Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt Celebrates Irish Tradition with Shillelagh Stick Massage

The ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt has launched a treatment with an historical background deeply rooted in Irish history and tradition.

The Irish Shillelagh is a hand carved stick that is considered a lucky charm. Locally crafted in Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow, the smooth and rounded end of the Shillelagh is used to ease out knots and alleviate deep seated tension with warm aromatherapy oils.

The treatment lasts 120 minutes and costs €145 which includes a full body and scalp massage and full use of the thermal suites in ESPA at Powerscourt.

The authentic Shillelagh Stick has its origins in the area of County Wicklow still named Shillelagh and continues to be handcrafted locally. Shillelagh is an area of immense natural beauty with one of the largest remaining oak forests in Ireland – the Tomnafinnogue Oak Wood. This large forest is the remnant of a great oak forest which was stripped during the 16th and 17th centuries; it is the oldest coppiced wood in Europe.

The processes involved in hand crafting the Shillelagh stick used in this massage typically takes 3 years to complete and ESPA at Powerscourt is one of the only spas in Ireland using this ancient tool to carry out massages.

Kellie Ann Hayden, spa manager of ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt said, “We are very excited about pioneering this new treatment in Ireland at ESPA. Using local products and traditions is part of our offering and we have been able to use the Shillelagh stick to its full benefit, offering a treatment only to be found in our spa. The effectiveness of this unique treatment is amazing and we look forward to sharing this with our valued spa guests.’’

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