6 Great Saunas in the West of Ireland
Sea swimming has exploded in popularity across Ireland in recent years, but let’s be honest, diving into the Atlantic can still be a serious test of willpower, even in the sunniest weather. What makes the whole experience a little easier to face? Knowing there’s a warm, wood-fired sauna waiting for you afterwards to melt away the chill.
From lifting your mood to pain relief and improved blood circulation, sauna sessions aren’t just good for your body, they’re becoming a social staple too. More and more people are swapping pub nights for wellness rituals, and honestly, we’re all for it.
Just like the rise of coffee vans and food trucks, saunas are popping up all along the coast, offering a warm escape with stunning sea views. Here are a few of our favourites in the west of Ireland.
Driftwood Sauna, Spiddal
Tucked into a peaceful spot on the Atlantic near Spiddal, Driftwood is all about making sauna culture accessible and inclusive. It's not just about the heat, it's about community. In fact, it’s the only Irish sauna to have picked up an award at the 2024 UK & Ireland Sauna Industry Awards, which says a lot about the atmosphere they’ve built.
Looking for something unique? Driftwood hosts monthly guided sauna ritual sessions, including traditional Thermal Leaf Whisking, a holistic experience that goes far beyond your average sauna visit.
Power Saunas, Silverstrand, Galway
Right beside the beach at Silverstrand, Power Saunas gives you the perfect opportunity to dip in and out of the sea between rounds in the heat.
Their wood-fired sauna brings that classic, earthy warmth with the soft crackle of firewood and gentle, even heat that feels more natural than an electric heater.
They offer monthly memberships for €90, which includes daily access, or you can drop in for a 55-minute session at €17.
The Sauna at Fernwood, Clifden
Whether you're there to switch off completely or adventure around the beauty of Connemara, Fernwood is a magical place to stay, and their sauna is the cherry on top.
Designed by award-winning architects and hand-built by local craftspeople, it sits on stilts, nestled in the trees beside popular swimming spot the Salt Lake.
Sessions run at a toasty 75–80°C, with a refreshing, river-fed plunge pool waiting right outside. One hour here and you'll leave feeling reset and ready for a deep, restful sleep in one of Fernwood's cosy luxury treehouses.
Sauna Fiáin, Renville Pier, Oranmore
Sauna Fiáin is about much more than just sweating it out. Their mission is to bring people together, year-round and in all weather, to connect with nature and each other through hot/cold therapy, breathwork, movement, and mindfulness.
Their dry, Finnish-style wood-fired sauna is hand-built by local artisans and sits proudly at Renville Pier along the Wild Atlantic Way. If you’re in Galway and fancy a fresh take on your weekend wellness routine, this one’s worth a visit.
The Wild Atlantic Sauna, Old Head Beach, Mayo
Planning a weekend hike up Croagh Patrick or heading up to Mayo to discover some new west of Ireland hidden gems? Don’t miss a stop at The Wild Atlantic Sauna.
Originally launched on the shores of Clew Bay, their popularity has grown so much they’ve even set up in Dublin as Sláinte Saunas. But it all started at Old Head Beach, where their 8-person wood-fired barrel sauna sits with sea access at all tides and sweeping views of Croagh Patrick. There’s even a coffee trailer on site, making this a dreamy post-swim wind-down.
Whether you’re new to saunas or already a dedicated fan, there’s something deeply grounding about warming up by the sea, especially when it’s paired with a bracing swim and a view of the wild Atlantic.
Connemara Seaweed Baths, Clifden
If sea swimming isn't your thing but the idea of a rejuvenating sauna experience sounds appealing, head to Connemara Seaweed Baths in Clifden. While their signature offering is the luxurious seaweed bath experience, they also boast an exquisite thermal suite overlooking Clifden Harbour. After braving the outdoor plunge pool you can unwind in a traditional sauna, steam room, or the outdoor jacuzzi, all while soaking in the views.
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