also recognised with the Best in Sustainability award at the 2019 Irish Tatler Awards.
The spa design is so striking. The Spa at Ashford Castle features three exquisite seashell chandeliers and a mesmerizing Tree of Life mural stretching the full length of the relaxation pool. It is one of those spaces that feels even more beautiful in person.
My sister and I spent hours enjoying the different spa amenities and I wanted to stay even longer. Everything felt so relaxing and the entire experience was elevated by the luxurious setting, the serene views, and the friendly, Irish hospitality.
Lunch Before The Spa
Before our spa time, we had a delicious lunch and it was the perfect way to begin the day. One of the things I love about Ashford Castle is that it is not just about one standout experience. The whole property feels exceptional.
There are multiple beautiful dining options across the estate, including the famous George V Dining Room, the Prince of Wales Bar, the Wine Cellar, and the beautiful room for afternoon tea. The dining and drink options is part of what makes a visit here feel so special, whether you are staying overnight or just visiting for the day.
I always think a spa day feels even more memorable when it starts with a lovely lunch, and this one definitely did.
The Spa at Ashford Castle Facilities
The facilities at The Spa at Ashford Castle are exceptional. It is a full spa experience!
The spa focuses on restoring beauty and balance through personalised treatments delivered by skilled therapists, with a philosophy that blends essential ancient wisdom with modern expertise.
There are five beautiful treatment rooms, a steam room, and that stunning relaxation pool that is so relaxing. The whole spa feels so peaceful and refined. The magical mosaic details around the pool area make it feel even more special. It really transports you to total calm. I had been to the spa once before with my friends so I was delighted to return for more relaxation.
Everything is immaculate, the amenities are top-notch, and there are so many lovely little touches throughout that make the whole experience feel seamless and indulgent.
The grounds of Ashford Castle are also fabulous and perfect for a stroll. If you are making a day of it, I highly recommend wandering before or after your spa visit.
Between the tranquil waters of Lough Corrib, the beautiful terrace area, and the castle itself, there is beauty everywhere you look.
Ashford Castle also offers a wide range of activities on the estate including falcon walks, boat trips, golf, fishing, cycling, and horse riding, which adds even more to the overall experience if you are staying longer. I have both horse riding and another spa visit on my list for my trip home in July this year.
My Augustinus Bader Facial at The Spa at Ashford Castle
My sister and I both enjoyed Augustinus Bader facials and they were next level.
I have had plenty of facials over the years, but this was one of those treatments where you instantly understand why a spa has the reputation that it does. The treatment felt luxurious, effective, and deeply relaxing all at once. My skin looked so fresh and glowy afterwards and I left feeling completely pampered.
The therapists were amazing too. You can really feel the standard of care here. The treatments are personalised, the service is warm, and everything feels very polished from start to finish. It is easy to see why the spa has won so many awards.
This was a very quick trip home for one week before heading off to Paris with Sephora, so it felt even more special to have this day out with my sister and just completely switch off for a few hours.
If you are booking your own visit, check prices and availability at The Spa at Ashford Castle. As there are only five treatment rooms, they book up fast so book your spa day well in advance.
Why I love Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle always feels magical to me. If you are a regular reader, you’ll know that I love working with Tourism Ireland and Irish castles to show you the magic of Ireland and castle hotels. Ashford Castle is one of the top castle hotels in Ireland.
The castle has stood on the shores of Lough Corrib for over 800 years. It is known for it’s beautiful setting and hospitality, and also for outstanding service and exceptional guest experiences.
Is The Spa at Ashford Castle worth it?
Yes, if you are looking for one of Ireland’s best hotel spa experiences, The Spa at Ashford Castle is 100% worth it. The setting is stunning, the amenities are luxurious, the treatment rooms are beautiful, and the standard of service is so high. Add in the award-winning reputation, the stunning relaxation pool, the whole Ashford Castle experience, and it really is one of the best spa days you can have in County Mayo.
It is perfect for a girls’ day, a romantic escape, a special treat, or anyone who wants to experience one of the most luxurious spas in Ireland.
See more details on The Spa at Ashford Castle here.
Final thoughts on The Spa at Ashford Castle Review
As you can probably tell, this is a very positive Ashford Castle spa review.
My sister and I had the loveliest time from start to finish. The lunch was delicious, the spa facilities were amazing, and the Augustinus Bader facials left us glowing. The whole experience felt calm, luxurious, and so special.
The Spa at Ashford Castle is truly one of the top spas I have ever visited. Between the gorgeous setting in County Mayo, the beautiful relaxation pool, the luxurious amenities, the exceptionally skilled therapists, and the long list of awards, it really lives up to the hype.
If you are considering a visit, I highly recommend it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ashford Castle located?
Ashford Castle is located in Cong, County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib in the west of Ireland. It’s approximately 45 minutes from Galway or Westport, 3 hours from Dublin Airport, and 1 hour 40 minutes from Shannon Airport, which makes it a very doable luxury escape from a few different parts of Ireland.
What awards has The Spa at Ashford Castle won?
The Spa at Ashford Castle was named Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa for the 10th consecutive year in the 2025 World Spa Awards. It also holds the title of Ireland’s first Forbes Five-Star Spa and won Best in Sustainability at the 2019 Irish Tatler Awards.
What facilities does The Spa at Ashford Castle have?
The Spa at Ashford Castle includes treatment rooms, a steam room, a relaxation pool, and luxurious wellness spaces. The spa is also known for its beautiful design details, including seashell chandeliers and the Tree of Life mural.
What else can you do at Ashford Castle?
Ashford Castle offers a huge range of activities including falconry, horse riding, golf, cycling, fishing, and boat trips. There are also several dining options on site, including the George V Dining Room and the Prince of Wales Bar.
If you have any more questions about The Spa at Ashford Castle Review, spa recommendations, or all things travel, please reach out via Instagram or my contact page. I would love to help you out!
