I love to mix a race with a vacation. When I ran a half-marathon in Arizona for my 40th birthday, we stayed for few days longer & visited the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Navajo National Monument, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend. Running & swimming are such great ways to experience an environment.
So when Kevin & I were planning our long-planned vacation to Ireland, I tried to find out if there were any open water swim races and/or groups I could join for a quick dip. I learned about the Dunmurry Dippers, a group that swims everyday at the Colin River in Northern Ireland, & the Walrus Winter Swimming Group, who jump into the Dublin Bay at Forty Foot.
Logistically we could not meet up with the Dippers, so we set our sights on the Walruses. After picking up our rental car, which Kevin did an amazing job driving on the left side of the road, we headed to Forty Foot at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove. During the 40-minute drive from Dublin (which is normally 25-minutes but was a bit longer for us since President Biden was in town), and near the beach town of Dun Laoghaire, I was equal parts nervous about our car on the wrong side of the wrong & swimming in 48 degree water.
We lucked out with parking, which there were only a few spots, and took a tour of the James Joyce Tower & Museum. Joyce stayed at the Martello tower as a guest of the poet Oliver St. John Gogarty, & the sea there is described by the character Buck Mulligan as “the snotgreen sea.”
People from far and wide have flocked to the Forty Foot for decades to take to the chilly waters that surround it, regardless of the season.
You’ll find it at the tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove where its said that people have swam for over 250 years (although it was once a men-only bathing spot!).
Below, you’ll discover everything from the James Joyce link and where to get parking nearby to the history of the now-iconic Forty Foot in Dublin.
hh
Forty Foot in Dublin
Although a visit to the 40 Foot in Dublin is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The Forty Foot is a promontory that can be found at the south tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove. It’s a short train ride from Dublin city centre and it’s a handy 5-minute walk to nearby Dalkey and a 20-minute walk to Dun Laoghaire.
3. Swimming (safety needed)
While the Forty Foot is a popular place and used year-round for outdoor exercise, there are hidden rocks that are not visible so pay attention to the warning signs. Also, understanding water safety is crucial before entering the sea. Here are some handy water safety tips!
4. Getting here by DART
It used to be men only
People have been swimming at the Forty Foot in Dublin for some 250 years, though when we say ‘people’, up until the 1970s, the beach was male only, and a gentleman’s swimming club was established there to preserve the area.
That changed when a group of women’s equality activists plunged into the sea in 1974, and from then on women and children were welcomed there too. The gentlemen’s swimming club is still up and running, open to all genders, with voluntary contributions welcomed to help preserve and maintain the area.
Things to do near the Forty Foot
The 40 Foot is a short spin from many of the best things to do in Dublin, from food and castles to hikes and more.
Comments
Post a Comment