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Coolbawn Quay Lakeshore Spa

Spas and retreats are appearing all over Ireland at the moment, but few could rival the beauty of this magic place. This unique resort on the eastern shores of Lough Derg is modelled on the lines of a 19th century Irish village with quietly understated luxurious accommodation in suites and rooms scattered throughout the cottages in the village - with hotel style service throughout, should you require it.

The shoreside situation is truly lovely and there is a sense of being very close to the changing moods of nature, partly because the main building - which has a small traditional bar and a country style dining room - is only a few feet from the water, and partly because guests move around from building to building much more than in an ordinary hotel.

Rooms are simple in style but furnished with everything you could wish for, including sound systems and - a very nice touch this - a turf-burning stove which is set up in advance, with matches at the ready, so you can have your own real fire whenever you like. The contrasts are wonderful here: whether you want to pamper yourself at the spa, hold a small conference or board meeting - or simply to unwind with style - this unusual village could be the ideal destination.

And the inner man will be well looked after too, with excellent cooking by well known chef, Rob von Oosterbaan. This is a romantic location for weddings, which can be held in a luxury banqueting marquee set by the water's edge.

*Coolbawn Quay was our Hideaway of the Year in 2005.

Small conference/banqueting (40/190). Rooms 48 (9 suites, 7 shower only, 1 family room, 20 ground floor, 1 for disabled, all no smoking); children welcome (under 2s free in parents room, baby sitting arranged). No pets. Wheelchair accessible. Room service (all day). B&B €115 pps, ss €35. *Short / off-season breaks offered. Restaurant Seats 35 (private room, 30; outdoors, 20). Non-residents welcome by reservation if there is room (not suitable for children after 7pm). D Tue-Sat, 7-9; Set D about €50, also small á la carte menu. Bar food daily in high season, 12.30-2.30 (residents & members only); also barbecues. House Wine from €18.95. Destination Spa, sauna, steam room; beauty treatments. Walking, fishing, garden. *Luxury 3 & 4 bed cottages available with hotel-style service. Closed Christmas. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser

Directions:

From N7, Nenagh, N52 heading to Borrisokane for approximately 1.5km (1 mile) until you reach a factory on the right. Take the turn left (opposite the AIBP factory) onto the Lake Drive Route through the village of Puckane & Coolbawn village, located exactly 3.2km (2 miles) past Coolbawn village.