SAUNA HOT SPOTS

WARM WELCOME AS WE TRY OUT TRENDY HEAT RETREATS

- BY BARBARA MCCARTHY

I LOVE saunas, barrell-style, wood-fired or mobile, they're everywhere lately: beaches, city centres, woodlands, back yards, social spots.

Sauna culture has exploded in Ireland in the past year, in a trend likely sparked by our love of sea swimming.

It's estimated there are over 130 outdoor saunas alone dotted around the country.

The sauna is sociable, good for your health and improves the Irish winter by a mile.

You can be in the middle of a rainstorm, icy winds, sitting in a sauna and looking out through the window cosy as custard, delighted with life.

I'll even jump into the sea gladly, knowing a warm sauna is waiting to hug me.

I tried out a country sauna in the hills and lakes of Louth, and a city spot in the Dublin suburbs to find out why it's become such a phenomenon.

First I went up to Carlingford to visit Saunas With Soul, founded by local entrepreneur Philip Woods.

It's located at the Irish Folklore Park, at the foothills of the Cooley mountains overlooking beautiful Carlingford Lough.

You can go for a hike, followed by a swim and a nice warm up in the sauna.