Yoga Mats Ireland: The Complete Buying Guide [2026]

Updated January 2026 | Looking for the perfect yoga mat in Ireland? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know - from thickness and materials to the best mats for different yoga styles, plus where to buy with fast Irish delivery.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, choosing the right mat makes a real difference to your practice. We've tested dozens of mats and spoken to yoga teachers across Ireland to bring you this definitive guide.

Quick Summary: Best Yoga Mats in Ireland 2026

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Table of Contents

Why Your Yoga Mat Matters

Your yoga mat is the foundation of your practice - literally. It's the surface you'll spend every class on, and the right mat can make the difference between a frustrating practice and a fulfilling one.

Here's why choosing the right mat matters:

Safety and Stability

A good mat provides grip to prevent slipping during poses. This is especially important in standing poses, balances, and any pose where your hands or feet might slide. A slippery mat isn't just annoying - it can lead to injury.

Comfort and Joint Protection

Yoga involves kneeling, lying down, and holding poses that put pressure on your joints. The right amount of cushioning protects your knees, wrists, elbows and spine without being so thick that you lose stability.

Hygiene

Studio mats are used by many people and can harbour bacteria, even when cleaned. Having your own mat is more hygienic and gives you a consistent, familiar surface for your practice.

Connection to Your Practice

Your mat becomes your personal space - a familiar surface that signals to your mind it's time to practice. Many yogis find that having their own quality mat deepens their commitment to regular practice.

Yoga Mat Thickness: 4mm vs 6mm vs 8mm

Thickness is one of the most important decisions when choosing a yoga mat. Here's what you need to know:

4mm Mats (Standard Thickness)

Best for: Vinyasa, Ashtanga, standing poses, experienced practitioners

Pros:

  • Better stability and balance - you can feel the floor beneath you
  • Lighter weight - easier to carry to class
  • Better grip in standing poses
  • Preferred by most yoga teachers

Cons:

  • Less cushioning for sensitive knees
  • Can be uncomfortable on hard floors for extended kneeling

Our recommendation: 4mm is the most popular thickness in Ireland and works well for most practitioners. If you're doing flowing styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, 4mm is ideal.

6mm Mats (Extra Cushioning)

Best for: Beginners, Yin yoga, Restorative yoga, those with sensitive joints, home practice on hard floors

Pros:

  • More comfortable for knees, wrists and spine
  • Better for longer holds and floor-based poses
  • Good for home practice on hard floors (tiles, wood)
  • More forgiving for beginners still building strength

Cons:

  • Slightly less stable for balancing poses
  • Heavier to carry
  • Can feel "squishy" in standing poses

Our recommendation: 6mm is excellent for beginners, Yin/Restorative yoga, or anyone practicing on hard floors at home. It's also the best choice if you have knee issues or joint sensitivity.

8mm+ Mats (Extra Thick)

Best for: Pilates, gentle exercise, those with significant joint issues

Pros:

  • Maximum cushioning and comfort
  • Good for Pilates and floor exercises

Cons:

  • Too thick for most yoga - you lose connection to the ground
  • Unstable for standing and balancing poses
  • Heavy and bulky

Our recommendation: 8mm is generally too thick for yoga. If you need extra cushioning, consider a 6mm mat plus a folded blanket under your knees when needed.

Quick Thickness Guide

Thickness Best For Not Ideal For
4mm Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Flow, experienced yogis Sensitive knees, hard floors
6mm Beginners, Yin, Restorative, home practice, sensitive joints Advanced balancing work
8mm+ Pilates, gentle exercise Most yoga styles

Yoga Mat Materials Compared

Yoga mats come in various materials, each with different properties for grip, durability, eco-friendliness and price.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

The classic yoga mat material

Pros:

  • Excellent durability - lasts for years
  • Good grip, even when new
  • Most affordable option
  • Easy to clean
  • Consistent quality

Cons:

  • Not eco-friendly (doesn't biodegrade)
  • Can have a chemical smell when new
  • Not suitable for hot yoga (can get slippery with sweat)

Best for: Beginners, budget-conscious buyers, general yoga practice

Price range: ā‚¬15-40

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

The eco-friendly alternative

Pros:

  • More eco-friendly than PVC (recyclable)
  • Lightweight
  • Good cushioning
  • No toxic chemicals or latex
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • Less durable than PVC (2-3 years typical lifespan)
  • Can be slippery when wet
  • Not suitable for hot yoga

Best for: Eco-conscious practitioners, those with allergies, general yoga

Price range: ā‚¬25-50

Natural Rubber

Premium performance material

Pros:

  • Excellent grip - even when wet
  • Natural, sustainable material
  • Good cushioning
  • Very durable
  • Best choice for hot yoga

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Not suitable for latex allergies
  • Has a rubber smell initially
  • More expensive

Best for: Hot yoga, sweaty practices, experienced practitioners wanting premium quality

Price range: ā‚¬50-100

Cork

The natural, antimicrobial option

Pros:

  • Naturally antimicrobial (resists bacteria and odours)
  • Grip improves when wet - ideal for hot yoga
  • Sustainable and biodegradable
  • Unique natural feel
  • Temperature regulating

