I tried hot pods and mobile saunas around Ireland — and found out why they're so popular

"They are all unique because of the beaches they are located at, and it can be a reason for going on road trips during the Summer and Winter months."

Sat, 25 May, 2024 - 18:00

Yvonne Reddin

The rise and popularity of ‘hot pods’ or mobile saunas around Ireland is enough to make you wonder what the fuss is about.

As an avid sea swimmer/dipper, I regularly use the many hot pods around Ireland on my travels.

They are all unique because of the beaches they are located at, and it can be a reason for going on road trips during the Summer and Winter months.

So, why are they in demand? It isn’t a lifestyle just for sea swimmers, their customers vary because of the wellbeing and social benefits.

Fitness clubs are also incorporating the use of saunas as part of their team’s fitness training.

I chatted with some of the people who have set them up but there are many more emerging around our beautiful landscape.

Rory Murphy is based in Youghal and his business is called My Hotspot Sauna.

Rory shares his story. “I set up My Hot Spot Sauna two years ago as we came out of the covid era in Ireland. I was inspired by fellow sauna owners Steve Crosbie who owns Fad Saoil Sauna in Greystones and Bronwyn Connolly who owns Wilder Sauna in Kinsale, both of whom are trailblazers when it comes to sauna therapy in Ireland. The concept of sauna therapy has exploded in Ireland over the last year with new saunas popping up along the coastline of Ireland.

“I saw the potential to start and grow a sauna community here in Youghal, based around a healthy new lifestyle option and felt that sauna therapy was the next big thing in Ireland. I wanted to provide a space here in East Cork that enabled the local community to experience sauna therapy and all the incredible social and health benefits that sauna therapy offers. My Hot Spot can cater for between 6-8 people, we have two whiskey barrels for our cold plunge experience, an outdoor cold rainfall shower and a covered changing area.

“I am a Paramedic with The National Ambulance Service and setting up My Hot Spot was a way to enjoy my downtime from the daily stress of a full-time job as a paramedic. The two are complete opposites and the sauna provides a lovely way to destress from the real job to meet and chat with so many different people on a weekly basis. It is incredible to hear the laughter from inside the sauna and it is a real pleasure to see people enjoying themselves and de-stressing while doing something healthy all while overlooking a stunning seaside view. Demand has been incredible. The health benefits of regular sauna use are incredible with scientific studies showing that regular sauna use reduces blood pressure, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, reduces the risk of stroke and helps to reduce stress levels.”

Cocoon Sauna, Donegal. Photo: Niall O'Byrne

Claire and Eli set up their mobile sauna, Cocoon, on the picturesque Portnablagh pier in Dunfanaghy, Donegal.

Perfectly situated beside steps into the sea where you can dip in and out at your session.

Clare says, “Our sauna adventure began two years ago down in Cork City. We started going to the Happy Place Sauna at Fountainstown Beach to reset on the weekends. After our first sauna session, we felt so nourished and were completely blown away by the experience. We felt the physical and mental health benefits immediately. Our spirits were lifted, we were sleeping better, our skin was glowing and we connected with others in a nurturing environment. From there the seed was planted - we would escape the city, buy a sauna, and move to Donegal - a place rich in natural beauty, and where sauna culture had not yet reached.

"After a winter of searching for the perfect location for our sauna, we found Portnablagh Pier. Sauna bathers can soak up the heat while witnessing the wild Atlantic Ocean, with a backdrop of stunning Horn Head. We launched Cocoon Sauna on Easter weekend 2023 and have been warmly welcomed into the local community. The sauna itself has created its own community made up of people from all walks of life. So many connections have been made and we get so much joy out of hearing the laughter inside the sauna and seeing the smiles on people’s faces when people finish their sessions.”

On a visit to the Hodson Bay Hotel, I decided to take a sunrise dip in the lake. It was a frosty, December morning and the grass crunched as I made my way into the lake. I noticed a mobile sauna pull up and get ready for the swimmers that came along to dip too. Graham Hendricks and Eamon Gleeson set up ‘Áit Sona’ Sauna which means happy place in Irish. It’s the name given to two sauna locations, one in Shannon Bridge Co. Offaly and the other at Hodson Bay, Athlone.

Graham shared how he and Eamon met and began their business, “The merging of our stories—Eamon’s discovery of the transformative health benefits of regular sauna use and my conviction in the power of contrast therapy — formed the foundation of Contrast Wellness. Together, we envisioned a space where the community could gather, not just to partake in wellness practices but to connect, share and grow. Ait Sona represents this vision; a sanctuary where the physical meets the mental, where well-being is nurtured and where everyone is welcome to find their slice of Wellness.

“In essence, Contrast Wellness is more than a destination; it’s a journey we embarked on together, fuelled by personal revelations and a shared mission to bring a piece of our passions to the Midlands. It’s a testament to the idea that wellness thrives in community, in the beautiful, open landscapes of Ireland and within the hearts of those who seek it. There’s something shifting in Ireland – a movement towards self-care and exploration of health in new ways. It’s also about the experience, stepping away from screens, soaking in nature and sharing moments with others or enjoying solitude.

"After a session, there’s this incredible feeling of refreshment, a sense of reset that’s hard to put into words. It’s this unique combination that’s drawing more people to embrace sauna culture. The variety of people who walk through them is amazing. From athletes finding recovery space to celebrities like Robbie Henshaw and Tom Grennan seeking a quiet moment, families enjoying time together, to individuals across the spectrum of life, including an inspiring 83-year-old who joined us for a dip and a sauna.”

Culdaff Beach, where Oceanwaves Sauna is located

This wellness space that people all over Ireland are craving and nurturing has created many new businesses for locals, including Clodagh Lafferty in Culdaff, Donegal. Oceanwaves Sauna is Clodagh’s business, she said she saw a gap for the local swimmers to have a focal point and also to encourage people who are normally not as keen to swim in the cold sea, to use the sauna as a way of getting into the Atlantic ocean a lot easier.

Clodagh says, “I always sea swam as a child. I picked up sea swimming again when I got older, through a local girl who started a sea swimming group during Covid and I met a great bunch of swimmers at Culdaff Beach. As a mother of two and running my own business, the cold water dipping was my downtime after a busy day. I am a massage and sports therapist and know the amazing health benefits that not only come from sea dipping but the extra health boosts that come from a sauna.

"It’s also a great way of making new friends and having a healthier social life. One of the main reasons I set it up was to bring the community together. Also, it’s a great addition for the area, for locals and visitors to the area, as Inishowen needs to be put on the map for its outstanding beauty.”

From Donegal to Kerry and anywhere there is a beach close by, you may see queues of people in dry robes or hear screams of icy joy, with people running down steps and into the sea. It certainly brings a smile to rosy red faces and creates an outlet for people to socialise and embrace the sea. The hot pod revolution is increasing each Summer and Irish people are reaping the benefits of this innovative wellness era.