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The Forty Foot at Sandycove: Dublin's Sea Swimming Spot
Dublin's coastline has a strong sea-swimming tradition, from the historic Forty Foot to sheltered city beaches. Here is how to take the plunge safely.
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Sea swimming is woven into Dublin life, and the city's bay offers a string of spots where locals swim all year round. The best known is the Forty Foot at Sandycove, a rocky bathing place on the southern edge of Dublin Bay that has drawn swimmers for generations.
The Forty Foot
The Forty Foot sits beside the James Joyce Tower and Museum, a Martello tower that features in the opening of Joyce's Ulysses. Once a men-only bathing spot, it is now open to everyone and is popular for year-round dips, including the traditional Christmas Day swim. Steps and ladders give access to deep water, and the area can be lively on summer weekends.
Other spots around the bay
Beyond Sandycove, swimmers head to Seapoint, the Bull Wall and Dollymount on the north side, and beaches at Sutton and Portmarnock further out. Many of these are reachable by DART, the coastal rail line, which makes a swim easy to combine with a walk along the seafront.
Swimming safely
The Irish sea is cold year round, and water temperatures rarely feel warm even in summer, so entering gradually and knowing your limits matters. Water Safety Ireland advises swimmers to check conditions, avoid swimming alone, be aware of tides and currents, and never swim after drinking alcohol. Wetsuits, tow floats and warm layers for afterwards are common among regular sea swimmers.
A growing habit
Sea swimming has grown in popularity in recent years, valued for both its physical and mental wellbeing benefits. For newcomers, joining an established group or starting at a supervised beach in summer is the safest way in. With a little caution, Dublin Bay offers one of the most accessible and free outdoor pursuits in the city.