Saunas are known to stimulate the immune system, ease muscle tension and even enhance sleep. A trip to one of these special saunas guarantees a refresh for the new year …
The Swelter Shelter, Lough Hyne, West Cork
Based in the breathtaking surrounds of Lough Hyne, Swelter Shelter is a wonderful barrel sauna to take it easy after a busy week, de-stress and focus on some mindfulness – with a beautiful view to match. Open Friday to Sunday. @thesweltershelter
Fenit Lighthouse Sauna, Fenit Beach, Co Kerry
This wood-fire barrel sauna on Fenit beach is open on Christmas Day from 9am to 1pm, so after your festive swim you can pop in to heat up before the big feast. Book here: www.fenitlighthousesauna.ie @fenitlighthousesauna
Skellig Sauna, Cuas Crom Beach, St Finian’s Bay, Ballinskelligs Beach, Co Kerry
Skellig Saunas are both box and barrel saunas based at different beaches along the Kerry coast, where you can sit and take in the incredible scenery. If you are based in Kerry or heading there over the break, be sure to look them up: www.skelligsauna.ie @skelligsauna
Hot Pod, Dungarvan, Kilmurrin Cove, Dunmore East, Guillamene’s, Newtown Cove, Co Waterford
With multiple locations in Waterford, you are bound to find one that works for you. Founders Ed and Dee are passionate about the benefits of nature and the sea for mental and physical wellbeing, especially for their local swimming community. Expect a positively social experience: www.thehotpod.ie @thehotpod.ie
Driftwood Sauna, An Spidéal, Co Galway
This award-winning wood-fired sauna lovingly named ‘Ebony’ has private, panoramic windows to view the Aran Islands and beyond, connecting you with beautiful surroundings on the edge of the Wild Atlantic Way. The sauna seats up to six people or you can book a private session when you just need a break from it all: www.driftwoodsauna.ie @driftwood_saunas
Helios Saunas, Dundrum Roman Baths, Dublin 14 and Bray
A popular spot in Dublin, hop off the Luas into this idyllic tiled courtyard where you will find two outdoor saunas, spacious enough for 15 people, an intimate sauna for two and, in true Roman style, an ice bath as cold as 5ºC for a cold plunge to really get the blood pumping, plus a hot tub for warming up afterwards. There’s also a coffee box concealed from the street where you can enjoy a hot or cold beverage before or after. Helios on Bray seafront is also the perfect spot, kitted out two large barrel saunas, plunge barrels, and sauna hats and tote bags available to buy. Both are open daily from 8am to 10pm with 45-minute sessions to ensure you have ample time to recharge: www.heliossauna.ie @helios_sauna
The Hot Box, Sauna Village at Goldenbridge Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8
With many locations in Ireland now, Hot Box has just opened a state-of-the-art shared sauna facility in Inchicore. This suburban sanctuary offers five distinctive sauna experiences, each crafted to provide unique benefits. Their plunge pools also offer three different temperatures – cold, tepid and warm – so, whether you’re looking to heat up or cool down, find the perfect complement to your sauna experience: www.thehotboxsauna.ie @thehotboxsauna
The Sea Sauna, Tower Bay Beach, Portrane, Dublin
This Finnish style wood-fired sauna takes in the breathtaking beauty of Tower Bay Beach. Book barrel, box or snug saunas for 45 minute or 60 minute sessions for up to 10 people: www.theseasauna.ie @the.sea.sauna
Saunos, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Saunos has been busy at Wanderers Football Club in Ballsbridge, which offers a rejuvenating wood-fire sauna for eight to ten people. Cool off in one of the chilly steel plunge pools … if you’re brave enough! www.saunos.ie @saunos_
The Outcast Sauna, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
This Finnish sauna in the heart of North Dublin also offers cold plunges. Plus, you can get a bagel and coffee from the on-site food van, all in one courtyard. Open 7 days a week: www.outcastssauna.ie @outcastsdublin
Sandycove Store and Yard, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin
Sandycove Store & Yard offers award-winning plunge pools, ice baths, saunas and red light therapy services. After a dip in the Forty Foot, take a five minute stroll here behind the coffee and gardening shop at the front of the store, for a low-key experience. Private sessions are available from 30 minutes to an hour, with group slots available from ten people up to 20. Or take a dip in the hot tub! Afterwards, enjoy everything from freshly brewed coffee and artisan teas to acai bowls, gourmet toasties and pizzas in the café: www.saysaunas.com @sandycove_store_and_yard
The Barrel Sauna, Greystones and Tallaght, Co Dublin
Founded by Laura and Rob, the Greystones sauna is situated in the beautiful walled garden in the Boatyard, Greystones Harbour, next to Le Creperie and The Beach House. There are two 10 person wood-fired saunas, plunge barrels, showers, a covered changing area with private cubicles and lockers. Indulge in a burrito from The Burrito Box, pizza from No84, Turkish treats from Yellov, crepes from Le Creperie or even buy some art from The Boatyard Gallery. They also offer a range of skincare products in collaboration with Sugar Loaf Botanics to hydrate your skin after your stay. The Tallaght sauna is perfect for city dwellers, with Dundrum and Rathgar planned for next year: www.thebarrelsauna.ie @thebarrelsauna
Sarah Halliwell, Beauty Editor: How about a voucher for an outdoor sauna? Perfect for the sea swimmer in your life or anyone focusing on health and fitness. Dotted all around the country, you can book an hour’s slot for less than €20 and most are available for groups bookings, too. We also love the idea of the Festive Sauna Socials, check them out online. @sarahhalliwellbeauty
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