Side view of a mobile barrel sauna, in situ at The Catholes Falls, in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, near Glamping Under The Stars. The reddish brown wooden sauna unit is visible at the front left of the image. Smoke swirls out of the little metal chimney. A grassy area and picnic bench are in view to the right of the image, and there are large, dark green, shaggy pine trees in the background.

Sunday is Sauna Day in the Slieve Bloom Mountains

Wild swimming in the Slieve Bloom Mountains just got even better!

Did you know that Sunday is Sauna Day in the Slieve Bloom Mountains? You might have already heard about the beautiful, natural pools at The Catholes Falls, (especially if you’ve been following our blogs & social media posts!). But now, every Sunday, you’ll also find ‘Dan the Sauna Man’ and his mobile ‘barrel’ sauna, ‘An Bairille Beatha’, (Barrel of Life), parked up next to the popular wild swimming spot.

Dan, an enthusiastic sauna user himself, hails from nearby Killenard in Co. Laois. He discovered the beautiful wild swimming pools on a trip to visit friends, and quickly realised a sauna would be a welcome addition for Sunday swimmers in the Slieves.

Now, the sauna experience has a devoted following of regulars. You’ll find Dan – and his barrel sauna – at The Catholes from 7.15 am to 5.15pm every Sunday – ready for brave dippers and sauna users.

Why are saunas so hot right now?

Many studies have shown that regular sauna use can offer a range of health & wellness benefits, including everything from boosting circulation and the immune system to alleviating stiffness and muscle pain.

New Saunas in Laois

Sauna culture is heating up across Ireland, and Laois is no exception. We now have several new saunas (as well as the O.G. Sauna Man at The Catholes).

Click here for more info on other Saunas in Laois

an interior view of the barrel sauna in situ at The Cathomes Falls in the Slieve Bloom Mountains near Glamping Under The Stars. Pale coloured pine wood lines the tube shaped sauna interior. Wooden benches are visible. At the rear of the image, we can see out through a circular glass window, the full height of the sauna unit. In front of it, a wood burning stove is glowing. Behind, grass, trees and a wild swimmer wrapped in a towel are just visible.

Why is wild swimming so cool right now?

Wild swimming or cold dipping has become very popular in Ireland (and all over Europe) in recent years. A yearning to get outside and connect with nature is surely part of it. Scientific studies have also shown that cold water immersion can improve muscle recovery after exercise, reduce pain & inflammation, and increase circulation. (As always, take care when wild swimming. See www.watersafety.ie for safe swimming tips).

From a wellbeing point of view, wild swimmers mention the mood boosting effects of cold water, and even experience feelings of euphoria afterwards (maybe the joy of getting out?!).

The image show the main pool at The Catholes Falls in the Slieve Blooms near Glamping Under The Stars in Co. Laois. The white water of the waterfall is cascading over rocks into the natural pool where two lady swimmers are visible. Large rocks & a yellow furze flowers frame the image

Sunday Sauna Details:

The sauna is at The Catholes Falls in the Slieve Bloom mountains every Sunday.
It operates 7.15 am to 5.15pm.
The sauna fits a maximum of 8 people at a time.
You can book a 45 minute sauna slot with Dan for €15.
Due to popular demand, advance booking is recommended.

Glamper’s Tips: Bring a towel, a dry robe, (if you have one), and a refillable water bottle (for sustainable refreshment!). You might bring some hot coffee or hot choccie to warm yourself up if you’re planning to take a dip. Or call to The Falls at Glenbarrow Cafe (located at nearby Glenbarrow Falls in the Slieve Blooms).

Where to stay?

Glamping Under The Stars is located 30 minutes’ drive from The Catholes Falls in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Click through for: More Saunas Near Glamping Under The Stars…

A woman, (Kyra Fingleton from Glamping Under The Stars), gets into the lower Catholes Falls wild swimming pool for a swim. The fast flowing waterfall surges into the pool behind her over the rocks, as she looks up to take in the beautiful nature around her.

Kyra & Barry love a sauna and a cold dip

Both Kyra & Barry, (owners of Glamping Under The Stars), are sauna enthusiasts. Barry converted the downstairs loo into a sauna during lockdown, and there is a cattle trough of cold water in the garden for the cold dips. (Yes, really!). Kyra loves a bit of wild swimming, and swims at The Catholes whenever possible.

So do feel free to ask us any questions you might have about sauna use or wild swimming in Laois if you’re thinking of trying it.

How To Book

Sauna: If you’d like to book a sauna slot at The Catholes with Dan the Sauna Man, check out his website and tell him we sent you! Call Dan on: 087 934 0545, or see: mobilesaunas.ie

Stay: If you’d like to combine a Sunday Sauna with a stay at Glamping Under The Stars, you can book here: www.glampingunderthestars.ie

Retreat Venue: Did you know you can hire one of our glampsites as a private retreat space?

If you are a yoga teacher or wellness practitioner looking for somewhere to hold a retreat, our glampsites could be perfect for you & your clients.

It’s quiet, cosy, beautiful, & surrounded by nature.

Contact Kyra for more details: kyra@glampingunderthestars.ie

Click here for more info on Walks, Hikes, & Wild Swimming in the Slieve Bloom Mountains

Click here for more Saunas Near Glamping Under The Stars

Click here for Where to Eat, Drink, & Explore in Lovely Laois