Tom Connolly, owner of Sona Sauna in Ceann Tra/Ventry, Co Kerry, has seen a surge in sauna attendance since opening in March 2024. The wood-fired barrel sauna, inspired by Lithuanian tradition, offers a 'back to basics' experience and is popular among sea swimmers. Connolly highlights the physical and mental health benefits of sauna usage, including stress relief and hangover recovery.
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.
Sauna attendance is an on upward trend, especially when combined with the popularity of sea swimming. Mr Connolly said sauna usage has a range of health benefits associated with heat-shock protein development.READ MORE: Drying clothes inside could be harming your health - here's how to fix it for just €1.50
However, Mr Connolly said that he “really missed” having access to a sauna when he arrived in Dingle as he was used to going to one after a sea swim several times a week in Dublin. Sona Sauna is located in the heart of the Gaeltacht, but Mr Connolly admits he had a very low level of Irish when he started the business. However, he said he made a concerted effort to learn Irish over the last year, adding: “I speak Irish every day now, it has improved to a level it has never been before. Everyone has been super friendly and accommodating.”
On a fresh, frosty, windless morning under clear blue skies, Mr Connolly said he has become a “sabshsai” – an Irish word for a person who works outdoors in all weather.
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