Best babymoons in Ireland for mums-to-be

As soon as I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I booked flights to Australia to visit two close friends, knowing my life was about to change forever – and that this was probably my last opportunity to travel unbridled by nappies and buggies!

However, as the third trimester rolled around, the pregnancy tiredness and aching, well, everything caught up on me, and I found I was in need of a slower-paced break and a little bit of indulgence before the big change into motherhood.

So, over the past few months, I’ve been scouting out babymoon destinations around Ireland, and I’ve found some real gems along the way. 

The Europe Hotel & Resort, gardens and boathouse. Pic: Supplied

A babymoon may be a relatively modern concept; you can guarantee our parents weren’t checking into spas before our arrival into the world, but it has now become a cherished part of the journey into parenthood. 

It’s meant to be a time to pause and soak up quality time with your partner as well as some well-needed pampering for the mum-to-be, before you welcome a new baby and your life changes forever. 

Most babymoon packages consist of a two-night stay, a pregnancy massage, and dinner one evening but each hotel offers something different for couples. Here are five tried-and-tested babymoons around Ireland that I wholeheartedly recommend: 

The Europe Hotel

Premier Lakeview room at The Europe Hotel Resort. Pic: Supplied

If you don’t want to compromise on luxury for your babymoon, there’s one place in Ireland that should be on your list, and that’s The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney.

The five-star hotel overlooking Lough Léin and the MacGillycuddy Reeks reminds you at every corner that it’s in a league of its own. From their deliciously indulgent breakfast to the gender-segregated ESPA spa complete with snacks and an indoor-to-outdoor pool, it’s a babymoon weekend that is every pregnant woman’s dream.

The Europe Hotel & Resort, swimming pool. Pic: Supplied

It is a splurge but feels worth every penny and might just be Ireland’s ultimate luxury babymoon destination – they even include the most gorgeous teddy, Bertie the Bear, in their babymoon package! Read the full review of my babymoon at The Europe Hotel here and more on their babymoon package pricing. 

Glasson Lakehouse 

Glasson Lakehouse. Pic: Supplied

Glasson Lakehouse in Westmeath, nestled on the picturesque banks of Lough Ree, is an effortlessly cool, modern hotel that over-achieves for its four-star rating. 

Our suite in Glasson blended ski lodge cosiness with bougie boutique decor – think wood-panelled walls, a copper bathtub by the window, a record player, and our own stove fire in the adjacent living room.

Glasson Lakehouse. Pic: Supplied

There’s a host of fun activities to keep you occupied during your stay, including the heated outdoor pool overlooking the lake, and the pregnancy massage at the spa was exceptional. They serve multiple non-alcoholic wine options on the menu and boast trendy brunch options for breakfast. 

It’s a unique babymoon choice that might just be a slice of pregnancy paradise. Read the full review of my babymoon at Glasson Lakehouse and more on pricing here. 

Cliff House Hotel

View of Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore. Pic: Cliff House

Iconically located in the cliffs overlooking Ardmore Bay, Cliff House Hotel in Waterford is the perfect babymoon choice for couples looking for great food or a taste of the outdoors.

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, House, makes it a standout spot for foodies, and with a cliff loop walk starting from its doorstep and a private rock pool with steps from the hotel leading down to the sea, it would be a glorious place to be in sunny weather.

Swimming Pool at Cliff House Hotel. Pic: Supplied

I particularly enjoyed their new Bath Butler service, where the spa comes to you, and a spa therapist ran me a bath in the large, free-standing bathtub in our room.

Read the full review of my babymoon at Cliff House Hotel with pricing here. 

Galgorm Resort and Spa

Galgorm Spa. Pic: Supplied

If you’re looking for a babymoon with the best spa facilities in Ireland, the Galgorm Resort and Spa in Co Antrim is hard to beat.

Its sprawling outdoor thermal village is so large it requires a map to navigate all the different ‘gardens’, complete with riverside heated pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. 

Pic: Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort

While certain facilities are off-limits during pregnancy, there are still plenty of pools and tranquil corners to enjoy safely, and the dedicated 60-minute full-body pregnancy massage was one of the best I experienced on my travels.

Read the full review of my babymoon at the Galgorm Resort with pricing here. 

Killashee Hotel

Killashee Hotel. Pic: Supplied

If you don’t fancy a long journey, Killashee Hotel is a brilliant option for those living in Dublin, as it’s just 40 minutes from the capital.

Set in a grand Victorian manor just outside Naas, Killashee offers all the period charm with modern comforts, as well as beautiful grounds to explore. Their Nest & Nourish babymoon package includes a dedicated pregnancy massage and a three-course dinner, in a relaxed atmosphere.

Double Deluxe Bedroom at Killashee Hotel. Pic: Supplied

It may be the most budget-friendly babymoon on this list, but it still delivers on pampering, and sometimes, convenience is the greatest luxury of all.

Read the full review of my babymoon at Killashee Hotel with more details on the babymoon package here.