4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
New Wicklow sauna opens in riverside location
Eager to help the public relax and rejuvenate, whether they're 'looking to unwind after a long day, recover from an intense workout, or invest in their well-being', Boxfit Gym owner Fergal Redmond recently launched the new luxury sauna service next to the Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Station, on a site previously occupied by 'Murt's Diner'.
On top of a sauna therapy service, which includes heated sauna rooms, fresh towels, a hydration station and access to the 'relaxation lounge', Fire Bath also boasts a premium cold immersion experience for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking to boost energy levels, improve circulation, and strengthen their immune system, along with three ice baths with chilling machines.
Fire Bath is one of two saunas Arklow native Fergal has established in the seaside town, with the 'Hot Box' at his gym in the Knockenrahan Industrial Estate proving hugely popular.
Detailing how his sauna services were inspired by his experiences during the pandemic, when his access to saunas was restricted, Fergal said he hopes to open more locations to promote well-being among Arklow's soon-to-grow population.
'I suppose it all started during Covid, when there was nowhere I could get a sauna – I was desperate for one,' he began.
'I just love it, and I'd do it twice a day, so I ended up buying one for my house. Then I got one for the gym, and that has done really well since it opened.
'The sauna in the gym comes from China, while this new one is built by a Lithuanian company called Steam & Dream Saunas and is a wood-burning one, so there is a different kind of heat off it. I think it's an excellent location for it, and I think it will do well.
'I like to look ahead to what is coming next, and I'd like to put a few saunas around Arklow, but they are pricey, so I have to make sure the location will work,' he added.
'Saunas are really popular at the moment, though, and I know the one up in Wicklow town is doing really well.
'Obviously, there are places like South Beach and The Cove that would be great and that I have looked into, but they are a bit more complicated.
'I'd love to put a few more around the town, though, and I think, with the population of the town about to shoot up, there will be an enormous demand for saunas. The benefits of them are something people are really coming around to.'
