‘Healthy addiction’: Sea saunas are back in vogue in Ireland

NEW DELHI: Mobile saunas are making waves in Ireland following a surge in sea swimming following the Covid 19 lockdown, with some calling it a ‘healthy addiction’ while others turn to it for health benefits.

Of her experience, Sharon Fidgeon, a regular visitor to beach saunas, told AFP: “Once you’re up to your neck in the sea, the endorphins in your body really activate.”

“And thanks to the sauna here I can stay in the sea a little longer,” she added.

According to Deirdre Flavin, who maintains numerous mobile saunas along the Waterford coast and tows them to the beaches by car, they became a post-Covid “add-on”.

“The market is growing and growing steadily, awareness is spreading and people are enjoying the experience and coming back for more,” Flavin told AFP.

“People can now swim in the sea more comfortably all year round as they can warm up their body cores after the swim,” she added.

Speaking about how saunas helped her with arthritis, Bronwyn Connolly said: “I was struggling with a lot of pain, and the sauna and cold water eased the pain. A dip in the sea after building up a sweat seems to wash away all the pain. “.

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“It’s really becoming a social affair, where friends or even strangers can meet up. Irish people are moving towards less alcohol-driven things and more wellbeing-driven things,” Connolly added.

Yoga instructor Carol Ni Stasaigh calls it an “ancient Irish tradition”, telling AFP: “In ancient times, people would have turned to it for medicinal, religious or even hallucinogenic purposes.”

“It’s an old Irish tradition. It’s really beautiful to be part of something that’s old and Irish. It’s magical and close to my heart,” she added.