Secret Dublin - Fad Saoil at The Yard
We love a hidden gem and they don’t come more hidden than Fad Saoil Yard in the seaside village of Sandycove. Here’s how to find it and everything to expect!
When is an interior design store and art gallery not exactly what it seems? When it cleverly conceals a hidden urban health and wellness space. The entrance to Fad Saoil Yard is located through Sandycove Store & Yard, head through the store, past the bright red coffee hatch - complete with retro neon sign - and you’ll find yourself in an urban oasis of calm.
Fad Saoil is a fun space that promotes mindfulness as well as being a great hang out spot. Translated to English, Fad Saoil means ‘longevity’ so it is no surprise that the star of the show is the giant wood burning sauna. It’s the brain child of Leinster & Connacht rugby player Steve Crosbie, whose mission is to educate communities of the power of the sauna. Fad Saoil’s motto is release, relax, recover and embrace the unknown and this is exactly what we experienced during our recent visit.
Housed in a private area of The Yard surrounded by greenery, the sauna pod, complete with a relaxation area, is perfect for hanging out with friends. It even has an ingenuous rain shower ‘corridor’ for cooling off between sessions. A short walk from the Forty Foot, the iconic swimming promontory, the sauna is the perfect way to warm up after a cold dip in the sea.
The Yard is also home to house plant and wild flower heaven, Emma Rose Floristry. This leafy nook nestled in one corner of The Yard has a wide range of unique plants that seem almost to grow out of the walls and hang from the sky. Emma and her friendly team are on hand to help you chose the perfect plant for your home as all of their plants “are chosen for new & experienced plant parents alike”. As well as being a menagerie of plants, Emma sells the most beautiful fair trade sea grass woven baskets and earthenware pots.
The icing on the cake is that The Yard is dog friendly! So bring your pooch along for great coffee and delicious toasties whilst you chat to Steve, Emma and their friendly teams or hang out with your mates. With lots of unique local products also available to buy, The Yard is a one stop weekend shop!
