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- The Wild Rooms, Tara Hill Estate — Co. Wexford
- Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa — Co. Cork
- Mulranny Park Hotel — Co. Mayo
- Eccles Hotel and Spa — Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork
- Ardmore Glamping Pods — Co. Waterford
- Redcastle Hotel and Spa — Co. Donegal
- Kelly’s Resort Hotel and Spa — Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford
- Aran Islands Camping and Glamping — Inis Mór, Co. Galway
With summer heat encouraging seaside plans, Ireland’s coastline is an immediate option for short breaks and family escapes. From rugged peninsulas to sheltered strands, a range of coastal hotels, glampsites and spas offer easy access to sand and sea.
The Wild Rooms, Tara Hill Estate — Co. Wexford
Perched on the slope of Tara Hill, the four standalone Wild Rooms deliver uninterrupted views thanks to floor-to-ceiling glazing. Each unit has a private garden, an outdoor shower and a Japanese-style soaking tub.
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Kilgorman Strand and Ballymoney Beach are only a short drive away, and walking routes to the hill summit start nearby. The property markets itself as a nature-led retreat; after two nights here the change of pace felt restorative.
Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa — Co. Cork
Located on a blue-flag beach along the Wild Atlantic Way, Inchydoney combines Atlantic panoramas with spa facilities — it was named Ireland’s Leading Hotel 2025 at the World Travel Awards. Rooms come with sea-facing balconies and welcoming staff are a frequent compliment in guest reviews.
The hotel’s spa is billed as Ireland’s first seawater spa and offers a range of Thalassotherapy routes, from seaweed baths to salt-based treatments. Activities are plentiful: beach yoga, surfing lessons, kayaking and even organised whale-watching trips for those who want to get on the water.
Mulranny Park Hotel — Co. Mayo
Set between the Nephin mountains and the Atlantic, Mulranny Park looks out across Clew Bay with Croagh Patrick visible on clear days. Guests can access a small pink-stoned beach down a hidden stairwell — a private touch that proves popular with photographers.
The hotel also highlights a slice of cultural history: John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed here in 1968, and the room they used is bookable for visitors who enjoy that kind of connection.
Eccles Hotel and Spa — Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork
This 18th-century property carries a literary pedigree, having hosted figures such as George Bernard Shaw and W.B. Yeats. Its location on the Beara Peninsula makes it a good base for coastal drives and scenic walks.
Well-regarded elements include an outdoor thermal suite and seaweed baths overlooking Bantry Bay. The kitchen places emphasis on foraged and locally grown produce under head chef Eddie Attwell, and menus offer generous vegetarian options.
Ardmore Glamping Pods — Co. Waterford
Ardmore’s family-friendly pods sleep between four and seven people and sit with expansive sea views. On-site amenities such as a mini zoo and playgrounds make the site a simple choice for parents travelling with children.
The village of Ardmore is nearby, with its cliff walk, sandy strand and a handful of cafés and restaurants for walks and evening meals.
Redcastle Hotel and Spa — Co. Donegal
Redcastle is an oceanfront, four-star hotel on the Inishowen Peninsula overlooking Lough Foyle. Facilities include a nine-hole course and a spa offering seaweed baths, with easy access to regional attractions across Donegal and into Northern Ireland.
Local experiences range from alpaca trails at Wild Alpaca Way to sea safaris and visits to Wild Ireland Wildlife Park, so there is a mix of relaxation and outdoor activity on offer.
Kelly’s Resort Hotel and Spa — Rosslare Strand, Co. Wexford
Family-run Kelly’s sits right on Rosslare Strand and has built a reputation as a multi-generational favourite. On-site leisure facilities are extensive, helping parents find a moment’s respite while children enjoy supervised activities.
The hotel’s Seaspa includes an indoor-outdoor thermal suite, heated loungers and steam rooms. Beach access is immediate — guests can reach the sand within moments of leaving the building — and Rosslare Strand is widely praised for its broad, sandy shore.
Aran Islands Camping and Glamping — Inis Mór, Co. Galway
On the largest Aran Island, these pods sit on Frenchman’s Beach with views out across Galway Bay. The structures nod to traditional beehive huts in their design, and an on-site sauna offers a warm up after a dip in cold water.
A friend’s recent visit and photos were enough to add the site to the author’s own bucket list — a reminder that the islands remain a slow-paced alternative to mainland breaks.
There are plenty of ways to plan a coastal break in Ireland, whether you want a full spa weekend, activity-focused days on the water, or a quiet cabin to hear the tides. A short trip to the coast can be a straightforward recharge.
*Always drink responsibly
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
