Airports are no fun, are they? In fact there is a particular kind of joy in going somewhere, and being able to avoid them completely. No airport queues, no overthinking what to pack. Just hopping in the car for an hour or two and arriving at just the break you need. No stress.

These three gorgeous stays are all within two hours of Dublin and they each offer serious relaxation and escape. Whichever you pick, expect at least an inch off your shoulders on departure.

Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny

When most people hear Mount Juliet Estate, they think golf. And while that’s certainly part of its identity, it’s not the version of the place I experienced. What stayed with me was peace.

I booked in for The Cleansing Ritual with GROUND Wellbeing while I was there. A treatment I was, if I’m honest, slightly unsure about. It involves an abdominal massage designed to support digestion and bring the body into a rest and digest state. The idea of someone rubbing on my stomach didn’t immediately appeal, but let me tell you – I was wrong. It ended up being one of the most relaxing treatments I’ve ever had. There was something unexpectedly emotional about it too (there may have been one of two tears) – accompanied by a sense of release that went beyond the physical. I can’t recommend this enough.

The Spa at Farnham Estate works with GROUND Wellbeing, the Irish brand founded by Peigín Crowley, and there’s such a clear intention behind this brand. It’s not just about pampering, it’s about how you feel in your body afterwards.

Beyond the spa, everything else followed that same tone. A quiet morning between the beautiful pool and sauna, a bedroom that was generous and oh-so comfortable, and food that was incredibly tasty without being overcomplicated.

Set across 500 acres, with options to stay in the Manor House or the more contemporary Hunter’s Yard, it’s a place that offers far more than people expect. Get booking.

A spa retreat, including breakfast and a treatment, is currently available for €229 per person sharing midweek.

Farnham Estate, Co Cavan

Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort sits on 1,300 acres of woodland, and you feel that as soon as you arrive. It’s beautifully quiet and feels far further from Dublin than the two hour drive.

I went for a walk before heading into the spa (as is recommended for the treatment I was going to get), and immediately felt calm. This was after a particularly busy week, so that bit of peace was so welcome. The treatment itself, again with GROUND Wellbeing, transported me to another dimension. I came out of it dazed, and went straight to the spa (which is exceptional and adult only), but it’s the outdoor pool that really stands out. Sitting in warm water, looking out onto trees, is a real, rare treat in Ireland.

Dinner was a succulent Josper-grilled steak in Cedars Steakhouse, but next time I visit Farnham I’m planning on taking one of their picnic baskets out for a whirl. As I said, I was really taken by those grounds. This beautiful 16th century estate feels modern, considered, and most importantly – comfortable. One not to be missed.

A midweek spa stay is available at Farnham from €478, including breakfast, dinner and a treatment.

The Station House Hotel, Co Meath

I was bowled over by The Station House Hotel, which is less than an hour from Dublin.

Originally built in 1862 as a railway junction and later transformed into a family-run hotel, it has that rare balance of character and real comfort. It doesn’t feel overly styled or curated. It just feels real and welcoming and warm.

The rooms are thoughtfully done, mine had a beautiful standalone bathtub that felt like the most luxurious treat at the end of the day, and the grounds are like a fairy tale – strewn with sparking lights and hidden corners.

What makes it particularly lovely is how easy it is to shape your stay around small, enjoyable moments. I did a ceramics class through the hotel (as part of their mid-week deals) which was gorgeously therapeutic, and then spent an afternoon at Hot Box Sauna just down the road. Two large saunas, and a bracing river dip, gave me that “happy to be alive” feeling all afternoon.

It’s a brilliant option for a sneaky night away with friends. There is good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and enough to do without feeling scheduled.

The Signal Restaurant is worth mentioning in its own right. The food was Irish, thoughtful and seasonal, and of course delicious.

More than anything though, it was the people that made this stay special. The welcome here is genuine, and it’s what makes the whole experience feel a bit different. I left, already planning my return.

An overnight stay with breakfast at The Station House Hotel is available from €260.

On 29^th April you can enjoy a Midweek Departure with Audrey Clarke (Pilates & Hotbox)

On 14^th May you can enjoy a Midweek Departure with Grainne Rafter (Ceramics)