Lisdoonvarna

Lisdoonvarna is Ireland's premier spa town and is famous for the 'craic' (Irish for fun) and for its September festival - one of Europe's largest singles matchmaking festivals. This small village became a popular health resort in the early nineteenth century growing around its spa wells. Lisdoonvarna's famous Victorian Spa Complex and Health Centre is a major attraction. It is the only active spa centre in Ireland. The waters contain magnesia, iodine and iron and are reputed to have health restorations. The Spa's therapeutic mineral waters have been dispensed here since the 18th century. The Centre features sulphur baths, massage, wax treatments and saunas. The Victorian Pump House is open daily. There is a pleasant walk across the local Lisdoonvarna bog at Cnoc na Madre where the full benefit of the invigorating mixture of bog, sea and mountain air may be experienced. Location: 9.8 miles (15.7 km) south from Ballyvaughan Village on N67