Saunas in Ireland: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Visit (2023)

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Have you been wondering if there are saunas in Ireland? Look no further, this post has all of the information you’ll need to plan a visit to an Irish sauna.

Ireland is often a chilly place, especially in the winter. Many of the homes and businesses are not well insulated, so the Irish winters can be long, gray, and very cold. For this reason, I searched online for saunas near me in Cork, Ireland. 

I initially didn’t find many options, but when I zoomed my search out a bit I was delighted to find that there were, in fact, many saunas in Ireland. You’ll typically find them dotted along the rugged Irish coastline, in hotels with spas, and in private homes. My first experience in an Irish sauna was on a cold, wintery day and I was immediately hooked. 

Table of Contents
17 Best saunas in Ireland
Are there saunas in Ireland?
Benefits of using a sauna
Tips for visiting an Irish sauna
FAQs: Saunas in Ireland
Conclusion: Saunas in Ireland

17 Best Saunas in Ireland 

If you’ve been looking for a sauna in Ireland, here are some of the best options throughout the country. Many of the saunas on this list are mobile saunas, meaning they’re built into a sort of trailer that is towed to a suitable spot (usually one by the beach). The amenities vary somewhat amongst the mobile saunas, but most will have a small cubby space and little else. 

I’ve included two saunas that I’ve personally used – Wild Wellness Collective and the spa at Castlemartyr. I also visited the Saltee Sauna but tragically didn’t have my bathing suit with me that day, so I will have to try again next time. 

1. Wild Wellness Collective

This is my favorite sauna in Ireland, located close enough to Cork City to visit as part of a day trip. Wild Wellness Collective is a sauna with space for about 10 people, with a big window that looks out over the sea at Garretstown Beach. The owner includes essential oils in the water for the sauna, creating lovely scented steam and a relaxing environment. 

Wild Wellness Collective is always clean, with plenty of space for the bathers. I’ve found that other bathers tend to be friendly and kind, often offering their tips on other places to visit while in Ireland. There are cubbies to hold your belongings, but no changing area or showers are available. 

📍 Garretstown Beach, Garretstown, Kinsale, County Cork

2. Saltee Sauna

The Saltee Sauna is located just steps from the ferry to the Saltee Islands, a famous spot for bird watching in Ireland. This sauna has a small changing room and a freshwater shower nearby, perfect for anyone who has a long drive ahead of them after visiting the Saltee Sauna. 

You’ll find a window that overlooks the sea, a small coffee cart, and kind staff at the Saltee Sauna. Because of the location of the sauna, I’d recommend choosing a time other than low tide – otherwise you’ll have a rather long walk to the water. An hour or two before/after high tide would probably be perfect. 

📍 Crossfarnoge, Kilmore Quay, County Wexford

3. Driftwood Sauna

The Driftwood Sauna is located about 25 minutes outside of Galway, the perfect spot for a little retreat after a night out in the pubs. This sauna was started by a couple who spent time in Scandinavia and Northern Europe and who wanted to be a part of bringing sauna culture to Ireland. 

The sauna itself is clean and modern, and they include several traditionally Finnish touches like a leaf whisk for gently tapping and brushing the body to improve circulation. 

In addition to private and group sauna sessions, you’ll find opportunities to try different sauna rituals at Driftwood. An option that looks particularly fun is the Full Moon Sauna, which includes a sauna session and a fire pit by the beach, complete with cocoa and marshmallows. 

📍 Spiddal Pier, An Spidéal, County Galway

4. The Barrel Sauna Dublin

The Barrel Sauna Dublin is not located near the beach, so they provide cold showers and plunges instead. These saunas in Dublin are clean, well kept, and offer a relaxing atmosphere to bathers. Lockers, changing rooms, and showers are provided, but you’ll still need to bring your own towel and water bottle. 

Note that the location is relatively central in Dublin, but it’s still a 45 minute walk from Temple Bar. 

