Wild Sauna Escapes Across Ireland
Looking for an unforgettable wild sauna weekend in Ireland? Here’s a curated blog-style guide featuring some of the best outdoor sauna experiences across the country—complete with accommodation picks, dinner spots, and tasty local cafés to complete your wellness getaway.
1. Driftwood Sauna – An Spidéal, Co. Galway
Nestled on a coastal spot along the Wild Atlantic Way, Driftwood Sauna offers panoramic ocean views—including the Aran Islands—from its wood-fired sauna. Their guided rituals and immersive, community-focused wellness experiences are top-notch. In 2024, they won the UK & Ireland “Best Waterside Sauna” award.
Why not make it a weekend activity break:
Sauna: Driftwood Sauna, An Spidéal.
Stay: Book nearby at Ballynahinch Castle, nestled in Connemara woods. They also have an outdoor woodland sauna with lake plunge, and their forest walks are luxuriously rejuvenating.
Dinner: Enjoy locally-sourced fare at the castle’s dining or explore Michelin-quality local restaurants in Clifden.
Coffee: Grab a brew in Clifden at Upstairs Downstairs Cafe.
2. Wild Atlantic Sauna – Old Head Beach, Co. Mayo
The Wild Atlantic Sauna is a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna right next to the sea. Handy coffee trailer on-site for post-sauna refreshment—and the option to swim even at low tide. Operates weekends only, from 9 am to 4 pm.
Why not make it a weekend activity break:
Sauna: Wild Atlantic Sauna at Old Head Beach.
Stay: Consider Clare Island Lighthouse B&B—a historic lighthouse turned lodging, paired with the island’s sauna hut.
Dinner: The Anchor Bar, acosy, social spot—just minutes from the pier. It serves hearty pub-style lunches and dinners, with a full bar. Great for a welcoming, friendly vibe.
Coffee: Stone Barn Cafe.
3. Wild Wellness Collective – Garrettstown Beach, Cork
A beautiful beachside Finnish sauna just outside Kinsale. You’ll enjoy coastal views and a snug sauna by the shoreline—which sometimes pops up in other coastal locations too.
Why not make it a weekend activity break:
Sauna: Wild Wellness at Garrettstown Beach.
Stay: Wild Hideaways Luxury Lodges & Eco Spa, Bantry—private villas with spa, sauna, open-air bath, and outdoor fireplace. Ideal for tranquility.
Dinner: Look for locally sourced hearty bites in Bantry—perhaps seafood or farm-to-table menus.
Coffee: Nearby café in Bantry or Kinsale for freshly roasted blends.
4. Sabhna Sauna – Achill Island, Mayo
Sabhna Sauna is located on the Blue Flag Dugort and Keel Beaches in Achill Island, Co Mayo. Relax in the 80-100 degrees of our beautiful Finnish-style sauna and then cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the Wild Atlantic Ocean.
Why not make it a weekend activity break:
Sauna: Sabhna Sauna, Achill Island.
Stay: Achill Island Hotel (Óstán Oileán Acla) – Located at the entrance of the island, this family-run hotel offers cozy en-suite rooms and has its own bar/restaurant, Alice’s Harbour, serving local specialties like Achill lamb and seafood. It’s convenient and welcoming.
Dinner: Achill Cliff House Hotel & Restaurant – Nestled in Keel, this stylish hotel boasts one of the island’s best dining experiences—Michelin-recommended, locally sourced menus, and magical sunset views. Perfect if you’re looking for a more upscale, gastronomic stay.
Coffee: The Beehive Craft Coffee Shop
5. Brandon Bay Sauna – Maharees, Kerry
Located in the Maharees, a tombolo off the north of the Dingle Peninsula and a special area of conservation, Brandon Bay Sauna is situated on one of the longest sandy beaches in Ireland. Enjoy looking across the bay at Mount Brandon as you relax and unwind in a wood-burning barrel sauna. This barrel sauna offers a place to chill-out, warm-up and enjoy the health benefits it has to offer.
Why not make it a weekend activity break:
Sauna: Brandon Bay Sauna – Maharees.
Stay: The Shores Country House B&B offers a cozy, high‑quality stay just minutes from the sauna.
Dinner: Gregory’s Garden — A lovely garden café praised for fresh pasta, steak and excellent wines. Reviewers highlight the friendly team atmosphere.
Coffee: Gregory’s Garden again stands out for its coffee—reviewers mention “perfect flat whites” and a passion for high-quality brews.
6. The Hot Box Sauna at Killiney Beach, Dublin
The Hot Box Sauna at Killiney Beach offers a truly invigorating coastal wellness experience, blending the heat of a traditional Finnish-style sauna with the cool serenity of Dublin Bay. Set just steps from the sea, this 16-seat, wood-fired sauna provides panoramic views of Dalkey Island and Bray Head, creating a peaceful, scenic backdrop for your session. After 45 minutes of deep heat and relaxation, a refreshing plunge into the Irish Sea completes the ritual, leaving you feeling revived and reset. Whether you’re a sea swimmer or first-time sauna-goer, it’s a unique and energizing escape right on the edge of the city.
Why not make it a weekend activity break:
Sauna: The Hot Box Sauna at Killiney Beach, Dublin.
Stay: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, a striking castle‑style hotel located just about 1.3 km (0.8 mi) from the beach. It features two restaurants, an indoor pool, and elegant surroundings—perfect for a relaxing overnight stay. Ideal if you enjoy a bit of luxury without straying too far from the sea.
Dinner: DeVille’s in Dalkey delivers elegant French-inspired comfort food in a warm, intimate setting—perfect for a relaxed and memorable evening.
Coffee: Fred & Nancy’s, located on Killiney beach is my lil comfort spot and they do a great coffee & toastie.
Why A Wild Sauna Experience Makes An Ideal Weekend Break
- Nature-first focus: Wild saunas—by the sea, in forests, or on rugged islands—connect you to Ireland’s elemental roots.
- Seasonal immersion: From crisp winter dips to sunlit summer lounging, every season offers a new sauna story—especially at places like Ballynahinch.
- Full stop-to-stop experience: Each location combines rejuvenating sauna rituals with enticing stays, farm-to-table dining, and cozy cafés.
- Wellness & heritage blended: Ancient traditions like sweathouses complement modern rituals like sea plunges or guided sauna ceremonies, helping you detox both body and spirit.