A trip to the sauna has been rising in popularity. What used to be a staple spa experience evolved into barrels by the sea, and now there is a sauna experience on Dundrum Town Centre’s doorstep – Roman Bath style. Here are the saunas in Dublin to visit this weekend …
Helios Sauna, Dundrum Roman Baths, Dundrum Main Street, Dublin 14
Helios Sauna has opened a Roman Baths in the village of Dundrum. Hop off the Luas and 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, plus a hot tub for warming up afterwards. Total relaxation – in the centre of Dundrum. The Roman Baths are open daily from 8am to 10pm and offer 45-minute sessions to ensure you have ample time to relax and recharge.
Importantly, the sauna also boasts a coffee box at the front of the premises so you are completely concealed from the main street and can enjoy something iced after a sauna experience, or hot to warm you up after a cold plunge.
Helios continues to run its sauna on the Bray seafront, which is perfect for a dip in the sea followed by a visit to the sauna. Kitted out with tote bags, sauna hats, plunge barrels (to really get the blood pumping) and two large barrel saunas, this spot is a great place to gather over the weekend. Book in this weekend; www.heliossauna.ie. @helios_sauna
Here are five more saunas to visit in Dublin:
Saunos, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Saunos has been busy at the Wanderers Football Club in Ballsbridge. The location has a relaxing and rejuvenating eight to ten person woodfire sauna. After feeling the benefits of the sauna, you can cool off in one of the chilly steel plunge pools – which look fab – and enjoy being part of the sauna community. Take some time for yourself or with a friend this weekend and enjoy the R&R of this sauna experience in Ballsbridge. www.saunos.ie
The Outcast Sauna, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7
The ethos of The Outcast Sauna is rooted in a sense of community, where individuals from all walks of life can gather together, relax and get to know one another. Offering sauna services and cold plunges, The Outcast’s goal is to inspire and guide visitors into physical vitality and mental clarity. Plus you can get an incredible bagel and a coffee afterwards from the on-site food van. All in the one courtyard. Pay them a visit; www.outcastssauna.ie. @outcastsdublin
Sandycove Store and Yard, Dún Laoighaire, Co Dublin
After a dip in the Forty Foot, take a short stroll up to the saunas at Sandycove’s Store and Yard. They are tucked behind the coffee and gardening shop at the front of the store, so walk right through and enjoy a low-key sauna stay. Private sessions are available from 30 minutes to an hour, with group slots available from ten people up to 20. Have your fresh swim, grab a coffee and pop in the sauna. Or take a dip in the hot tub! You will feel entirely refreshed after your excursions. www.saysaunas.com
The Barrel Sauna, Rathgar and Greystones, Dublin
This sauna is perfect for all of the city dwellers who wish to stay dry. Although they do operate in Greystones as well, The Barrel Sauna has a location in Rathgar where one can approach from the street and simply rest, relax and reap the health benefits of a sauna sit. No swim needed. www.thebarrelsauna.ie
The Hot Box, Sauna Village at Goldenbridge Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8
The Hot Box Sauna has many locations in Ireland now, and has just opened another sauna in a state-of-the-art shared sauna facility in the heart of Inchicore in Dublin. The sauna is designed to cater to both seasoned wellness enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This sanctuary offers five distinctive sauna experiences, each crafted to provide unique benefits and an unforgettable experience. The Hot Box also offers state-of-the-art plunge pools at three different temperatures – cold, tepid and warm – designed to enhance your sauna sessions and invigorate your senses. Whether you’re looking to cool down, balance, or further relax, these plunge pools provide the perfect complement to your sauna experience. www.thehotboxsauna.ie, @thehotboxsauna