📍 Garville Ln, Upper, Dublin D06 T0X6

5. The Barrel Sauna Greystones

Like their companion sauna in Dublin, the Barrel Sauna Greystones is known for being clean, well equipped, and providing a laid back environment. There are plunge pools, cold showers, and a changing area. Reviewers noted that the staff is very careful to maintain the heat levels in the saunas, offering more consistent temperatures than some of the smaller seaside saunas. 

After your sauna, you can grab a burrito from the nearby Burrito Box, a juice from Roots, or stop by the Happy Pear for a yummy vegan meal. 

If you’re visiting Wicklow, there are plenty of cute B&Bs in the county to choose from if you’d rather not stay in Dublin. 

📍 The Boat Yard, Beach Rd, Rathdown Lower, Greystones, County Wicklow 

6. Sauna Suaimhneas

Sauna Suaimhneas is located delightfully close to Moher Tower at Hag’s Head, my favorite starting point for hiking the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. You could park near Moher Tower at Hag’s Head, hike from the small car park to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor’s Center. After you’ve had a chance to take in the views of the cliffs, return to your car and drive a short distance to Sauna Suaimhneas for a sauna by the sea. 

This sauna is near White Strand Beach, perfect for a quick swim before warming up in the sauna. Reviewers raved about the kind staff, beautiful sea views, and reasonable prices at Sauna Suaimhneas. There’s also a great view from inside the sauna of the beach and coastline. 

📍 Clahane Shore, Ballymaclinaun, Liscannor, County Clare

7. My Haven Sauna, Oysterhaven

My Haven Sauna, Oysterhaven is a mobile sauna that’s also located on a beach in County Cork. This sauna is smaller than the one you’ll find at Wild Wellness Collective, but it offers views of the Irish coastline and the Celtic Sea. Given its location, the views are especially stunning at sunset. 

One advantage of swimming in the bay near this sauna is that the area is somewhat sheltered, given its location on the peninsula. Unlike other saunas on this list, you’re less likely to have a long walk to the water if you visit My Haven Sauna, Oysterhaven. 

📍 Oysterhaven Beach, County Cork

8. The Hot Box Sauna

The Hot Box Sauna has a few locations, including Carlow, Meath, and, of course, Sligo. This location of the Hot Box Sauna is next to Deadmans Pier, an area popular for swimming. You won’t need to walk far to access the water, unlike some other saunas on this list. 

For those who would rather not jump into the Atlantic, a freshwater plunge pool is provided. The Hot Box Sauna also features changing facilities, storage cubes, and nearby parking. 

If you can, try to time your visit to catch the sunset, which you can watch from inside the sauna.  

📍 Deadman’s point, Rosses Upper, Sligo

9. The Sea Sauna 

The Sea Sauna is a barrel-style sauna that offers views out over the Irish Sea at Tower Beach in Dublin. In addition to being clean and having wonderful staff, this sauna is only steps from the water, perfect for taking a cold dip while you’re sauna bathing. Although there are no showers at this location, they do have public restrooms nearby and a tap where you can rinse the sand off of your feet. 

There’s a coffee trailer next to the sauna where you can grab a coffee or other treat after your bath. Note that, although this sauna is located in County Dublin, it’s nowhere near Temple Bar. You’ll likely need a car to access this sauna. 

📍 Tower Bay Beach Car Park, Portrane, County Dublin, K36 RX92

10. Spa: Castlemartyr Resort 

I first visited the spa at Castlemartyr Resort as part of a mini yoga retreat a while back, and I was very impressed. First, the grounds at Castlemartyr Resort are beautiful, with manicured gardens, sculptures, and plenty of lush greenery. Inside the resort there was plenty of warm, natural light and funky pieces of artwork throughout the space.  

My yoga retreat included access to the spa rooms, which included a steam room, electric sauna, cold shower, and warm pool. There were also relaxation rooms, with day beds, blankets, and water infused with fruit. The sauna itself was basic but clean and piping hot, though I missed the warm steam of the Finnish style of sauna. 

I would absolutely go again, it was a great experience overall. 

Unfortunately, Castlemartyr doesn’t offer passes to their spa rooms without booking a treatment. So, to enjoy the Spa at Castlemartyr, you’ll need to book a treatment like a massage or facial. 

