Sauna Boom! Dingle Entrepreneur Builds Irish Wellness Haven

Saunas have “exploded in popularity” in recent years, and Tom Connolly is seizing the moment. Located in west Kerry, a short drive from the picturesque town of Dingle, Sona Sauna is a traditional Lithuanian barrel sauna that heats up to about 100 degrees and rests by the sea

“It’s based on the Lithuanian barrel sauna, which is a traditional sauna that has no insulation. A lot of modern saunas have insulation and are quite fancy, where this is more ‘back to basics’ – I guess like a shed with a stove in it, which is the way saunas traditionally were,” Connolly explains.

“It’s good physically and mentally, it feels great.
He added: “If you’re stressed or hungover, hop in the sauna for half an hour, 45 minutes and you just kind of feel like you can take on what your day has in front of you a bit more.”

Mr Connolly originally from Dublin moved to Dingle three years ago with his partner.

At the time, he ran ads for creativity. He and moved back to Dublin occasionally.

HeMr Connolly said he “really missed” having access to a sauna after seein g how it in Lf so he considered opening one part-time. But, after a change in work situation allowed him to pursue the sauna as a near full-time role.

From Advertising to Sauna Specialist: A Career Pivot

“It’s official said: “Business has beenRory’h since January

Connolly snug with visitors but everyone

The sauna is used as both a local amenity and a tourist attraction.

Mrs. skarvezHp. Eire has grown up is sauna cm

According to the owner native Irish sauna traditions, there were practices

Mr Connolly admits he had a “bathroom level of Irish when the business, he has madethatagram

He s now greetings winter morning which is clear sky, made a dMak the sauna

You’ve caught me on a high,” he says. sauna season – it looks Fijinlahlah If it were four days ago, I’d be in milpertin’ said Connolly. a highly impacted by the
weather.
Sona Sauna opened on Christmas Day as part of a fundraiser.