The Coorie In Sauna : Tralee Bay, Oban
- K
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Located on the edge of Tralee Bay Holiday Park, around a 20-minute drive north of Oban, the Coorie In wild sauna is tucked among the trees beside the beach. With easy access to the soft sands and clear waters of Ardmucknish Bay, it’s an ideal spot to combine a relaxing sauna session with a refreshing sea dip. Surrounded by nature and coastal views, it offers a peaceful place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
Our Wild Sauna Visit
We visited the Coorie In wild sauna with friends who were travelling around Scotland for the first time, keen to show them some of the scenery and experiences that make this wee country so special. They were also completely new to sauna culture, so we were excited for them to try something that we’ve become slightly obsessed with ourselves. Arriving on a dreich Saturday afternoon in June, we were immediately struck by the tranquility of the setting, with the combination of woodland, beach and sea creating a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Needless to say, our guests loved every bit of it and so did we.
Deck chairs with a view Sauna interior with stunning view View out of the window Drench buckets on side of sauna Tralee Bay Sauna hat Water, apples and hot herbal tea available Changing room Sauna entrance
Guide to Facilities
Parking
Follow the single track road all the way through the caravan park, there are a few signs. Next to a children's play park you will find 4 or 5 spaces on the grass which are a short walk from the sauna. There is a disabled parking space directly outside the sauna.
Changing
A charming converted horse box next to sauna provides a changing room. There are several large lidded containers for storage outside. A disabled access friendly portaloo next to the changing space is available for sauna go-ers. Just ask the host for it to be unlocked.
Host
Our host was very welcoming, she explained the facilities to us and pointed out the various paths down to the beach and which was safest.
The Hot Bit
This wood fired wild sauna seats 10 in U shaped benches all on one level with a small step to get up. There is a ramp to the front door which leads to a large inner porch area for storing water bottles or towels. There are several hooks for hanging changing robes outside. An inner door keeps heat in as people come and go. The beauty of the view from the huge arched window hits you as you open the inner door. It looks through the trees to the white sand of Tralee beach and out over Ardmucknish Bay. There is only one sauna hat so bring your own just in case.
The Cold Bit
There are excellent options for cooling down, depending on your preference. Outside the sauna, a selection of deck chairs on the grass face out towards the bay, offering a peaceful spot to sit back and take in the view while your body gradually cools. For something more invigorating, there are two overhead drench buckets beside the sauna, along with two self-pour buckets and a hose for cooling off at your own pace. While those looking for the full wild sauna experience can head down the path for a dook in the inviting, clear, salt water of Ardmucknish Bay. There are two routes down to the water, and we’d recommend following the host’s advice and taking the longer route, which is the safer option. As always, checking high tide times is worth considering when booking, if you prefer a shorter walk.
Food/Drinks Nearby
Coorie In provides water, apples and hot herbal tea for guests to enjoy between sauna sessions. Just across the grass, Little Brian's food van serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, along with cakes and sweet treats. If you're looking for something more substantial or a wider choice of food and drink, Oban is only around 20 minutes to the south.
Good to Know
The Coorie In is part of Wild Bathing (who also own The Snug at Ganavan sands). Wild Bathing run mini retreats, guided wild swimming sessions and seaweed baths. They also work with local community and charity groups to share their knowledge and enthusiasm of our wild coast.
Link to website
This post is based on our own experience at the time of our visit.
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