📍 Castlemartyr Resort, Grange, Castlemartyr, County Cork

11. Samhradh’s Sauna

Samhradh’s Sauna is a mobile sauna in County Kerry, located about 35 minutes from the popular town of Killarney. This sauna is parked on the idyllic Iveragh peninsula at Cromane, with views of the mountains from across the water. You could easily end your day driving the Ring of Kerry with a rejuvenating visit to Samhradh’s Sauna. 

Visitors have raved about the welcoming staff, beautiful view, and overall good vibes at Samhrad’s Sauna. The window faces the sunset, so you should be able to catch some wonderful colors if you want to book an evening sauna. 

The best part? Samhradh’s Sauna is very focused on sustainability, and they’ve committed to planting a native Irish tree on Clare Island for every sauna experience that guests purchase.

📍 Glosha, Cromane, County Kerry

12. The Hot Pod

Set in beautiful Dungarvan in County Waterford is The Hot Pod, a mobile sauna at Clonea Beach. The prices at this sauna are very reasonable, at only €10 for 30 minutes as of this writing. In addition to their location in Clonea, you can find Hot Pods at Kilmurrin and Dunmore East. 

For an active day’s itinerary, you could spend a few hours cycling on the Waterford Greenway. Then, make your way to The Hot Pod for a session of sauna bathing and swimming in the sea. You’re sure to feel refreshed and relaxed, the perfect duo of activities to ensure you have a restful night’s sleep. 

📍 Clonea, Clonea Lower, Dungarvan, County Waterford

13. Spa: OffGrid Recovery and Wellness

Located just south of Dublin in the seaside city of Bray is the OffGrid Recovery and Wellness center. This small spa offers saunas, ice baths, massages, hot yoga classes, and other therapies to help you feel your best. 

OffGrid has an infrared sauna, so you won’t need to add water to the stones like you would in a Finnish sauna. Reviewers raved about how clean and beautiful the space is at OffGrid, noting that the owners seem to have thought of every detail. 

📍 51A Main St, Bray, County Wicklow

14. The Wild Atlantic Sauna

Set in the heart of Clew Bay, the Wild Atlantic Sauna is a mobile sauna that offers incredible views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. 

In this area, the Atlantic Ocean is accessible at both high and low tide, so you’ll have an easy time cooling off no matter when you book. The setting at The Wild Atlantic Sauna is one of the wildest on this list, so this is the perfect choice for someone who likes to adventure a little off the beaten path. 

There is a coffee cart near the sauna where you can grab a coffee after your session. They even occasionally run Yoga/Sauna/Coffee events in the morning, where you can take a yoga class, bathe in the sauna, and enjoy a hot drink from the nearby coffee trailer. 

📍 Old Head Beach, Oldhead, Louisburgh, County Mayo

15. Swede Sauna

Set in the beautiful Robert’s Cove in County Cork is the Swede Sauna, a mobile sauna set right on the beach with easy access to the water. Visitors love their interactions with the owner, Sara, and noted that there are sometimes yoga sessions available on Saturday mornings. 

The Swede Sauna is only about 40 minutes by car from Cork City, so you can easily visit this sauna on the weekends. To keep up with the schedule, I’d recommend that you find the Swede Sauna on Instagram. 

📍 Robert’s Cove, Cork

16. Spa: Rainforest Spa

The Rainforest Spa in Enniskerry, a charming town in County Wicklow, would be a great stop for a day of rest and relaxation. This spa is known for their great massages, views of the Wicklow Mountains from the outdoor hot tub, and, of course, for having a sauna. 

The sauna at Rainforest Spa is a small, infrared sauna. Use of the spa facilities for an hour is usually included with each treatment, but be sure to read the fine print before you go so that you know what to expect. 

If you’re only at the Rainforest Spa for a few hours, you could spend a few hours exploring the nearby Powerscourt Gardens. A stroll through Powerscourt is one of my favorite things to do in Wicklow. 

