The Story Behind Samsú – Founder
Rosanna Irwin who has always loved the outdoors
— the founder of Samsú. A self-confessed workaholic and screen addict, I burnt out in 2023. This is what happened next.
Through most of my twenties I'd wake up and immediately check my phone. Fourteen hours of screen time a day was normal. Straight out of college I went to Facebook, then to London for documentary film, then climate tech — always chasing the next thing, working long desk hours and scrolling myself to sleep at night. Eventually I burnt out.
The view from Saoirse, our first cabin
The view from Saoirse, our first cabin
Through most of my twenties I'd wake up and immediately check my phone. Fourteen hours of screen time a day was normal. Straight out of college I went to Facebook, then to London for documentary film, then climate tech — always chasing the next thing, working long desk hours and scrolling myself to sleep at night. Eventually I burnt out.
That summer, visiting a friend in Denmark, I ended up on a tiny island called Samsø with almost no signal and nothing really to do but be outside. We arrived with no plan and camped in a field for three nights. I guess you could say I did an accidental digital detox. I have never felt so at ease in my life.
Morning journalling
Morning journalling
That summer, visiting a friend in Denmark, I ended up on a tiny island called Samsø with almost no signal and nothing really to do but be outside. We arrived with no plan and camped in a field for three nights. I guess you could say I did an accidental digital detox. I have never felt so at ease in my life.
It was so profound that I came back to London, quit my job, moved home to Ireland, and started figuring out how, I could somehow recreate that feeling for others, here at home.
Reading every cabin book under the sun
Reading every cabin book under the sun
It was so profound that I came back to London, quit my job, moved home to Ireland, and started figuring out how, I could somehow recreate that feeling for others, here at home.
I started small — one digital detox cabin in nature called Saoirse. Each space we've added since has been different and unique, but designed around the same idea: slow down, spend time analogue in nature, and watch the magic happen.
The view from bed in Saoirse, our first digital detox cabin
The view from bed in Saoirse, our first digital detox cabin
I started small — one digital detox cabin in nature called Saoirse. Each space we've added since has been different and unique, but designed around the same idea: slow down, spend time analogue in nature, and watch the magic happen.
Now we're evolving into something a little bigger. A home for Ireland's most beautifully designed spaces in nature — cottages, cabins, lighthouses and everything in between, some off grid, some digital detox, but all sharing one thing in common...
CUCU, our second digital detox cabin
CUCU, our second digital detox cabin
Now we're evolving into something a little bigger. A home for Ireland's most beautifully designed spaces in nature — cottages, cabins, lighthouses and everything in between, some off grid, some digital detox, but all sharing one thing in common...
Each one surrounded by nature and designed for slowing down. Places I'd book myself, carefully chosen, all in one spot. I'm so excited for this next chapter of Samsú, Rosanna x
The next chapter of Samsú - unique spaces to slow down in nature
The next chapter of Samsú - unique spaces to slow down in nature
Each one surrounded by nature and designed for slowing down. Places I'd book myself, carefully chosen, all in one spot. I'm so excited for this next chapter of Samsú, Rosanna x
Samsú
(n) - [sæmzú] the feeling of contentment in the present moment evoked by simple pleasures. Complete absence of frustrations or anything emotionally overwhelming - often enjoyed with warm blankets and surrounded by Irish nature.
(IV) Newsletter
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