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15th October 2025
12:29pm BST
Sarah McKenna
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland.ie
As we settle into the cooler weather of autumn, now is the perfect opportunity to take some time for our bodies and minds with a reset on your next getaway. Truthfully, we struggle to think of a better way to relax than with some wild swimming and a warm sauna afterwards.
Ireland's Ancient East is dotted with glorious swimming spots, plunge pools and saunas, offering you that feeling of rejuvenation on your next short break.
To set you up for ultimate relaxation on your next getaway, we've put together some great spots for a dip and a steam. Plus, we've highlighted some of our favourite nearby places for food and drink so you can pepper your short break with visits to bars and restaurants.
No trip to Wexford is complete without a dip in the sea at one of its beautiful beaches, and with stretches of golden sand, Kilmore Beach is one of the finest in the sunny south-east. Take a dive into the cool waters here, and afterwards enjoy a brisk walk to the harbour and warm up at Saltee Sauna. The wood-fired saunas here were designed and crafted in Scandinavia, so you’re guaranteed an authentic experience to recharge your body and mind – an ideal way to boost your health during the colder months.
Ramble to the picturesque fishing village of Kilmore Quay and pop into Cocoa’s Coffee Shop & Kitchen for a warming brew, some restorative avocado toast and a sweet treat for dessert. When evening comes, round off your day with a visit to Kehoe’s Pub and Parlour, a nautical themed bar with plenty of hearty local dishes on the menu – the perfect setting to cosy up on a chilly autumn night.
Waterford makes for a great autumn getaway, and the village of Clonea offers the perfect reset for body and mind. Head to Clonea and, after taking in the cool air while walking the long sandy crescent of Clonea Beach, enjoy a fresh, rejuvenating sea swim at this beautiful spot. Once you’ve awakened your senses with a plunge, relax, unwind and warm-up with a well-earned steam in The Hot Pod. At this sauna, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of the Waterford coastline in the soft autumn light.
After your session, treat yourself with a toasty beverage and something sweet from The Railway Cottage. A day at the sea also warrants time spent warming up in cosy surrounds, so in the evening, call in to The Local in Dungarvan, and settle in for a night of tasty food and live music sessions.
Get your blood pumping and shake off those cobwebs on your next trip to Wicklow with an autumn swim and sauna session in Greystones. Stroll along the South Beach before dipping into the sea, and head to Fad Saoil for a recuperating sauna session. In addition to the wood-burning Finnish sauna service, there is also a cold waterfall facility to cool off in.
Emerge from Fad Saoil feeling refreshed and stroll to Greystones town where you can cosy up with a hot cup of coffee and a cinnamon swirl from Scéal Bakery – the ideal combination on a cool day. During your Wicklow getaway, head to the neighbouring town of Delgany, and feast your eyes on the surrounding foliage which will be alive with the colours of autumn. Then, finish off with a drink by the fire at the Horse and Hound, Delgany.
Escape to the woods on your next short break by including a trip to Woodfield in Carlow. This estate is surrounded by wildflowers and tranquil woodlands, making it the ideal spot to connect with nature. Book a session in the Woodfield sauna and feel those muscles relax and unwind. Afterwards, cool down in the wooden plunge pool and then finish your Woodfield experience with a walk across the grounds.
You'll emerge from the sauna and plunge pool energised, so journey to Carlow Town and enjoy a meal at Lemongrass Restaurant, an Asian restaurant with both Japanese and Thai influences. Finish your evening off with a nightcap in Reddy's of Carlow, a nearby pub.
Before descending the steep steps to the sheltered cove of Baginbun in Co. Wexford, swing a left and pop into Sweathouse for a relaxing sauna session. Once you've had your fill of sauna time, head to the water for a dip in the sea, before finishing off with a walk along the beach, exploring the rock pools.
After a morning spent on the beach, visit the buzzy down of Fethard for lunch, coffee and a sweet treat in Grálinn. When evening rolls around, head to Neville's Bar and Kitchen for a traditional Irish dinner and a pint of plain.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next short break to Ireland's Ancient East today.
Brought to you by DiscoverIreland.ie
The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this autumn and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
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