📍 Summerhill House Hotel, Enniskerry, County Wicklow

17. Spa: Revival Float Rooms

Revival Float Rooms in Limerick is a spa with floatation tanks and an infrared sauna, the perfect combination to relieve tension and stress. The floatation tanks are full of half a ton of Epsom salt, allowing you to float effortlessly in the chamber. You have full control over the lid to the tank, so you can leave it open if you suffer from claustrophobia. 

If you’d like to use the sauna at Revival Float Rooms, you can choose between a solo sauna experience, a couple’s sauna, or a sauna and a float. Visitors loved the privacy of the float rooms, which they felt helped them relax even further into the experience. 

After your sauna and/or float at Revival, there is a separate room that you can use to do your hair and makeup before heading off for the rest of your day. 

📍 Revival Rooms, An Dún, Church Rd, Raheen, County Limerick

Bonus experience: Seaweed Baths

I first learned about seaweed baths from other sauna bathers at Wild Wellness Collective. The seaweed baths are available at different locations throughout the country (usually in the West of Ireland), and a barrel is filled with hot water and seaweed. You soak in the seaweed, with the option to run out into the sea if you’d like a cold dip. 

Pre-booking is essential, and you can find the schedule and reserve your spot by visiting WildAtlanticSeaweedBaths.com. 

Tips for visiting an Irish sauna

The staff at Irish saunas are usually very kind and helpful. Still, it’s always nice to know what to expect and feel like you can be fully prepared. Accordingly, here are my tips for visiting an Irish sauna. 

Reserve your spot ahead of time

Most of the popular saunas in Ireland sell out, especially at peak times in the afternoons and evenings. If you know you want to visit a sauna, I’d recommend reserving your spot ahead of time to avoid disappointment. 

Also, these mobile saunas are often small operations that sometimes go out of business or host private events. A booking will help to ensure that the sauna will be on site and ready for you when you visit. 

Hydrate before you go

Start to hydrate a few hours before your sauna appointment. There’s no need to go overboard, but if you’re dehydrated before your session it can be hard to drink enough water once you step into the heat. I try to drink about a liter of water during the day before my appointment, then additional water as needed while in the sauna. 

Bring water

Many saunas in Ireland are located in remote areas, so water may not be available during your appointment. Be sure to bring at least one liter of water per person to the sauna so that you’re able to stay hydrated. 

Water is the best beverage for hydrating before, during, and after your sauna. 

Wear a bathing suit

Coverage is required for most saunas in Ireland. Unless you’re explicitly told otherwise, you’ll want to wear a bathing suit at all times when in the sauna. 

Mobile saunas are unlikely to have changing areas, so I’d recommend changing into your bathing suit before you get to the beach. 

Bring a towel

Mobile saunas do not typically provide towels, so you’ll want to bring your own. 

I try to bring a towel for the sauna and one of these swim ponchos to throw on once I get back to the car. Swim ponchos are popular in Ireland, but they’re certainly not required – you can just use a towel if you’d like.  

Wear sandals

The floor of the sauna is shared with others, so I would recommend wearing water resistant shoes that can withstand the heat of the sauna. Sandals are also nice for the walk to the water when going for a swim in the sea, especially on stoney beaches. 

Check the tides

Unless otherwise noted, it’s best to avoid visiting an Irish sauna by the sea at high tide. The water tends to be very rough at high tide, which can limit how far into the sea you can safely wade. Of course, always check local conditions before entering the water – this post is only intended to provide general information. 

You can always reach out to the individual saunas for recommendations about the best time to go. They know the area best, and most of the staff running Irish saunas are very kind and helpful. 

Eat a meal at least 1 hour before you go

Be sure to eat a meal at least an hour before your appointment. If you’re hungry, you could have a hard time relaxing in the sauna, feel lightheaded, or otherwise have a tough time enjoying the experience. 

It’s best if the meal is either salty or accompanied by a salty treat. 

The person nearest the heater is in charge of adding water

If you’re visiting a Finnish-style sauna, you’ll likely see a bucket with water and a ladle next to the heating element. You can use the ladle to douse the hot stones with water, releasing steam and heating the sauna. 

In the event that you don’t see hot stones or water in your sauna, don’t worry. Some saunas are heated using other methods and the step of adding water to the rocks is not necessary. 

