Forest Bathing in Ireland: A Spa Getaway Like No Other

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Everyone knows that the emerald isle is lush and green, so why not take your relaxation to a new level by forest bathing in Ireland?

Many think of Ireland as a place for pubs and potatoes, but what was most shocking about journeying to Ireland was their incredible spa and wellness culture.

From lakeside seaweed baths to wood-fired saunas outside forests surrounding castles, the Irish countryside was filled with unexpected relaxing experiences.

Our favorite way to relax on the trip, however, was forest bathing and fully immersing ourselves in nature at Finn Lough in Northern Ireland.

What is Forest Bathing?

Shinrin yoku is the official Japanese term that is also known as forest bathing.

It’s a process of therapeutic relaxation and a wellness practice that focuses on improving wellbeing by connecting with nature.

By connecting with natural areas through all senses: sight, smell, touch, sound, and hearing, years of research and scientific studies have shown that forest bathing can lower blood pressure and even improves one’s immune system.

A spa and wellness immersion into the natural world, forest bathing is a relaxing way to improve mental health.

Forest bathing is a nature therapy that is growing in popularity around the world.

Finn Lough

While there are a number of places for forest bathing in Ireland, Finn Lough is an excellent luxury destination that really embodies forest immersion on the island of Ireland.

Finn lough exemplifies what most day spas try to manufacture.

Instead of bottling up botanicals into fabricated lotions and oils, Finn Lough embodies those essences. 

The smell of fresh Irish moss and local botanicals envelop guests as they stroll through the healing forest to arrive at the destination. 

Whether they’re heading to the translucent yoga dome, the lakeside coffee shop, or the stunning restaurant where many of the herbs and produce are grown onsite in Finn Lough’s greenhouse.

The sounds of a light Irish drizzle dripping off of the tree limbs are one’s soundtrack during the luxury stay at the resort.

Forest Bathing in Bubble Domes

Finn Lough offers a number of lodging options, but for the ultimate way to invoke a natural connection, opt to stay in the bubble domes.

These translucent domes allow your lodging to envelop you into the forest experience.

The view from the four-post bed are the coniferous trees, the mossy natural environment, and the clouds above. On a clear night, you’ll even be able to stargaze into the night sky.

The premium domes feature extra space that is used to feature a gorgeous soaking tub right in the middle of the dome.

The bubble dome is completely private, with a locking gate securing the entire perimeter and opaque dome walls around the toilet facilities.

The dome protects from the elements yet is thin enough to wake up to the birds chirping above.

Integrative Forest Therapy at the Elements Spa Trail

Compared to traditional spas with clinical treatment rooms, Finn Lough’s Elements Spa Trail is an ode to nature.

The spa outfits guests in a robe poncho and water shoes.

This is so they can take a forest walk through nature to enjoy five healing spa destinations that embrace the beauty and peace of the natural environment.

Walking along the forest floor from room to room almost feels like a spa day in itself.

Float Room

Guests start by walking into the float room. Typically, float rooms can have a bad reputation as the tiny pods can drip stingy, salt water condensation onto one’s face during the experience, but the float room at the Elements Spa Trail is pure relaxation.

The room is larger than traditional float rooms with expansive, tall ceilings. The dimly lit room contains a warm, shallow pool with a very high concentration of salt.

Saltier than the dead sea, guests use the floating spa pillows to suspend in water. The high buoyancy creates a sense of lack of gravity, which helps to relieve stress on muscles and joints.

Finnish Sauna and Lake Plunge

The next stop on the trail is the Finnish sauna and cold plunge in the Finn Lough.

Heat up in the sauna with the large picture window overlooking the lakeside private dock.

Then exit the treatment room for a chilly dip to cool off.

Mixing hot and cold therapies is a great way to improve physical health and the contrast of temperatures helps to reinvigorate the body.

The nature connection to the forest adds in additional relaxation, making it easier to let go of the stresses that busy urban areas or packed schedules might invoke.

Herbal Sauna Room

Further along the trail, you’ll encounter the herbal sauna room.

Upon opening the door, spa trail guests are struck with the most intoxicating scent.

The steam room has fresh fruits and herbs simmering in a pot above the coals, creating an ambiance adored by all the scenes.

The local herbs and botanicals featured include birch, heather, and rosemary.

If the steam room gets too hot, walk outside to the forest floor for a cold shower head attached to a tree.

Hot Tub Oasis 

Next, is the wooded outdoor hot tub. 

The private hot tub envelopes guests in warm bubbles and provides the perfect seat to admire the green space and natural beauty of Northern Ireland.

The view of the remarkable forest adds to the overall relaxation.

To make this experience even more luxurious, a glass of sparkling rose or prosecco is provided to make the moment even more memorable.

Relaxation Room

Finally, the last stop is the relaxation room. The floor to ceiling windows showcase the forest atmosphere as the wood fireplace and heated floors provide a warm embrace for relaxing.

The room offered seasonal tea to enjoy while nestled into the cushioned coves and take in the natural landscape of the emerald isle.

In the fall, the leaves slowly fall like confetti in the serene landscape as you listen to the crackling wood fireplace in the center of the room.

Additional Forest Activities

The Elements Spa Trail was an experience like no other, but the relaxation doesn’t end there.

Finn Lough offers complementary saunas and lakeside cold plunges every day from 11-4pm, for even more tranquil offerings.

Additionally the sunset soak at the Shoreline Spa is a great way to add romance to your visit.

The treatment includes a lakeside soak in a hot tub, glasses of champagne, snacks to nibble on and a sunset viewing area on the lake.

If you’re looking to be more active, hike amongst the trails, take a kayak around the lake, or embark on a bike ride through the forest.

The Irish forest bathing experience gives you the opportunity to be as active, or relaxed, as desired.

Finn Lough Discount Code

Looking at booking your forest retreat? Use this Finn Lough discount link with the code CITK10 for a discount on the Spa, Stay, and Savor package valid through March 31, 2025 with a check in date prior to December 10, 2026 (Exclusion dates and terms and conditions apply).

If you are looking to escape the challenges of everyday life, embrace pure relaxation, and even possibly find a spiritual connection to the outside world, consider forest bathing in Ireland.

For more Ireland travel resources, don’t miss our guide on the Best Places to Stay in Ireland for Couples or our guide to a Luxury Dublin Getaway.

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