Photography by Christos Celniku
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Lizzie Gore-Grimes has found a space to reconnect, reset, and just be where there’s no rush, no pressure, and gentle encouragement to follow what feels good.
I’ll be honest: when my eldest announced he was off to “this new sauna and plunge place in Dundrum” with his friends, my mind immediately conjured up images of a rustic timber hut further out, maybe closer to Rathfarnham, at the foot of the Dublin mountains. He described outdoor showers, fairy lights, and hardy souls braving the cold.
I certainly didn’t expect to find myself, just a day later, parking up on Dundrum main street, opposite Lidl, about to step into what felt like a secret, sun-warmed courtyard in the heart of this busy suburban town.
An urban oasis
There’s something quietly magical about slipping off a busy street and into another world, and this is exactly what happens, as Helios Sauna is tucked away behind an extended entrance way that doubles up as an outdoor café garden.
Rustic tables, pretty planting, and an inviting coffee hatch lure you in, and cleverly screen the sauna activity beyond.
Opening up to a biscuit-stone patio, there’s two generous timber-clad saunas (one wood-fired and one electric), with a pod of burnished copper outdoor showers in the middle, and a variety of plunge options around the perimeter.
There’s a stainless steel ice-bath for the diehards, six wooden barrel plunges kept at sea temperature (much more my style), and then a warm-water pool up a few steps.
But it’s the lovely old stone walls that they’ve left as is that really give the place that Roman Baths feel, and add to the charm, and the little mannequin pis dude too, of course.
Overall, it’s a very friendly vibe. On the evening I visited, there was a total mix of age groups and body types; there’s definitely no sense of anyone feeling self-conscious strolling around half-naked.
People drift between the sauna, plunge, and warm pool. There’s no rush, no pressure, just a gentle encouragement to follow what feels good.
“More people are looking for things to do that don’t involve drinking,” says co-founder Matt Burke, who began Helios Sauna with Mikolaj Piotrowsk in 2023. “They want to socialise, switch off, and look after themselves.”
“We see all kinds of people coming in: from students to older folks, gym heads, sea swimmers, and people just looking for a bit of peace. Evenings during the week are busiest, and weekends are flat out.”
“It’s not about being a health nut,” Matt laughs. “It’s a mix. Some are really into the health side, sure, but loads just want something different to do with their mates. It’s becoming a new way to catch up with people that isn’t sitting in a pub or staring at a screen.”
I brave the wood-fired sauna first, letting the warmth seep into my bones, before stepping out into the cooling evening air. The plunge barrels beckon. I lower myself in, gasping as the cold bites. It’s exhilarating, shocking, and then, suddenly, peaceful. My mind clears. I feel present.
“It helps your circulation, recovery, sleep, energy, the list goes on. But it’s not just about the physical benefits,” says Mikolaj. “There’s a mental shift that happens too. People come out clearer, calmer, and more present. It’s a proper reset.”
I leave feeling lighter, somehow, both physically and mentally. I can see why my son and his friends keep coming back. It’s a new kind of gathering, a space to reconnect, reset, and just be.
And yes, in the spirit of balance, I finish the night with a cold beer and a slice of pizza. Because sometimes, the best rituals are the ones that make you feel like yourself, but better.
Go everywhere with McWilliams
Seven reasons a McWilliam bag is your ultimate outdoor adventure companion this summer.
1. Made in Cork
Each McWilliam bag is meticulously handcrafted in Crosshaven, Co Cork, reflecting over 50 years of Irish sailmaking heritage and a commitment to quality and durability.
2. Sustainable to the core
McWilliam Bags prioritises sustainability by using eco-friendly materials, including plant-based PVC, and partners with organisations like Ecodrive to reduce environmental impact.
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You can personalise your McWilliam bag with embroidered names or logos, and choose from a variety of colours and straps to make it uniquely yours.
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From totes to holdalls, McWilliam offers a range of designs tailored for travel, daily trips to the shop, or outdoor adventures, combining functionality with style.
6. All shapes and sizes
McWilliam Bags come in various sizes, from compact totes to spacious holdalls, catering to diverse needs, whether for a quick outing or an extended trip.
7. All-female manufacturing team
Led by co-owner Claire Morgan, McWilliam Bags are handmade by a dedicated team of four female artisans.
Photography by Christos Celniku
Crafted in Ireland and inspired by the sea, McWilliam Bags blend durability, function, and timeless design. Loved for their heritage and built to last, they’re the perfect companion for work, travel or weekend adventure. “Go Everywhere” and discover the collection at mcwilliambags.com.
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