Located amidst the rugged beauty of Ireland’s West and the Wild Atlantic Way, the Burren region offers an idyllic escape for those seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation. Our charming village of Doolin, with its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, serves as the perfect gateway to explore the best wellness activities in the region.
From a soothing seaweed bath to inspirational outdoor adventures, Doolin and its surroundings provide a haven for relaxation and well-being. In this article, we will be looking at some of the wellness activities you can explore during your stay in Doolin.

Why does it make sense to include wellness activities in your holidays?
The answer may be obvious, but many of us, when visiting new places get too excited to explore everything and forget to actually relax.
Engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, and spa treatments can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost your physical health. These practices promote relaxation and mindfulness, allowing you to fully unwind and recharge.
Spending time in nature and participating in outdoor activities can elevate your mood, increase energy levels, and foster a deeper connection with the environment. By prioritising wellness during your holiday, you return home feeling refreshed, revitalised, and better equipped to handle the demands of daily life.
Let’s see which Top 5 wellness activities Doolin and the Burren have on offer to relax your mind and soul.
1. Sea Swimming in Doolin
You may not have thought about Ireland as a destination for a dip, but sea swimming has become hugely popular over the last year and has many benefits for your body.
Pre-Pandemic (2020) no one could have foreseen the significant number of Irish residents would wholeheartedly adopt sea swimming, to the extent that even braving the cold winter waters wouldn’t bother us.
Some of the benefits of sea swimming include:
- Cold water swimming can reduce stress.
- Sea swimming can stimulate your vagus nerve which is activating your parasympathetic nervous system which can reduce inflammation.
- Cold water swimming triggers the release of endorphins – natural hormones, that can alleviate pain, lower stress, improve mood, and enhance your sense of well-being.
- Sea swimming can boost your immune system.
- Frequent sea swimming is reported to improve mental health.
- It can lower a homocysteine in your blood that is scientifically linked to early heart disease.
- Cold water can help to reduce pain, one of many reasons you see an increase in popularity in cold water treatments for athletes.
Source: The Art of Wild Swimming by Anna Deacon & Vicky Allan1
Where can I swim in Doolin?
Although no longer an official designated swimming area, the old pier at Doolin Harbour continues to be a very popular spot for swimming in Doolin with the locals. The local swimming group there swims year-round when the conditions are safe to do so.
However, we are located on the Atlantic coast and therefore it is vital to adhere to water safety and only swim where it is safe – signs will clearly indicate where not to swim.
Darra loves to go for a morning swim in Doolin herself. You can find a step ladder down by the pier, shown in this video.

Enjoy the views in a Seaweed Bath at Doolin Harbour (cover image)
These heated Whiskey barrels filled with seaweed are an excellent way to relax and rejuvenate.
A great addition for Doolin this summer is the Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths at Doolin Harbour with an unspoilt view of Doolin’s magical coastline and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher.
Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths, established during the summer of 2018 provides one of the only fully mobile seaweed bath outfits in Ireland and maybe worldwide.
Advanced booking for this experience is mandatory, so make sure you book your preferred dates here.
The benefits of taking a seaweed bath are:
- It can promote circulation
- Naturally soothes & moisturises
- Can help against the signs of ageing
- Seaweed has natural anti-cellulite properties
- It can improve the suppleness and elasticity of the skin
- Cleanses and purifies
- Tones and stimulates the skin
- Seaweed has been used as an effective treatment for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and acne
Source: Wild Irish Seaweeds
3. Holistic full-body massages and private hot tubs (available for our guests)
Enjoy a holistic full-body massage, arranged with a local qualified therapist, in the comfort of your Lodge.
You can enhance your experience by soaking in your hot tub beforehand, which warms and relaxes your muscles, making them more receptive to a deep, effective massage. The hot tub’s jets also help alleviate tension and reduce lactic acid build-up.
Our holistic full-body massage is perfect after a hike or for pure relaxation. It boosts oxygen flow, releases toxins, and reduces both physical and emotional stress, promoting complete peace of body, mind, and soul.
If you would like to book a holistic massage for your stay, please contact us in advance for availabilities. More information can be found here.
4. Yoga and Hike experience in Doolin
Soak up the views and connect with your body and nature during this experience by local yoga instructor Tricia from Doolin Yoga.
This combined experience allows you to enjoy a 40-minute hike to take in the rugged Atlantic Ocean views and the spectacular bare limestone landscape of the Burren followed by a 40-minute yoga session at Doolin Pier.
And of course, you have the option for a dip in the water at the pier after to fully re-energize your body and mind at the end of the experience.
More information and bookings here.

5. Practicing mindfulness on a Burren walk with Pius
Join local Burren lover Pius for a unique walking experience that taps into the spirituality of a landscape dating back to Stone Age and Celtic times. This immersive journey takes you through the rare karst landscape of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and the island of Inisheer.
Reconnect with nature as you walk along limestone paths, through hazel groves, and meadows rich with Burren flowers and plants. Embrace the spirituality of the ancient landscape, participating in rituals based on the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire.
Experience the tranquillity of sacred sites, and listen to insights, poetry, and stories that transport you to a meditative inner space. Conclude the inspirational walk with a simple, circle dance to seal the experience.
Pius has completed a Celtic Spirituality Teacher Training Course. He is a retired Primary School Principal Teacher, who had been bringing his students on field trips to the Burren for 20 years. He further completed a Walking Guide Course with Mountaineering Ireland and is a First Aider.
An unforgettable experience with a trained teacher.
More information can be found here.
Are you ready to relax?
Don’t forget that staying with us at The Lodges @ Sea View House brings the advantage of your private hot tub experience which allows for additional relaxation in a cosy and intimate environment.
We are here to assist you with your needs at any time, making sure you can enjoy the tranquillity of our lodges, the colourful village of Doolin and the stunning coastline of Ireland’s wild West.