DUNGARVAN, Ireland: For Sharon Fidgeon, a frequent visitor to Ireland’s burgeoning beach saunas, her weekend sessions have evolved into a “healthy addiction” that taps into Ireland’s centuries-old tradition of wellness through sweat-inducing practices.
Speaking from sandy Clonea beach on Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coast, the 52-year-old artist expressed how alternating between the sauna and freezing seawater makes her feel “so incredibly alive.”
“After a dip in the sea up to your neck, it really triggers the endorphins in your body,” Fidgeon shared, moments after immersing herself in the bay near Dungarvan in County Waterford.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, sea-swimming surged as a liberating escape from lockdowns in Ireland. Mobile saunas emerged as a popular post-pandemic addition, according to Deirdre Flavin, who operates several along the Waterford coast, towing them to beaches by car.
“The market is growing steadily, awareness is spreading, and people are relishing the experience and returning for more,” Flavin remarked, highlighting the health benefits and the refuge these cozy havens provide in Ireland’s unpredictable weather.
Further down the southern coast in County Cork, sauna-goers praised the activity for stress relief and post-sport recovery.
“A lot of the lads in the hurling team enjoy combining water and sauna sessions—it’s become a team ritual,” said 20-year-old student Rory O’Callaghan, referring to the traditional Irish field sport.
Bronwyn Connolly, a sauna owner, found relief from arthritis by using a small barrel sauna on Garrettstown beach during pandemic closures.
“The sauna and cold water eased my pain. A plunge in the sea after sweating just washes away worries,” Connolly shared, highlighting the therapeutic benefits.
As interest grew among sports teams and corporate groups, Connolly designed a larger sauna, fostering a social atmosphere where friends and strangers can gather.
According to operators, this trend reflects an ancient Irish sauna culture dating back to the 1600s—a tradition of “sweathouses” that faded in the early 20th century.
Yoga instructor Carol Ni Stasaigh and her husband, Dara Kissane, named their sea sauna “Sweathouse” on the County Wexford coast, paying homage to ancient practices.
“In ancient times, people used saunas for medicinal, religious, or even hallucinogenic purposes,” Ni Stasaigh explained, emphasizing the modern focus on hot-cold therapy and endorphin release.
Reflecting on her sauna experience, Sharon Fidgeon cherished the connection to Irish heritage.
“It’s an old Irish tradition. It’s magical and quite close to my heart,” Fidgeon remarked, embodying the revival of a cherished Irish practice.
