A wood-fired barrel sauna at dusk with smoke rising from its chimney, above the sea at Howth

Balscadden Bay · Howth · Co. Dublin

Wood-fired sauna & cold plunge in Howth

Sit by a real fire, plunge into the cold, and watch the sea. 60-minute sessions above Balscadden Bay.

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4.9 rating on Google out of 5 (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Heat, cold and the view

Recover, reset, repeat.

Two simple ingredients, used together. Here's what each one does and why so many people come back for more.

View from inside the barrel sauna: the wood stove glows in the foreground and the sea and Ireland's Eye fill the window

🔥 The heat

A real wood-fired sauna

A traditional barrel sauna warmed by a wood stove. The heat is soft, steady and properly enveloping, with room for up to 8 people on the benches.

How it helps your recovery

  • Eases tight muscles. Warmth helps muscles relax and stiff joints loosen after training or a long week.
  • Boosts circulation. Your heart rate rises and blood vessels widen, a bit like light exercise.
  • Calms the mind. Phones stay outside. Many people feel noticeably more relaxed and sleep better afterwards.
  • Builds a healthy ritual. Regular sauna use is linked in studies with better heart health and general wellbeing.
🌊 Sea views

Look out over Balscadden Bay to Ireland's Eye, the Martello Tower and Howth Harbour. Watching the water is half the therapy.

The barrel sauna and a wooden cold plunge tub in the sunshine, with the sea and Ireland's Eye beyond

🧊 The cold

Cold plunge, right beside it

Step from the heat straight into the cold plunge. It's short, sharp and surprisingly addictive.

How it helps your recovery

  • Soothes sore muscles. Cold water is popular with athletes because it can reduce soreness and swelling after hard sessions.
  • Wakes you up. The cold triggers a rush of alertness and a natural mood lift that lasts long after you're dry.
  • Trains calm under stress. Learning to breathe slowly in the cold builds resilience you can use everywhere else.
  • Gives contrast. Alternating hot and cold leaves your legs light and your skin tingling.

A simple recovery round

  1. Heat10 to 15 minutes
  2. Cold plunge1 to 3 minutes
  3. Rest5 to 10 minutes
  4. Repeat2 or 3 rounds

A common pattern, not a rule. Go at your own pace and get out whenever you need to. This is general wellbeing information, not medical advice. If you're pregnant or have a heart, blood pressure or other health condition, check with your doctor first.

Above Balscadden Bay

  • Up to 8 people in the sauna at a time
  • Sauna and cold plunge in one visit
  • Open six days a week
Book a session

Sessions & prices

One simple price.

€15 per person. The sauna fits up to 8 people. Session length is an example for this concept, to be confirmed by Wonky Sauna.

Sauna session

€15 per person

60 minutes in the sauna with a small group, plus the cold plunge. Come solo or bring friends.

  • Sauna and cold plunge included
  • Up to 8 people in the sauna
  • Book one space or several

How it works

Three easy steps.

  1. Book online

    Choose how many people, pick a day and time, and add your details. It takes about a minute.

  2. Arrive early

    Come 10 minutes before your slot with swimwear and a towel. Sessions start on time.

  3. Heat, plunge, repeat

    Sweat by the fire, cool off in the plunge, rest with the view, and go again as often as feels good.

Book online

Pick your time.

Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Sample availability, for demonstration only.

4.9 rating on Google out of 5 (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Find us

Above Balscadden Bay, Howth.

Wonky Sauna sits above Balscadden Bay Beach in Howth, close to the harbour. Look for the barrel sauna and the wood smoke.

Monday to Saturday
8:00 to 18:00
Sunday
Closed
Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Instagram (opens in a new tab)

What to bring

  • Swimwear and a towel
  • Flip-flops or sliders
  • A bottle of water
  • A warm layer for afterwards

Access

The sauna is on a coastal slope above the beach. If you need step-free access or have any mobility needs, please get in touch before booking so we can advise. (Details to be confirmed by Wonky Sauna.)

Good to know

Questions

How hot does it get?

It's a traditional wood-fired sauna, so the heat is soft and steady. Stay as long as feels good and step out whenever you need to.

How many people fit in the sauna?

Up to 8 people at a time, so shared sessions stay friendly but never crowded.

Is the cold plunge compulsory?

Not at all. Some guests stay for the heat alone. If you do plunge, breathe slowly and get out when you feel ready.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Yes. Cancel from "Your bookings" beside the booking form, then choose a new time.

Should I skip the sauna if I'm unwell?

If you're pregnant, have a heart or blood pressure condition, or feel unwell, check with your doctor first. Sauna and cold water aren't for everyone.

What should I wear?

Swimwear, and bring a towel and flip-flops. Take a warm layer for afterwards.

Ready for the heat?

Pick a time and we'll keep the fire going.

Book a session