The official opening of a maritime centre in the Sligo resort of Strandhill next week will celebrate the return of an old tradition of seaweed baths to the village.
At one time there were five bathhouses in the area, an indication of previous generations' faith in the therapeutic powers of seaweed. The first opened nearly 100 years ago and closed in 1966 after the building was damaged by a hurricane.
The new bathhouse, Celtic Seaweed Baths, has attracted all varieties of clients, from elderly people suffering from arthritis to children with skin complaints, as well as holidaymakers or locals who want to pamper themselves.
The bathhouse is on the first floor of the new maritime centre, which is a joint project involving Sligo County Council and the local surfing club. Funding was received from the International Fund for Ireland, Bord Failte and the County Enterprise Board.
The idea for the seaweed baths came from a local athlete, Neil Walton, who was convinced of their benefits. The bathhouse has proved a huge success even though seven or eight banks initially turned him away.
He says a lot of research backs up the benefits of seaweed. As well as relieving aches and pains, the oils released from the seaweed act as a moisturiser, and a hot, steamy bath is the perfect answer to the stresses of modern life.
His oldest customer so far was a 97year-old woman and the youngest a four-month-old baby suffering from eczema, brought by his father, a local doctor. It has also proved successful as a cure for hangovers - Sunday morning is the busiest time.
The bathhouse consists of 10 rooms, each fitted with a steam bath, a shower and seaweed bath. The cast-iron Victorian baths, which have been beautifully restored, were gathered from farmers' fields around Sligo. A massage room is opening next month.
An area in the centre will be available for surfers, as Strandhill is recognised as one of the best surfing beaches in Ireland. It is hoped the centre will help the economic regeneration of the area. The baths can be contacted on 071-68686.