5 peaceful places to relax in Dublin

The rose garden might be small but it’s beautifully kept. There is a meditative quality to the simplicity of rough wooden benches, each etched with a dedication to someone, shrouded by fragile plants and creeping greenery and dotted rose bushes.

Owned by Waterstones, Hodges Figgis is a titan when it comes to bookshops. There are a lot of floors here with a lot to choose from. The comfy armchairs on the second floor in the history and ancient classics section are an added bonus for anyone who wants to relax and pick over a few selections, dream a little about where to go to next or maybe just get out of the rain.

The 13th-century St Kevins Park is located off Wexford Street, bordered by high walls and accessible through a small gate. It’s the perfect place for a quiet sit down amidst the abundance of greenery, or for a leisurely walk in and around the historical church and graveyard.

It does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s a sauna in a barrel. But they’re big barrels, very modern and all set up with changing facilities, showers, and a plunge tub. It’s a novel idea, but a very intriguing one. If you or your group fancy something a little different to relax and decompress after a long day, I suggest giving this a try. Book well in advance.

Look out for the bright red boat with the green roof. These guys actually have their own Authentic Traditional Thai Therapy Centre in Sandyford, but they’re here to expand the business into the city centre. There are a number of treatments available here for very reasonable prices.