The History and Culture of Saunas in Ireland and Beyond
- Ghetto Smurf
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Saunas have long been celebrated as places of warmth, healing, and community. While many people associate the practice with Finland, the use of heat and steam as a ritual and therapy spans across cultures and centuries.
From ancient Celtic sweat traditions to modern wood-fired saunas along Ireland’s coast, the sauna is much more than a wellness trend, it is a timeless human tradition that connects us to the elements of fire, water, and air.
At Myhaven in Oysterhaven, we honour this legacy by combining traditional heat practices with Ireland’s stunning natural settings, offering an experience that feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern.
History and culture of saunas in Ireland
Discover the history and culture of saunas in Ireland and beyond. Let's explore Celtic sweat houses, Finnish traditions, and the revival of outdoor saunas at Myhaven Oysterhaven.
Ancient Sauna Traditions
The Finnish Sauna
Finland is considered the birthplace of the modern sauna, with traditions dating back over 2,000 years. The sauna was not just a place to relax but also a sacred space used for healing, childbirth, and spiritual rituals. It was believed that the steam, known as löyly, carried a spiritual essence, cleansing both body and soul.
The Celtic Sweat Houses
Ireland and Scotland have their own unique history of sweat houses, small stone structures heated with fire and steam. Used widely from the 17th to 19th centuries, they were believed to aid recovery from rheumatism, fever, and skin conditions. These sweat houses mirrored the communal and therapeutic aspects of saunas elsewhere in Europe.
Global Heat Traditions
Across the world, many cultures developed their own versions of the sauna:
The Native American Sweat Lodge – used for purification and spiritual ceremonies.
The Roman Thermae – grand bathhouses blending hot and cold bathing for health and leisure.
The Russian Banya – combining heat, cold immersion, and birch branches (venik) for circulation and cleansing.
This global connection shows the universality of hot-and-cold therapy as part of human wellness history.
The Revival of Saunas in Ireland
In recent years, Ireland has seen a cultural resurgence in outdoor saunas, particularly by the sea. This revival connects ancient Celtic practices with modern wellness movements. Mobile, wood-fired saunas, like those at Myhaven, offer an opportunity to embrace the elements, alternating between the heat of the sauna and the cold of the Atlantic.
This revival reflects a wider return to natural, sustainable ways of caring for the body and mind, echoing traditions that have been with humanity for centuries.
The Spiritual and Cultural Meaning of Saunas
Throughout history, saunas have been more than physical therapy, they’ve been sacred spaces for reflection, community, and renewal.
Cleansing Rituals: Saunas symbolise purification, both physically and spiritually.
Connection to Nature: Fire, water, and air are all present in the sauna experience.
Community Bonding: In many cultures, saunas were central to social and family life.
Today, this meaning continues. At Myhaven, guests often describe the experience as grounding, reconnecting them to themselves and the natural world around Oysterhaven.
Why the Sauna is More Popular Than Ever
Modern science now confirms what ancient cultures already knew: sauna use supports cardiovascular health, reduces stress, improves sleep, and strengthens the immune system. Combined with Ireland’s spectacular coastal settings, the sauna experience is both timeless and timely.
Conclusion
From Celtic sweat houses to Finnish steam rituals, the sauna is a cultural tradition that transcends borders and generations. Its revival in Ireland speaks to a growing desire to reconnect with the natural world and with ourselves. At Myhaven Oysterhaven, we carry this ancient tradition forward, blending fire, water, and community in a truly Irish setting.
FAQs
1. Did Ireland have a sauna tradition?
Yes, Ireland had stone-built sweat houses used for healing and relaxation, similar to saunas in other cultures.
2. What is the difference between a Finnish sauna and a Celtic sweat house?
The Finnish sauna is typically wooden and uses hot stones with steam, while Celtic sweat houses were stone huts heated by fires and embers.
3. Why are outdoor saunas becoming popular in Ireland again?
They connect people with nature, offer wellness benefits, and revive ancient Celtic traditions of fire and steam healing.
4. What health benefits are linked to saunas?
Studies show regular sauna use supports heart health, reduces stress, aids muscle recovery, and boosts immunity.
5. Can I experience a sauna by the sea in Ireland?
Yes, Myhaven in Oysterhaven offers a traditional wood-fired sauna by the Atlantic, combining ancient tradition with a stunning modern setting.
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