Cons:

  • Can be slippery when completely dry
  • Heavier than PVC/TPE
  • More expensive
  • Surface can wear over time

Best for: Hot yoga, eco-conscious practitioners, those wanting natural materials

Price range: ā‚¬45-90

Jute

Traditional and textured

Pros:

  • Natural and sustainable
  • Excellent grip
  • Unique textured feel

Cons:

  • Less cushioning
  • Can feel rough on skin
  • Less common

Best for: Eco-conscious practitioners who prioritise grip over cushioning

Price range: ā‚¬40-70

Material Comparison Table

Material Grip Cushioning Durability Eco-Friendly Hot Yoga Price
PVC Good Good Excellent Poor No ā‚¬
TPE Good Very Good Good Good No ā‚¬ā‚¬
Rubber Excellent Very Good Excellent Good Yes ā‚¬ā‚¬ā‚¬
Cork Excellent (wet) Good Good Excellent Yes ā‚¬ā‚¬ā‚¬
Jute Excellent Fair Good Excellent Yes ā‚¬ā‚¬

Best Yoga Mats by Yoga Style

Different yoga styles have different requirements. Here's what to look for based on your practice:

Vinyasa / Flow Yoga

Vinyasa involves flowing from pose to pose, so you need good grip and moderate cushioning.

Recommended: 4mm PVC or TPE mat with good grip

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Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is physically demanding with lots of movement and sweat. Grip is essential.

Recommended: 4mm natural rubber mat or cotton Mysore rug over a mat

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Hot Yoga / Bikram

Hot yoga means lots of sweat. You need a mat that grips better when wet.

Recommended: Natural rubber or cork mat (grip improves with moisture)

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Yin Yoga

Yin involves holding poses for 3-5 minutes, often seated or lying down. Comfort is key.

Recommended: 6mm mat for extra cushioning

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Restorative Yoga

Restorative is all about comfort and relaxation with supported poses.

Recommended: 6mm mat, plus blankets and bolsters

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Hatha Yoga

Hatha is a general style suitable for beginners with a balance of poses.

Recommended: 4-6mm PVC or TPE mat - versatile and reliable

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Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar focuses on precise alignment with poses held for longer periods.

Recommended: Sticky mat with excellent grip, 4-6mm

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Yoga Mat Size Guide

Most yoga mats come in a standard size, but it's worth knowing what to expect.

Standard Yoga Mat Size

  • Length: 183cm (72 inches / 6 feet)
  • Width: 61cm (24 inches / 2 feet)

This size suits most people up to about 6 feet (183cm) tall.

When to Consider a Longer Mat

If you're over 6 feet tall, consider an extra-long mat (usually 200cm / 78 inches). This ensures you stay on the mat during poses like Savasana (corpse pose) without your head or feet hanging off.

Width Considerations

Standard width (61cm) suits most people. Wider mats (68-80cm) are available for those who want more space, but they're less common and harder to find in Ireland.

Travel Mats

Travel mats are thinner (1-2mm) and fold or roll compactly. They're not suitable as your main mat but are perfect for yoga while travelling. They typically weigh under 1kg compared to 2-3kg for standard mats.

Understanding Grip and Slip

Grip is crucial for a safe yoga practice. Here's what affects it:

Why Mats Get Slippery

  • New mat syndrome: Some mats have a residue from manufacturing that makes them slippery initially. This usually wears off after a few uses.
  • Sweat: PVC and TPE mats can become slippery with sweat. Rubber and cork mats actually grip better when slightly wet.
  • Lotions and oils: Hand cream, body lotion or massage oils on your skin will make any mat slippery.
  • Wear: Over time, the textured surface of a mat can wear smooth, reducing grip.

How to Improve Grip

  • Break in a new mat: Wipe with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Some people sprinkle salt on a new mat, leave overnight, then wipe clean.
  • Keep it clean: Regular cleaning prevents buildup that reduces grip.
  • Use a yoga towel: For hot yoga or sweaty practices, a microfibre yoga towel over your mat provides extra grip.
  • Choose the right material: If you sweat a lot, choose rubber or cork over PVC.

Grip by Material

Material Dry Grip Wet Grip
PVC Good Poor
TPE Good Fair
Natural Rubber Excellent Excellent
Cork Fair Excellent

How Much Should You Spend on a Yoga Mat?

Yoga mats in Ireland range from about ā‚¬15 to over ā‚¬100. Here's what you get at each price point:

Budget: ā‚¬15-30

What you get: Basic PVC mat, standard thickness, decent grip and durability

Best for: Beginners, occasional practitioners, trying yoga for the first time

Lifespan: 1-2 years with regular use

Mid-Range: ā‚¬30-60

What you get: Better materials (TPE, better PVC), improved grip, eco-friendly options, more colour choices

Best for: Regular practitioners, those wanting better quality without premium prices

Lifespan: 2-4 years with regular use

Premium: ā‚¬60-100+

What you get: Premium materials (natural rubber, cork), excellent grip even when wet, superior cushioning, longer lifespan

Best for: Dedicated practitioners, hot yoga, those wanting the best performance

Lifespan: 4-7+ years with regular use

Our Recommendation

For most people practicing yoga 2-3 times per week, a mid-range mat (ā‚¬30-60) offers the best value. It will provide good performance and last several years.

