When you think of a great place in Ireland for a weekend break, where springs to mind - Cork, Galway or maybe Donegal?

I'll admit that Athlone has never jumped out to me as a must-visit spot - until now. Having spent a gloriously luxurious weekend at the town's Hodson Bay Hotel, I'd happily recommend it to anyone as a girly getaway destination. The hotel would make the perfect hen weekend spot - here's how you should spend a stay there.  

Check in and grab afternoon tea

The hotel is a few miles outside of Athlone town on the stunning Lough Ree. Drop off your bags in a room in the adults-only retreat wing - if you're lucky you'll a view of the lake like we did. Get afternoon tea with all of the trimmings and a glass of bubbles or, if it's sunny, sit out at the Waterfront Bar with a cocktail. The pier is also a stunning spot to get a few pics for Instagram, if you're that way inclined.

Find your zen

When I say my trip to the spa left me the most relaxed I've been since I was a child, I'm not joking - I floated out after my massage feeling so calm that I struggled to lift my arms. Have a treatment, sit in the outdoor hot tub and make sure you spend some time in the relaxation suite too, where people will keep bringing you prosecco and fruit. The service is incredible and you will begin to forget how you ever lived without such treatment.  

Have a go on the waterpark

Nothing bonds a group of friends quite like sliding off a giant inflatable church together. Baysports is Ireland's biggest waterpark and will be the best craic you and the gals have all weekend. A session in the water is the perfect way to bring people together and squeeze some activity into your weekend of indulgence.  

Head out

Start your night with something to eat in the hotel bar or restaurant, or head straight into town. Athlone's Latin Quarter will suit foodies down to the ground, no matter what you're in to. Drop into Sean's Bar for drinks after and see where the night takes you.  

Everything else

The Hodson Bay Hotel has loads of other in-house things to do like whiskey and beer tasting and even yoga, so you can tailor a weekend to suit your gang.   Rooms at the Hodson Bay Hotel start at €95 for two people. Find out more about a stay on the hotel website.