Meet_the doer, Samsú
Rosanna Irwin - founder of Samsú
A little about your work life?
My work tries to get more people to spend time analogue in nature. I know that sounds a little wishy washy, but I design and build offgrid cabins and place them in rural locations in Irish nature for people to do digital detoxes. I had been working in tech in London for most of my career until this point and essentially burned out from too much screen time.
After spending a few days offline on a small Danish island called Samsø, I came back a new person. My mind had never felt so at ease and I wanted to find a way to recreate this feeling for others. The next week I quit my job, moved back to Ireland, and started Samsú.
I design and build offgrid cabins for people to do digital detoxes. Creating small spaces in Irish nature, so you can switch off.
— Samsú cabins, founded in 2024 and growing!
What a work day looks like?
“Typical” is not Samsú’s vocabulary it seems! No day is the same and I guess that’s what I love about it all. Some days are (unfortunately) spent in front of a computer dealing with all of the behind the scenes admin that goes with running a small business, and others are spent at the cabins doing everything from chopping wood, fixing a broken solar system, and everything else in between. I love it!
And when not at work?
Since starting Samsú I try to be offline as much as possible when I’m not working. I’ve been searching for ways to fill my time with things that don’t involve a screen. I love a weekly sauna especially near the sea - the Hot Box is a favourite of mine but I’m a little biased as my brother is one of the owners. I also have discovered mountain biking as a great activity for the winter months. I also have a huge love for design and architecture so can often be found in a cosy corner, coffee in hand pouring over old editions of architectural digest.
Your current favourites?
There is so much inspiration in Ireland at the moment. I’m hugely inspired by the guys at Fernwood farm and the incredible work they are doing to regenerate their land. I’ve been coveting a stay at their Stilt House for quite a while. I also am loving the brand Oirtonics - and their Irish sea moss tonic. I can confirm it’s delicious! Lastly I am loving the revival of communities in Ireland at the moment - a current fave is Idle Hands. Ailbhe runs community based arts and crafts events around Dublin.
And your favourite way to wear your Overall?
My overall has essentially become my Samú uniform. I wear it every single day over a pair of denim dungarees and it has a permanent home in my car boot next to my trusty blundstones. And now I’m often wearing my uniform out of work, after a swim, walking my cocker puppy Carlos, whatever. I loved it so much that we now have an overall in every Samsú cabin for our guests to borrow and enjoy.
My Overall has essentially become my Samsú uniform. And now people can enjoy wearing one while they stay!
— Abito x Samsú new collaboration
I loved it so much that we now have an Abito Overall in every Samsú cabin for our guests to borrow and enjoy.
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All the best, and thanks for reading
Catherine & Eve Anne