When you think of a hotel in Dublin, busy city streets come to mind, traffic jams, people rushing and Luas bells ringing. It’s not exactly a picturesque break away, is it? However, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club is a Dublin hotel that feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. No matter where you are in the hotel, no matter where you look, you will see lush greenery and beautiful scenery.

Golf courses, trees, lakes – you will feel like you’re in a resort. And just five minutes up the road you’re right in middle of the Phoenix Park, Europe’s biggest city park. The very best thing about this hotel though is that you’re surrounded by nature, yet you can be in the middle of Dublin city centre within 20 minutes.

So, as it combines the best of both worlds, Castleknock Hotel is getting our vote this week for the best girly getaway. As the hotel is celebrating its 10th birthday, Irish Country Living went to check out the packages on offer. From the get-go we felt pampered.

Afternoon tea was the first port of call. Yes, we understand there is a bit of etiquette required at this special meal time – eat your savories first before indulging in the sweets – but the Victorian sponge cake, layered with cream and strawberries, was so high and airy that we couldn’t really concentrate on anything else until we took a mighty creamy bite.

Afterwards, we happily enjoyed the homemade Guinness brown bread topped with the freshest smoked salmon, before opting for a little more sponge cake.

The Tonic Spa in the Castleknock Hotel is an oasis of calm. Sitting back, we put our feet up to enjoy a full pedicure. With a private room for you and a friend, you can get your toes done without anyone nosing at what colour polish you’ve opted for. Then, afterwards, take a dip in their beautiful pool which is surrounded by glass, making it so bright and airy that you feel like you could be swimming outside. Alternatively, opt for the relaxation room where you can forget your troubles.

Before a delicious dinner, it was off to the bar for a cocktail class with a difference. Everyone was talking about the gin cocktails complete with wasabi and cucumber, the perfect combination of hot and cool.

This really is a fantastic option for a girly break away. Inside the hotel, it ticks so many boxes in terms of rest and relaxation, but because of its location it means you can indulge in a night on the tiles after dinner or an afternoon shopping.

The one downfall of the hotel is that it can be really busy. Of course, that is a testament to the fact that it’s a popular option among locals. But if you are looking to get a spa treatment or to book a table, it’s advisable to book well in advance.

Their 10-year celebratory package includes an overnight stay, afternoon tea, a pampering treatment in Tonic Day spa, a mouth-watering four-course evening meal in the award-winning Park Restaurant, served with a glass of sparkling Prosecco, and a post-dinner cocktail, all for €150 per person sharing.

It’s a fantastic deal that they are running until the end of 2015. So, if you’re interested, visit www.castle knockhotel.com