Travel Tuesday – Spa and Wine

With the arrival of August comes travel planning for Thanksgiving for us. Since there are typically 2-3 vacation days off from the grind, we try to build a longer trip around the holiday. Like we did last year, right now we are planning on spending Thanksgiving in Ireland, hopefully with a trip to Italy to visit family. Now we just need some decent airfares.

My favorite way to spend a day in Galway City starts with a visit to the Spirit One Spa at the Radisson in Galway. With a whole complex of relaxation rooms like a sauna, a Turkish bath, a heated beach, and an aromatherapy steam room, you literally can spend a whole day there.  A half day pass also gets you access to the outdoor hot tub, which overlooks the salt lake and bay.

Just imagine a steamy soak with chilly air and this view.

The massage therapy and soaking tub treatments are heaven, and many of the packages follow it up with tea or lunch.

My second stop o the afternoon is always Sheridan’s Wine Bar, across the street from my old Galway apartment.

Sheridan’s Wine Bar is right above the Sheridan’s Cheesemonger; as a result they always have some delicious cheeses, olives, and other delights on hand. Sheridan’s is always cozy and bright, a warm retreat from the often-rainy Galway weather.

Light lunches like soup and sandwiches make for the perfect post-spa fare.

Wine and food magazines make for the perfect accompaniment to lunch and a hand-selected glass of wine.

Window seats make perfect perches to watch the world go by and to see family walking by as in the below photo, where you can see my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew.

I have enjoyed many luxurious and relaxing afternoons at the Spirit One Spa and Sheridan’s Wine Bar. In fact, it’s these afternoons where I can say I am truly relaxed which is a rare occasion.

People often ask me for things to do in Ireland, and although this afternoon is not one that is touristy or traditional, I highly recommend it on a trip to Galway!