Ireland’s bathroom market has never offered more choice. Whether you’re updating a compact family space or designing a statement ensuite, choosing the right bath can make all the difference not just in how your space looks and feels, but in energy use, installation cost, and long-term value.

This guide breaks down the most popular bath types in Ireland today, covering everything from technical specs and heat retention to accessibility and material science without overwhelming you with fluff or tables. Let’s dive in.

Freestanding Baths: Style, Space & Soaking

Freestanding baths including slipper, roll-top, and oval styles are the hallmark of luxury bathroom design. They’re designed to stand alone, offering a sculptural presence and 360-degree access. That said, they require space: at least 6 m² of clear floor area and 200 mm clearance to nearby walls.

Stone resin models are increasingly popular due to their excellent heat retention (only 2.5 °C loss over 20 minutes) and lighter weight compared to traditional cast iron. Cast iron, though heavier, retains heat even longer and brings period charm perfect for Georgian and Victorian homes with strong floors.

Back-to-wall freestanding baths offer the look of a freestanding tub but save space and installation costs. They work particularly well in smaller homes where a wall-fed plumbing layout is preferable.

Shower Baths: Practicality for Families

Shower baths such as L-shaped and P-shaped models combine the convenience of a shower with the comfort of a bath. Ideal for 4 m² bathrooms, they’re built with wider showering zones (typically 850 mm) and are perfect for families, especially in homes where installing a separate shower isn’t feasible.

Most shower baths are made from Lucite acrylic lightweight, warm to touch, and easy to clean. A 1,700 mm L-shaped acrylic bath uses around 80 litres per fill and costs about €0.36 to heat with gas, making it more energy-efficient than a 7-minute power shower.

Straight & Inset Baths: Reliable and Affordable

Standard inset or straight baths (typically 1,700 × 700 mm) remain the most widely sold bath type in Ireland. Priced from around €299, they’re ideal for rental properties or budget-conscious homeowners. Easy to panel, tile, and replace, they suit almost every plumbing layout and bathroom size.

While they don’t offer standout design, their simplicity and versatility make them a solid default choice  especially for homes on metered water where energy costs are a concern.

Materials Matter: What Your Bath Is Made From

• Acrylic: Lightweight and budget-friendly. Retains heat better than steel and feels warm on contact. Best suited to rental properties and DIY installs.

• Steel Enamel: Extremely durable with a hard-glaze finish. Cools faster than acrylic but resists discolouration. Ideal for hotels and hygiene-critical areas.

• Stone Resin: Offers luxury look and feel. Chip-resistant, warm, and often comes with lifetime warranties. A favourite for new-builds and premium refurbs.

• Cast Iron: Heritage charm with unmatched heat retention. Heavyweight, requires structural assessment before installation. Best for period homes and high-end projects.

Energy & Water Usage: Real Irish Data

In Irish homes, a full bath typically uses 80 litres of hot water. Heating this with a gas boiler costs about €0.36 per use, compared to €1.15 with an electric immersion. That’s a significant saving over time.

Reducing bath fill by 50 mm saves around 15 litres per use or nearly €30 per year in electricity for daily bathers. Choosing the right material (like stone resin or cast iron) also cuts down on re-heating needs.

Accessibility and Specialist Needs

Walk-in baths are specifically designed for users with limited mobility. Models include features like thermostatic limiters (to 43 °C), wide-opening doors, and low thresholds for easy entry.

These baths qualify for compliance under SEAI HEM standards and may contribute to NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) credits when paired with efficient hot water systems like heat pumps or solar-thermal panels.

Installation Know-How (Irish Building Regs)

• Ensure 700 mm clearance in front of the bath edge to comply with access standards.

• Use a 50 mm trap for baths and plan a 1:40 waste fall especially important for concealed plumbing.

• Cast iron and some stone resin models may require floor reinforcement; first-floor timber joists typically support up to 1.5 kN/m².

• All bath screens must comply with BS EN 12150 (toughened safety glass).

Maintenance & Longevity

• Acrylic: Clean with non-abrasive products. Can be wet-sanded and polished to remove scratches. Expect 10+ years with good care.

• Steel: Wipe with citric acid spray. Professional refinishing required for deep chips. 30-year manufacturer guarantees are common.

• Stone Resin: Use microfibre cloths and neutral cleaners. Surface can be repaired with colour-matched filler.

• Cast Iron: Maintain with wax and mild detergents. Enamel can be restored with chip kits or professional bake-on coatings. Many come with lifetime guarantees.

Choosing the Right Bath for Your Home

• For family homes: Choose a 1,500 mm L-shaped acrylic shower bath for kids and quick daily showers.

• For heritage properties: Opt for a 1,750 mm cast iron roll-top  just be sure your floor can handle the weight.

• For new luxury builds: A stone resin slipper tub offers wow-factor without the bulk of cast iron.

• For rentals: Go with a straight acrylic bath with a glass screen cost-effective and easy to maintain.

• For accessibility: Walk-in baths with low entry and safety thermostats are ideal for retrofits.

Final Word: Performance and Sustainability

In real-world Irish tests, cast iron and stone resin baths retain heat far better than acrylic or steel. Fast-fill brassware (like 35 mm mixers) can reduce fill times to under 7 minutes and limit water temperature drop during fill.

For sustainability-minded households, pairing your new bath with a solar-thermal system or heat-pump water heater can significantly lower your long-term carbon footprint and may qualify you for SEAI grants.

Remember, the best bath isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it performs, how long it lasts, and how well it fits your lifestyle and your space.

Ready to find the perfect bath for your home or project?

Visit Bathroom Warehouse today for expert guidance, unbeatable value, and one of Ireland’s best selections of freestanding, inset, and shower baths all carefully selected to suit Irish homes and regulations.