Farnham is hit and bliss for anyone looking for total relaxation

Irish Daily Mirror

18-05-2025

Never more in need of some downtime and girlie pampering, we were delighted to be invited to Farnham Estate for the launch of their partnership with award-winning skincare brand, Comfort Zone.
Only a 90-minute drive from Dublin until you reach the impressive entrance of the estate, the sweeping driveway then takes you through some of the hotel's 1,300 acres of beautiful rolling countryside.
And you can't help but feel an immediate sense of release and calm when you abandon the car and walk through the woodland forest path towards the original Irish country house.
A wonderful mix of old and new, the estate was developed into a luxury spa resort in the early 2000s and is currently one of the top luxury spa destinations in Ireland.
There are 158 luxury guest rooms and suites together with the newer addition of 22 beautifully-appointed resort houses, which are ideal for larger groups or those looking for more space or privacy.
All accommodation options put you firmly in the heart of the countryside with spectacular views and walking trails right outside your door.
To settle into our luxurious surroundings we began with afternoon tea in the drawing room — a delectable experience that fits perfectly with the landscape of the old building. Every offering on our three-tier platter was tastefully executed and set the standard for the rest of our stay.
If a luxury spa experience is what you're looking for then you're in for a real treat. The spa is another world away. Stepping down into the beautifully designed space this is where you really switch off. The ambience is warm and inviting and the hydrotherapy pool that meets you and stretches outside to an infinity pool immediately entices you in.
Although the sun was shining, it was still April temperatures but the warmth of the water together with the feeling of being immersed in the countryside while you swim and relax kept us there for hours.
The Mint Thermal Suite beside the infinity pool offers a journey of senses that we were also keen to try. We tried the Finnish sauna and salt inhalation room first before cooling off in the snail showers and resting afterwards in the relaxation rooms.
But our favourite was the Aroma Steam Bath. We could have spent hours there but followed the guidelines of 20 minutes — and then came back a few times!
For a special treat I tried the Himalayan Salt Massage Ritual — a 60-minute full body massage with warmed Himalayan salt blocks followed by a salt scrub.
My therapist Alli created an incredibly relaxing environment and the feeling of the warm salt blocks massaging your skin is bliss.
It's designed to alleviate tension, stress and anxiety and has a detoxifying effect on the body. I came away with silky soft skin and the usual niggling aches and pains were left at the door.
We could easily have slept through until the next morning after our time in the spa but we're glad we didn't because our evening was spent treating the taste buds.
A couple of delicious recommended cocktails kickstarted our evening followed by dinner in Cedars Steak House.
Cedars is the newest addition to Farnham's dining portfolio. Succulent Josper-grilled steaks and a private cellar collection of wines are on offer here. Both the food and the décor is sumptuous.
If you prefer a more relaxed ambience, Maxwells Restaurant also serves dinner with an extensive menu and wine list.
After a sound sleep in a spacious and luxurious patio room we begrudgingly headed to reception for check out.
We were offered a shuttle lift to our car, which was parked on the grounds, but we wanted to delay reality a little longer so we opted for the short stroll on the forest path in the sunshine.
We're already planning our next reality break to Farnham very soon…
Packages at Farnham begin from €159 per room midweek bed and breakfast. See www.farnhamestate.com for more. To book treatments or packages in the health spa, call 049 437 7700 or email [e-mail].