Rest and hydrate after your sauna

Take it easy after your sauna so that you can soak in the benefits. Just like you would after a massage, you’ll want to avoid alcohol and eat a healthy meal after your sauna. Water with cucumber or citrus makes a refreshing, rejuvenating drink after an hour in a hot sauna. 

Are there saunas in Ireland?

Yes, you can find saunas in Ireland! My favorite sauna is the Wild Wellness Collective in Cork, Ireland, but you can find mobile saunas throughout the country. Often, you’ll find mobile saunas outfitted with windows and facing towards the sea. 

One of the most popular ways to enjoy a sauna in Ireland is to alternate between sitting in the warm sauna and then diving into the ocean to cool off. Most sauna sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes, offering plenty of opportunities to go for a dip in the sea during your visit. 

Of course, many spas and private homes also have saunas. I’ve included the details for a few spas with saunas in Ireland in this post, in case you’re interested in an experience that’s a bit less wild. 

The benefits of using a sauna

There are some serious benefits to using a sauna, especially if you do it regularly. Saunas can help to relax your muscles, improve circulation, and promote mental clarity. It’s also great for your heart health; a study in BMC Med found that sauna bathing is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality. 

Another study out of Finland suggests that frequent sauna bathing can lower your risk of dementia. They found that, after a 20 year follow up, men who sauna bathed 4-7 timers per week were 66% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia than those who saunaed once per week. 

Sauna bathing can also improve your sleep quality, leading to better overall mental health. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the country with the most saunas in the world per capita is also the happiest country in the world.

FAQs: Saunas in Ireland

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about saunas in Ireland.

Which country is known for its sauna culture?

Finland is most known for its sauna culture. No one knows exactly when the first one was built, but the history of the Finnish saunas dates back potentially thousands of years. Early Finnish saunas were built using wood and animal pelts, then heated with fire. 

Today, saunas are such a central feature of the country’s culture that most Finns experience their first saunas as babies. Saunas in Finland are heated by löyly – the steam released by pouring water on hot stones. Finns believe that the sauna is a way to cleanse the body and mind while celebrating the individual’s inner peace and connection with nature. 

Sauna goers traditionally alternate between sitting in a hot sauna, typically heated to 65–105 °C (149–221 °F), and cooling off in the snow or a cold body of water. I was able to try a traditional smoke sauna when I visited Helsinki, Finland and it was a really memorable experience!

What not to take into a sauna?

Try not to bring any unnecessary items into a sauna. You might want a water bottle, bathing suit, towel, and sandals in the sauna, but that’s about it. Electronics might be damaged in the heat of the sauna, so it’s best to leave them outside in your car or in a cubby, if one is provided. 

What’s the best month to visit an Irish sauna?

The beauty of Irish saunas is that you can enjoy a visit year round. However, if I had to choose a single month, I’d recommend that you visit during March. The weather will be slightly warmer than it was during the dead of winter, but still cold enough that the water will be a sharp contrast to the steamy sauna.

As a bonus, March is about the time that winter is starting to feel like it simply won’t end, so a sauna by the sea would be an invigorating way to shake up your routine. 

Do I need to shower before using a sauna?

Yes, it’s recommended that you shower before using a sauna. Some saunas provide shower facilities while others expect that you’ll have showered before you arrive. 

Conclusion: Saunas in Ireland

Not only are there saunas in Ireland, they’re all over the country! If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing experience in Ireland, a sauna by the sea could be the perfect activity for you. Alternatively, there are several spas and health clubs with saunas, which could be a better option depending on your needs.

When planning a trip to an Irish sauna, plan to wear your bathing suit and bring a towel with you. You’ll also want to bring some water and ensure that you hydrate before you go. Similarly, be sure that you eat a healthy meal at least an hour before your sauna appointment so that you don’t arrive hungry. 

If at any point you start to feel queasy or unwell while in the sauna, don’t hesitate to reach out to the staff on duty. Most saunas have wonderful, kind staff members who will help to answer any other questions you might have. When preparing to swim in the ocean, be sure that a lifeguard is present and on duty before you enter the water.