Sea swimming has exploded in popularity this year so we decided to travel Dublin to find the best spots to take a dip followed by a slap-up meal.
The Forty Foot
The Forty Foot is something of an institution in Dublin. The famous bathing spot was once for gentlemen only but nowadays all are welcome. Locals and visitors of the 40 Foot can be found swimming from sunrise to sunset all year round - yes even in winter. On Christmas and New Year’s Day groups flock to the Forty Foot for a chilly dip.
Follow up with a bite to eat in Oliveto Italian Restaurant, you deserve it after that swim!
Bull Island
Just a short distance from Dublin City Centre you’ll find Bull Island with its bathing shelters, coffee stand, nature reserve and miles of sandy beaches with water sport activities. Bull Island caters for all - it’s a good option for nervous swimmers as the water isn’t too deep and more adventurous swimmers can take part in kitesurfing or windsurfing.
For food it has to be Happy Out for a piping hot toastie and some locally roasted coffee.
Portmarnock Beach
Portmarnock Beach is a Blue Flag Beach affectionately known as the “Velvet Strand” by Dubliners. This sandy north county Dublin beach is accessible by DART and is less than a half an hour from Dublin City Centre.
For some local fare check out Fish Shack Cafe and try some locally caught deights
The Vico Baths
Located in Dalkey, the Vico is also accessible by DART on the southbound line. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Dalkey from Dublin City Centre making the Vico Baths an ideal swimming spot. It’s well-known that many celebrities reside along the coastline in Dalkey including U2’s Bono. What’s less known is that the sea here is also home to dolphins, seals, and porpoises.
Grab a bite at The Dalkey Duck and you have to try the steak frites.
Seapoint
Seapoint is another easily accessible beach in close proximity to Dublin City Centre. You can reach it via the southbound DART in just 15 minutes. This seaside location is within walking distance of Monkstown and Blackrock for some exploring after your swim. You can swim, paddle board, kayak, and kitesurf at Seapoint. There are also rock pools to explore and birdlife to observe upon the beaches’ mudflaps. It is because of these bird species that Seapoint is a specially protected area.
Pick up a sandwich or salad in Avoca Monkstown and eat it by the sea
Skerries
Skerries is home to one of Dublin’s most beautiful beaches. The blue flag-awarded beach is serviced by lifeguards during the summer season and is surrounded by the idyllic, colourful seaside town of Skerries with amusements, restaurants, bars and other points of interest.
Blue bar in Skerries is the place to go and a real favourite with the locals.
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