Updated January 2026 | Starting yoga and wondering which mat to buy? This guide cuts through the confusion and recommends the best yoga mats for beginners in Ireland - with honest advice on what you actually need (and what you don't).
TL;DR - Quick Answer
For most beginners in Ireland, we recommend a 6mm TPE or PVC mat priced between €25-45. This gives you enough cushioning to be comfortable while you build strength, good grip for safety, and won't break the bank if you're still discovering whether yoga is for you.
Our top pick: Premium TPE Mat 6mm - €35, eco-friendly, great grip, perfect cushioning for beginners.
Table of Contents
- What Beginners Actually Need in a Yoga Mat
- Our Top 3 Picks for Beginners
- Which Thickness? 4mm vs 6mm for Beginners
- Best Materials for Beginner Mats
- How Much Should a Beginner Spend?
- Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Where to Buy in Ireland
- FAQ
What Beginners Actually Need in a Yoga Mat
When you're new to yoga, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the options - different thicknesses, materials, prices, and features. Here's what actually matters for beginners:
1. Comfort (So You'll Keep Coming Back)
When you're starting out, your body isn't used to yoga poses. Your knees might feel sore in tabletop position. Your wrists might ache in downward dog. A mat with adequate cushioning makes these early classes more comfortable - which means you're more likely to stick with it.
Our advice: Choose a 6mm mat rather than the standard 4mm. The extra cushioning is forgiving while you build strength and learn proper alignment.
2. Good Grip (For Safety)
Nothing kills your confidence in yoga like slipping in a pose. A mat with good grip helps you feel stable and safe, especially in standing poses and when your hands or feet might be a bit sweaty from nerves or exertion.
Our advice: Look for mats described as "non-slip" or "good grip". Avoid very cheap mats which often have poor grip.
3. Durability (Without Overspending)
You want a mat that will last at least a year or two of regular use. But as a beginner, you don't need to invest in a premium €100 mat until you know yoga is for you.
Our advice: Spend €25-45 on a decent mid-range mat. It will last well and you can upgrade later once you know what you need.
4. Easy Care
Beginners often don't realise mats need cleaning. Choose a mat that's easy to wipe down and maintain.
Our advice: PVC and TPE mats are the easiest to clean with just a damp cloth.
What Beginners DON'T Need
- Expensive premium mats - Wait until you know what style of yoga you prefer
- Specialist hot yoga mats - Unless you're specifically starting with hot yoga
- Ultra-thin travel mats - These are for experienced yogis, not beginners
- Lots of accessories - Start with just a mat; add blocks and straps later if needed
Our Top 3 Yoga Mats for Beginners in Ireland
🥇 Best Overall for Beginners: Premium TPE Mat 6mm
| Price: | €35 |
| Thickness: | 6mm |
| Material: | TPE (eco-friendly) |
| Best for: | All-round beginners, home practice, studio classes |
Why we love it for beginners:
- 6mm thickness provides excellent cushioning for new yogis
- Good grip right out of the box (no break-in period)
- Eco-friendly material that's free from toxic chemicals
- Lightweight enough to carry to class
- Great value - quality mat without premium pricing
- Available in multiple colours
Potential downsides:
- May be slightly thick for advanced balance work (but beginners won't notice)
- TPE is less durable than PVC long-term (but will still last 2-3 years)
🥈 Best Budget Option: Basic PVC Mat 6mm
| Price: | €22 |
| Thickness: | 6mm |
| Material: | PVC |
| Best for: | Budget-conscious beginners, trying yoga for the first time |
Why we love it for beginners:
- Most affordable option that's still good quality
- PVC is extremely durable - this mat will last years
- Reliable grip
- 6mm cushioning for comfort
- Perfect if you're not sure yoga is for you yet
Potential downsides:
- Not eco-friendly (PVC doesn't biodegrade)
- May have slight chemical smell when new (airs out quickly)
🥉 Best for Sensitive Joints: Extra Cushion Mat 8mm
| Price: | €40 |
| Thickness: | 8mm |
| Material: | NBR foam |
| Best for: | Those with knee issues, arthritis, or who need maximum cushioning |
Why we love it for beginners with joint concerns:
- Maximum cushioning for knees, wrists, and spine
- Makes floor-based poses much more comfortable
- Good for gentle yoga, stretching, and Pilates
- Ideal for home practice on hard floors
Potential downsides:
- Can feel unstable for standing balance poses
- Heavier and bulkier to carry
- Too thick for more dynamic yoga styles
Which Thickness? 4mm vs 6mm for Beginners
This is one of the most common questions from beginners. Here's our honest advice:
We Recommend 6mm for Most Beginners
Why?
