Best places to relax in Ireland

Whether you consider yourself more of an adrenaline junkie or a 'fly and flop' type of holiday maker, there's very few of us who wouldn't benefit from a spa break. Two or three perfect days of lazing, snoozing, eating unreal food and giving your body a chance to recalibrate under the relaxing bubbles of an outdoor hot tub or jacuzzi; there's nothing like it. Even if you don't feel particularly stressed out, chances are that with today's busy lifestyle, your body will more than likely be holding on to some unwanted tension. All those hours hunched over your desktop crunching numbers or rattling out emails will surely take its toll, but thankfully, it's nothing a spot of spa can't sort.

In recent years, Ireland has really upped the ante on spa breaks; we no longer have to travel to the alps for some authentic R&R, we've got a wealth of options right on our doorstep. Whether you plan to kick back with your better half or round up a group of pals, you're as spoiled for choice with spas in Ireland as One Direction are for groupies. Here's 3 of our favourite spa break options worth checking out. For all the rest, head over yonder.

1. The G Hotel.
Even just to be in Galway alone is a worthy break. The G Hotel, however, takes your chill out experience to a whole new level. The breakfast is so fantastic you'll likely be smuggling mini croissants in your pockets for lunch. The staff are there to meet your every need and the spa itself is pretty damn impressive. A full body massage followed by some down time in the tranquility room, and then a dip in the spa's nightclub-esque pool will cure whatever's ailing you. And don't get us started on how comfy the beds are at The G, you'll be dragged kicking and screaming from them.

2. BrookLodge and Wells Spa.
Another winner just an hour and a half from Dublin is BrookLodge. What makes this place so special is the Wells Spa. It's plenty big with lots of nooks and crannies so that you can chat without all other spa guests being in on your conversation. Built into a conservatory, you'll feel instantly invigorated in the indoor jacuzzi but what really takes the biscuit here is the outdoor hot tub. Get yourself down here first thing in the morning before breakfast and feel at one with nature. Heaven.

3. Dromoland Castle.
If you want to take your spa experience up a notch, you take yourself to a castle. Set on 410 acres in County Clare, Dromoland is well worth the visit. Choosing your treatment from their extensive list of options, there's not a hope you'll be thinking of the office from the moment you check in. They've got an outdoor hydro pool as well here which, in Ireland, will always be a novelty. What's more, if you're with a bunch of lads who crave a little more activity, you could always just send them off on a day's golfing around their 18 hole course. When you're done with your spa activities, a stroll around the gardens will transport you to Versaille. With archery, fishing and plenty more, there should be something here for everyone.