There was a time when the Troubles kept tourists away from Northern Ireland, but today some of the best spas in Europe are to be found here. They range from the Culloden estate at Holywood near Belfast in the east to the Radisson Roe Park Resort at Limavady in the north west of the country.
Others include the Galgorm resort and Spa in County Antrim, the Killyhevlin Hotel and Health Club and the Lough Erne Golf Resort, both near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, and the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle in County Down. Facilities at these spas and resorts include award-winning restaurants, million-pound spas, acres of exhilarating Irish countryside, and championship golf courses including a new course from Nick Faldo.
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Here are some of those top spas and resorts in Northern Ireland:
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This 5-star estate in the Holywood Hills is only 5 miles from Belfast. It has 12 acres of secluded gardens and was built for the Bishops of Down, who gave themselves some outstanding country views. It has an award-winning restaurant, ESPA spa therapies, and preferential tee-off times at the Royal Belfast Golf Club.
Bangor Road, Holywood, Belfast BT18 0EX
Tel: 028 9042 1066
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The Galgorm has 163 acres of lush County Antrim land, and its River Room Restaurant was recently awarded 2 AA Rosettes.
136 Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, County Antrim BT42 1EA
Tel: 028 2588 1001
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Killyhevlin Hotel and Health Club
The 4-star Killyhevlin has been voted one of the best places to stay in Northern Ireland. It has an Elemis Spa and a health club and has won many awards.
Killyhevlin, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh BT74 6RW
Tel: 028 6632 3481
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Northern Ireland's newest resort has a Thai spa and a newly opened Nick Faldo Championship Golf Course close to the breathtaking beauty of Lough Erne.
Belleek Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh BT93 7ED
Tel: 028 6632 3230
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Overlooking Lough Foyle, one of the most peaceful places in Northern Ireland, the Radisson Roe Park Resort has a £1 million Roe Spa and its own golf course. It is the most deluxe resort on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
Limavady, County Londonderry BT49 9LB
Tel: 028 7772 2222
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The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
This 4-star resort overlooking the County Down coast and at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard, has been called one of the finest spa resorts in Europe.
Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down BT33 OAH
Tel: 028 4372 1066
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Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