- Your knees will thank you. Many beginner poses involve kneeling (tabletop, cat-cow, lunges). Extra cushioning makes these much more comfortable.
- You're still building strength. Until you develop the muscle control to hold poses properly, you may put more pressure on your joints. Extra padding helps.
- Home practice is often on hard floors. If you're practicing at home on tiles or hardwood, 6mm makes a noticeable difference.
- It's more forgiving. When you're learning, a slightly softer landing is welcome.
When 4mm Might Be Better
- You're doing mainly standing yoga (though this is rare for beginners)
- You need to carry your mat a long distance (4mm is lighter)
- You've already done some yoga and know you prefer a firmer feel
- You're naturally flexible and don't have joint issues
The Bottom Line
If in doubt, go with 6mm. It's the more comfortable choice for beginners, and you can always move to 4mm later once you've developed your practice.
Best Materials for Beginner Yoga Mats
Here's a simple breakdown of mat materials for beginners:
PVC - Best for Budget and Durability
- Most affordable
- Extremely durable (lasts years)
- Good grip
- Not eco-friendly
Choose PVC if: You want the most affordable option that will last, and eco-friendliness isn't a priority.
TPE - Best All-Round Choice
- More eco-friendly than PVC
- Lightweight
- Good cushioning
- No toxic chemicals
- Slightly less durable than PVC
Choose TPE if: You want a good balance of quality, eco-friendliness, and value. This is our top recommendation for beginners.
Natural Rubber - Best for Grip (But Not Necessary for Beginners)
- Excellent grip
- Natural and sustainable
- More expensive
- Heavier
- Not suitable for latex allergies
Choose rubber if: You know you'll be doing hot yoga or sweat a lot. Otherwise, save this for when you upgrade.
Cork - Best Eco-Friendly (But Not Necessary for Beginners)
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Sustainable
- Great when wet
- More expensive
- Can be slippery when completely dry
Choose cork if: Eco-friendliness is your top priority and you're willing to invest more upfront.
Our Recommendation for Beginners
TPE is the sweet spot - it's eco-friendlier than PVC, performs well, and is affordably priced. If budget is tight, PVC is perfectly fine to start with.
How Much Should a Beginner Spend?
Here's our honest pricing advice for beginners:
Under €20: Proceed with Caution
Very cheap mats often have poor grip, thin out quickly, and may contain questionable materials. You can find decent mats at this price point, but be selective.
€20-30: Good Starting Point
This is the sweet spot for beginners. You can get a decent PVC mat that will last 1-2 years. It won't be fancy, but it will do the job while you figure out if yoga is for you.
€30-50: Best Value for Beginners
This is where we recommend most beginners shop. You'll get better materials (TPE), better grip, better cushioning, and a mat that will last 2-4 years. If you stick with yoga, this mat will serve you well.
€50+: Wait Until You Know What You Need
Premium mats are wonderful, but as a beginner, you don't yet know what style of yoga you'll prefer or what features matter most to you. Save the investment until you have 6-12 months of practice under your belt.
The Exception
If you're specifically starting with hot yoga, it may be worth investing in a rubber or cork mat from the start (€50-80), as regular mats become dangerously slippery with sweat.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Buying a Mat
Mistake 1: Buying the Cheapest Mat Possible
A €10 mat from a discount store might seem like a bargain, but poor grip can make you feel unstable and unsafe. Thin, low-quality mats also wear out quickly. Spend a little more for a mat you'll actually enjoy using.
