It all began in 2001, with cousin Aidan’s years of experience in Alaska and California sparking a dream. Inspired by traditional sweat lodges, he took the lead in building a communal space for relaxation and connection.
Our first sweat lodge was a team effort, constructed in just half a day. Foraging through the woods, we gathered willows and hazel branches to create a sturdy, albeit unconventional, structure. Blue tarpaulin and plastic covers formed its exterior, lending it a rustic charm (or so we told ourselves).
Outside, rocks were heated on the barbecue and carefully transported in a metal bucket to the lodge’s center. Steam billowed as water met the hot stones, creating a basic but deeply fulfilling experience. We loved the sense of conviviality that came with our makeshift sauna, and the idea of creating something more permanent started to take root.
Inspiration from Irish History
As we dreamed of a more enduring structure, we turned to the past, studying the Irish Sweat Houses. These ancient spaces were scattered across the poorest parts of counties like Fermanagh, Leitrim, and Cavan.
Irish Sweat Houses were small, beehive-shaped stone structures with “creep” entrances, often blocked with peat-turf or clothing to retain heat. Built against banks or rising ground, they could accommodate only three or four people at a time. Fires burned inside for up to 24 hours, heating the stones thoroughly.
Though we admired the history and ritualistic nature of these structures, recreating one felt daunting. Lacking the necessary skills and resources, we shifted focus to something both practical and inspired.
Lockdown and a Blossoming Dream
With no electricity near the lake and a commitment to sustainability, we gravitated toward wood-fired saunas. Nordic countries, known for embedding saunas in wilderness landscapes, inspired us. The idea of a sauna nestled in our forest on the shores of Lough Macnean, fueled by wood from our land, was irresistible.
Still, I had my doubts. Traditional saunas had always felt claustrophobic to me—dim, cramped, and stifling. But then, we stumbled upon a Lithuanian company offering beehive-shaped, wood-fired saunas with panoramic windows. That was the moment everything clicked.
The Arrival of Our Sauna
In February 2020, just weeks before the lockdown, our sauna arrived and we set down to work.
It was everything we’d envisioned: a cocoon-like sanctuary with a view of Lough Macnean and Thur Mountain in County Leitrim.
Today, sitting inside, I feel a profound sense of peace. The panoramic window frames the ever-changing lake, from serene stillness to stormy drama. The heat envelopes me as I soak in the landscape, punctuating the experience with invigorating dips in the lake.
The sauna feels especially magical during storms, when the contrast between the cozy warmth inside and the raging elements outside is electrifying. Every visit brings a renewed sense of awe, and our customers feel the same way.
Sauna bathing offers a variety of health benefits, including:
- Stress relief: Saunas help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
- Better circulation: The heat from saunas increases heart rate, promoting improved circulation.
- Healthier skin: Regular sauna use can leave your skin feeling softer and more hydrated.
- Muscle relaxation: Saunas are effective for easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.
- And much more…
For additional details, visit: Sauna Health Benefits.
A Sauna Like No Other
What started as a communal sweat lodge has become a unique, cherished space that combines history, nature, and sustainability. Our sauna is more than just a place to relax—it’s a way to reconnect with the landscape, with tradition, and with ourselves.
If you ever find yourself on the shores of Lough Macnean, come experience it for yourself. We promise: you won’t get tired of the view.
