Zwena ploughs a new furrow

Rose Martin reports on St Anne’s Hydro which has a rich history.

ONE of the first spas in Western Europe, the Hydropathic Baths at St Anne’s, Blarney, was founded in 1843 just as spa-mania hit the western world. Taking to the waters was the big health kick of the Victorian period and today the benefits of hydrotherapy are evidenced by the boom in spa treatment centres all over the country.

The Hydro at St Anne’s was founded by Dr Richard Barter, who created Turkish baths, swimmings pools and treatment baths form visitors from all over. The family farm, which they had owned since the 17th century, provided all the food for visitors and at one stage the Hydro was the largest employer in this area of Co Cork. The spa was purchased by the Quigley family in 1950 and ceased to be a treatment centre in 1952.