It’s the ultimate back garden addition.

But if the sky-high price of a readymade sauna is putting you off your dream of installing one, an upcoming workshop in West Cork could give you the skills you need to build your own.

The Goleen Harbour eco-resort, a stunning 38-acre eco-accomodation, education, and activity centre located just two minutes from the village of Goleen near Mizen head, has announced details of a Sauna Building Course running on February 23rd to 25th and March 1st to 3rd.

The workshop will be hosted by Donegal-born West Cork resident Johnny Callaghan, who has over 20 years of experience in creating unique timber structures and green builder Matt Mills, co-founder of Goleen Harbour and founder of EcoCabin.

Enthusiasts and DIY-ers will help build an eco-sustainable sauna that will “tread lightly on the earth”, hung off rock above a private swimming inlet.

“The course itself will be held over two consecutive long weekends in which participants can attend one or both.” the organisers explain.

“Each weekend will have a maximum of 12 participants to allow for everyone to get a go at all elements/skills of the build and also one-on-one instruction and guidance.

“We have a unique design to be constructed from three post and beam frames with timber frame infills wrapped in Corten steel. It will be positioned near the sea to provide health and relaxation to its guests and the wider community of West Cork.”

Participants will learn everything from construction techniques and timber frame closed panels to fitting doors, windows and weatherproof membrane, interior cladding and finishing and stove and flu installation and commissioning.

The cost is €395 for three days or €650 for six days, including lunch and you can also avail of a 20 per cent discount on accommodation at Goleen Harbour for the weekend.

Imagine the satisfaction of not only luxuriating in the warmth of your own backyard sauna but also knowing that you crafted it with your own hands. Want to know more? Book here.