Find winter wellness in beautiful County Wicklow
County Wicklow, south of Dublin, is known as the Garden of Ireland because of its beautiful and varied mountain-to-sea landscape making it the ideal place to revive body and mind after the Christmas indulgence.
Top spots to take time out include the idyllic lake valley of Glendalough where the remains of a sixth-century monastic site imbue the area with serenity. Here you can stay a while at the Glendalough Hermitage Centre to experience the power of silence and reflection and engage in spiritual renewal.
In the neighbouring village of Roundwood, a stay in Lus Mór will enable you to immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape of Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Bed & Breakfast is a great base for a hiking or cycling break, or simply communing with nature as you get to know the ponies that live in the adjoining field. A short distance from the B&B is Lough Tay, famous for resembling a pint of Guinness with its sandy head.
If you enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of a sauna, head to the Bosca Beatha Sauna experience. The mobile sauna, hand built in Ireland using natural materials, will be located in the pretty Glenmalure valley in the Wicklow hills until April 2025. Alternatively, visit the Finnish style Fad Saoil sauna in Greystones, a picturesque coastal town. The sauna sits at Rise At The Cove, a social enterprise café that supports the Tiglin charity.
While in Greystones, treat yourself to some wholesome fare at The Happy Pear, founded by pioneering foodies and twin brothers Steve and Dave Flynn. Plant-based menus featuring the finest local organic ingredients provide a delicious choice of food your body will thank you for.
For luxury lovers, the all-encompassing wellness experience offered at Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa will be the perfect antidote to Christmas stresses and excesses. The hotel offers luxury spa breaks that include treatments in its award-winning ESPA spa, use of the serenity room and thermal suites, as well as top-class accommodation and dining.
Wherever you find yourself in Wicklow you will not be far from a beach, woodland or mountain path enabling you to make the most of this tranquil landscape. To get a unique forest bath you can visit Avondale House to do the TreeTop Walk that will take you 38 metres above the forest floor. Until the end of January, a special TreeTop Night Lights show will illuminate the forest providing a mesmerizing experience at this unique venue.