Mistake 2: Buying an Expensive Premium Mat Right Away
A €100+ mat is lovely, but unnecessary when you're starting. You don't know yet whether you'll prefer Vinyasa or Yin, hot yoga or gentle flow. Buy a good mid-range mat now, and upgrade once you know your preferences.
Mistake 3: Choosing Based Only on Colour/Pattern
Yes, you want a mat you like looking at. But don't sacrifice grip, cushioning, or quality for a pretty design. Function first, aesthetics second.
Mistake 4: Getting a Mat That's Too Thin
Many beginners buy a 4mm mat because that's "standard" - then find their knees hurt in every kneeling pose. Unless you have a specific reason to go thin, start with 6mm.
Mistake 5: Not Having Their Own Mat
Studio mats are fine for your first few classes, but once you're attending regularly, invest in your own mat. It's more hygienic, more motivating, and becomes part of your practice routine.
Where to Buy Yoga Mats in Ireland
Online (Best Selection)
Yoga Mats Ireland (that's us!)
- Curated selection specifically for Irish yogis
- Free shipping across Ireland (including Northern Ireland)
- 48-hour delivery
- Irish customer service
- Easy returns
Sports Shops
Decathlon, Intersport, and Elverys stock yoga mats. Selection is limited but you can see mats in person before buying.
Your Yoga Studio
Many studios sell mats. Ask your teacher for their recommendation - they've seen hundreds of students and know what works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need my own yoga mat as a beginner?
Not for your first few classes - studios provide mats. But once you're attending regularly (weekly or more), having your own mat is more hygienic, more comfortable, and helps establish your practice. Most teachers recommend getting your own mat within your first month.
What size yoga mat do I need?
Standard mats (183cm x 61cm) fit most people up to about 6 feet tall. If you're taller, look for an extra-long mat (200cm). Width is less important - standard width works for nearly everyone.
My new mat is slippery - is it faulty?
Probably not. New mats often have a manufacturing residue that makes them slippery at first. Wipe with a damp cloth, let it air dry, and use it a few times. The grip usually improves significantly after 3-5 uses. If it's still slippery after a month, then there may be an issue.
Can I use my yoga mat for other exercises?
Yes! Yoga mats work well for stretching, Pilates, bodyweight exercises, and floor workouts. A 6mm mat is especially versatile.
How often should I clean my yoga mat?
Wipe down with a damp cloth after each use. Do a deeper clean (mild soap and water) once a week or every few uses. Let it dry completely before rolling up.
Should I buy a mat before my first yoga class?
No need - use the studio's mat for your first few classes. This lets you try yoga without investment. Once you're sure you want to continue (usually 3-4 classes in), buy your own mat.
Is a thicker mat always better for beginners?
Not always. 6mm is ideal for most beginners - enough cushioning without losing stability. 8mm+ can feel unstable in standing poses. Don't go thicker than 6mm unless you have specific joint issues.
Do expensive mats make a difference for beginners?
Honestly? Not much. The difference between a €30 mat and a €100 mat matters more for experienced practitioners doing advanced poses or hot yoga. As a beginner, a mid-range mat will serve you just as well. Save the premium investment for later.
Ready to Start Your Yoga Journey?
Choosing your first yoga mat doesn't need to be complicated. For most beginners in Ireland, a 6mm TPE mat in the €30-45 range is perfect.
Browse Our Beginner-Friendly Mats →
- Free shipping across Ireland
- 48-hour delivery
- Easy returns if it's not right
- Irish customer service to help you choose
Questions? Get in touch - we're always happy to help you find the right mat.
Related Guides
- Yoga Mats Ireland: Complete Buying Guide
- 4mm vs 6mm Yoga Mat: Which Should You Choose?
- How to Clean Your Yoga Mat
- Yoga Classes in Dublin for Beginners
Last updated: January 2026