Back in February 2024, I launched the Instagram account @irishseasaunas to document the many unique and inspiring saunas I came across during my travels around Ireland. Like many others, I had taken up sea swimming during the pandemic, and soon I started noticing saunas appearing along our beaches. My curiosity was sparked.
Mapping the saunas of Ireland
While researching sauna culture, I discovered @saunaculturescotland, who had created a Google Map showcasing the growing number of saunas popping up across Scotland. It struck me that Ireland needed something similar. Inspired by their initiative, I created the Irish Sea Saunas Google Map, which officially launched in July 2024 with around 50 saunas pinned.
Since then, the map has grown steadily. As more people began sharing their favorite sauna spots, I continued adding to it—and today, the map features around 155 saunas across the island.
The idea for Sauna Finder
As the @irishseasaunas page gained traction, the number of visits to the Google Map surged. Over the past year, the map has received more than 25,500 views, proving that there’s a real appetite for a dedicated sauna directory in Ireland.
It became clear that people weren’t just browsing casually—they were using the map to plan sauna stops on their coastal adventures or find local spots to unwind after a sea swim.
Introducing: Sauna Finder Directory
The natural next step in this journey is the launch of the Sauna Finder Directory—an extension of the @irishseasaunas Instagram and Google Map.
This directory is a curated, searchable list of saunas across Ireland. Every time I discover a new one, it gets added. And now, sauna owners can submit their details directly to be included, making it even easier for enthusiasts to find and support local sauna businesses.
Whether you’re a seasoned sea swimmer, a wellness enthusiast, or just sauna-curious, the Sauna Finder Directory aims to be your go-to resource for exploring the growing sauna culture around Ireland.
Author: Sauna Finder Ireland
Coordinator of Sauna Finder Ireland