If you're just starting and not sure yoga is for you, a budget mat is fine to begin with. You can always upgrade later once you know what you need.

If you practice daily, do hot yoga, or want the best possible experience, investing in a premium mat is worthwhile - the cost per use becomes very low over its long lifespan.

How to Clean and Care for Your Yoga Mat

Proper care extends your mat's life and keeps it hygienic.

After Each Practice

  • Wipe down with a damp cloth or mat spray
  • Let it air dry before rolling up
  • Roll with the practice side facing out (prevents curling edges)

Weekly Deep Clean

  • Mix warm water with a few drops of mild soap or dish liquid
  • Wipe the entire mat with a soft cloth
  • Rinse with clean water
  • Hang to dry completely (avoid direct sunlight which can degrade the material)

DIY Mat Cleaning Spray

Mix in a spray bottle:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup witch hazel or white vinegar
  • 10-15 drops essential oil (tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus work well)

What to Avoid

  • Don't put your mat in the washing machine (unless specifically designed for it)
  • Don't use harsh chemicals or bleach
  • Don't leave in direct sunlight for extended periods
  • Don't store while damp (causes mould and odours)

When to Replace Your Mat

Signs it's time for a new mat:

  • Visible wear, holes or peeling
  • Loss of grip that cleaning doesn't fix
  • Persistent odour despite cleaning
  • The mat has become thin or compressed
  • Pieces are flaking off

Where to Buy Yoga Mats in Ireland

You have several options for buying a yoga mat in Ireland:

Specialist Online Retailers (Like Us!)

Pros: Best selection, expert advice, fast Irish delivery, dedicated customer service

Cons: Can't try before you buy

Shop our yoga mats - Free shipping across Ireland, 48-hour delivery

Sports Shops (Decathlon, Intersport, Elverys)

Pros: Can see and feel mats in person, immediate purchase

Cons: Limited selection, staff may not be yoga specialists

Yoga Studios

Pros: Curated selection recommended by teachers, supports local businesses

Cons: Usually limited range, may be more expensive

General Retailers (Amazon, TK Maxx)

Pros: Sometimes good deals

Cons: Quality can be inconsistent, harder to get advice, environmental concerns with long shipping distances

Why Buy Irish?

  • Fast delivery (we offer 48-hour delivery across Ireland)
  • Easy returns and customer service in your timezone
  • Supporting Irish businesses
  • Lower carbon footprint than shipping from abroad
  • No customs delays or surprise charges

Frequently Asked Questions

What thickness yoga mat should I buy?

For most people, 4mm is ideal for studio classes and flowing styles. Choose 6mm if you have sensitive knees, practice Yin/Restorative yoga, or practice at home on hard floors. See our full thickness guide above.

Is a 4mm or 6mm yoga mat better?

Neither is "better" - they serve different purposes. 4mm provides better stability for standing poses and balances. 6mm provides more cushioning for joints and floor-based poses. Most practitioners in Ireland choose 4mm for studio classes and 6mm for home practice.

What is the best material for a yoga mat?

It depends on your priorities. PVC is most durable and affordable. TPE is eco-friendlier. Natural rubber offers the best grip, especially when wet. Cork is naturally antimicrobial and sustainable. See our full materials comparison.

How often should I replace my yoga mat?

With regular use (2-3 times per week), expect a budget mat to last 1-2 years, a mid-range mat 2-4 years, and a premium mat 4-7+ years. Replace when you notice loss of grip, visible wear, or persistent odours.

Can I use a yoga mat for Pilates?

Yes, but Pilates often benefits from a thicker mat (6-8mm) due to more floor-based exercises. A 6mm yoga mat works well for both yoga and Pilates.

Do I need a special mat for hot yoga?

Yes - standard PVC mats become slippery with sweat. For hot yoga, choose a natural rubber or cork mat, which grip better when wet. You might also use a microfibre yoga towel over your mat.

How do I stop my yoga mat from slipping on the floor?

Most quality mats have a non-slip base. If your mat slides on smooth floors, try a yoga mat towel underneath, or look for a mat specifically designed with a grippy base layer.

Should I bring my own mat to a yoga studio?

While studios provide mats, having your own is more hygienic and gives you a consistent surface. Most yoga teachers recommend getting your own mat once you're practicing regularly.

How do I clean my yoga mat?

Wipe after each use with a damp cloth or mat spray. Deep clean weekly with mild soap and water. See our full cleaning guide above.

Do you ship yoga mats to Northern Ireland?

Yes! We offer free shipping across all of Ireland, including Northern Ireland, with fast delivery to Belfast and all NI postcodes.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Mat?

Now you know everything about choosing a yoga mat, it's time to find yours.

Browse Our Full Collection ā†’

  • Free shipping across Ireland
  • 48-hour delivery
  • Easy returns
  • Irish customer service

Questions? Contact us - we're always happy to help you find the right mat for your practice.

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Last updated: January 2026

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