A year-round tradition
Ireland may not be the first place you think of for a beach holiday, but Dublin has a thriving sea swimming culture. Along the bay, swimmers of all ages take to the water every day of the year, often followed by a flask of tea and lively chat. Cold water swimming has become even more popular in recent years, and the coastal spots served by the DART train make it easy for visitors to join in.
The water is cold by Mediterranean standards, even in summer, so treat it as a short, invigorating dip rather than a long swim.
The Forty Foot and Sandycove
The Forty Foot, a rocky promontory at Sandycove, is Dublin's most famous swimming spot. It has been used by bathers for centuries and appears in the opening of James Joyce's Ulysses, with the nearby Martello tower now home to a small Joyce museum. Swimmers climb down steps and ladders into deep water.
Next door, Sandycove beach is a small sandy cove that is gentler and better for paddling or less confident swimmers.
Further north, on the other side of the bay, Dollymount Strand on Bull Island offers a long sandy beach backed by dunes, a nature reserve rich in birdlife and plenty of room to walk when the tide is out.
Seapoint, Vico and Killiney
Seapoint, near Monkstown, is a popular bathing spot with steps into the sea and shallow areas at low tide. It is easy to reach from the DART.
Further south near Dalkey, the Vico bathing place is a cluster of rocks and steps reached by a steep path, with spectacular views across Killiney Bay. Killiney beach itself is a long, stony strand often compared to the Bay of Naples, and a good place for a walk if you prefer to stay dry.
How to swim safely
Cold water can shock the body, so enter slowly, keep your first swims short and never swim alone. Watch for tides and currents, check local water quality notices, and take note of any warning flags or signs. Many regular swimmers wear a brightly coloured cap and use a tow float.
Bring warm layers, a hat and a hot drink for afterwards. A changing robe is useful, as facilities are limited at most spots. If you are packing a wetsuit, it fits comfortably in a 23 kg checked bag on a Classic fare.
Good to know
- Take the DART along the coast to reach the swimming spots.
- Keep first swims short and get warm quickly afterwards.
- Check tide times, as some spots change a lot at low tide.