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Rest and play

Claire O'Mahony takes a look at some of the best

If you're looking for a destination that combines swings and lounge-abouts, the answer is on your doorstop – Ireland excels at the 'golf and spa' concept.

The Lodge at Doonbeg

The Heritage

Carton House

Mount Wolseley

Lough Erne Golf Resort

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The Lodge at Doonbeg

Another five-star, this time on the southwest coast, Doonbeg boasts a Greg Norman-designed course and the most picturesque of settings. It provides golfers with the opportunity to experience playing a links course; Norman himself says that he considers himself the luckiest designer in the world because of the site's uniqueness. The White Horse spa here has been lauded in Conde Nast Traveler's 'Hot Spa List 2007' and offers golfer-specific treatments such as the golfer's deep-tissue massage and a biomechanics programme which assesses postural imbalances which relate directly to common swing faults. The resort offers a Couples Getaway package, which includes two nights' accommodation; a round of golf for two; gourmet dinner for two, breakfast each morning; a spa treatment each to the value of €100 and complimentary bottle of champagne, with chocolates, in your room. The price is €519 per person sharing, valid until 30 April.

Doonbeg, Co Clare.

Tel: 065 9055600; www.doonbeggolfclub.com

The Heritage

This five-start resort has put the small Laois village of Killenard on the global map – it's the favoured hotel for the celebrity posse visiting Electric Picnic, which takes place in nearby Stradbally. The 18-hold championship golf course was designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes and boasts a Ballesteros 'natural' golf school. Here you can learn the skills of the great golfer, especially the short game for which he was famous. There are good and varied dining options here, including Sol Oriens, an Italian restaurant, as well as the award-winning Arlington Room. The spa area is extensive, with 20 treatment rooms and 70 different treatments available, many of which are based around the Pevonia botanical skin range. The hotel has an early-bird package for those who want an affordable treat. It starts from €160 per person sharing for one bed and breakfast in a deluxe room, dinner in Greens restaurant or Sol Oriens and a choice of the Heritage Spa Experience & Mud Chamber or a round of golf. It's valid Sunday to Wednesday.

Killenard, Co Laois. Tel: 05786 45500; www.theheritage.com

Carton House

The demesne on which this luxury Co Kildare hotel and golf resort is situated dates back eight centuries. Today it offers an exciting golfing experience in the form of two courses designed by Colin Montgomerie and Mark O'Meara. The spa here is 'Aveda concept' and the hotel itself is all about minimalist interiors, contemporary art and sparkling chandeliers. Carton House has numerous offers, including a one-night-stay-and-play-golf package from €175 per person sharing which includes one night's bed and breakfast with dinner served in the Linden restaurant and a round of golf per person on your choice of the two championship courses. Spa treatments are an additional add-on but a 45-minute personalised Aveda massage costs €80.

Maynooth, Co Kildare. Tel: 01 5052000; www.cartonhouse.com

Mount Wolseley

Situated in the tranquil Co Carlow countryside, the four-star Mount Wolseley stands on its own 18-hole championship golf course which was designed by Christy O'Conner Jr and opened in 1996. The course has many interesting features, including an ancient dolman that lies between the third and fourth hole and a grove of mature trees that were reputed to have been planted to depict the positions of soldiers at the Battle of Waterloo. The golfer's special weekend package here is worth checking out. It includes two nights' accommodation with full Irish breakfast each morning; one evening meal in the fine dining Frederick's restaurant and a round of golf for each person. You'll stay in a deluxe room for two. The package, which also includes a session in the hydrotherapy pool, is available until the end of March and costs €358.

Tullow, Co Carlow. Tel: 059 91 80100; www.mountwolseley.ie

Lough Erne Golf Resort

The magic of the Fermanagh lakelands awaits at this five-star resort. Enjoy panoramic views, and the two Nick Faldo designed championship golf courses rest on their own secluded island. The rooms are charming and very spacious. The food in Noel McMeel's acclaimed Catalinia restaurant is superb, and the library and drawing rooms are inviting. The authentic Thai Spa adds a further touch of class. The resort has various golf and spa combos available, including a weekend package (April to May) that includes two nights' bed and breakfast; 18 holes on the Castle Hume course; a 60 -minute spa treatment and dinner on one evening of your stay. Check the website for availability but prices start from €259 per person per night.

Belleek Road, Enniskillen,

Co Fermanagh.

Tel: +44 (0)28 6632 3230 or 048 6632 3230; www.loughernegolfresort.

com