Super Saunas

Saunas have “exploded in popularity” in recent years, according to one small business owner.

Tom Connolly has been running a sauna in west Kerry since March 2024 after identifying a gap in the market along the scenic coastline.

Sona Sauna is a wood-fired barrel sauna that heats up to about 100 degrees and is based by the sea in Ceann Tra/Ventry, a few minutes outside Dingle, Co Kerry.

“It’s based on the Lithuanian barrel sauna, which is a traditional sauna that has no insulation.

“A lot of modern saunas would have insulation and be quite fancy, where this is kind of more ‘back to basics’ – I guess like a shed with a stove in it, which is the way saunas traditionally were.”

Sauna attendance is on an upward trend, especially when combined with the popularity of sea swimming. These warm cosy wooden barrels sure do make for a great investment!