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Forty Foot: Dublin's Historic Sea Swimming Spot

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Experience Dublin's iconic Forty Foot: a historic sea swimming spot open to all, offering a refreshing plunge into Irish culture and tradition.

The Forty Foot is a promontory in Sandycove, Dublin, where hardy locals and tourists alike brave the chilly Irish Sea for a swim year-round. Once a men-only bathing spot, it's now open to all and has become a symbol of Dublin's resilient spirit.

A brief summary to Forty Foot

  • Dublin, Sandycove, IE
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Forty Foot.

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as parking is limited.
  • Check the tide before you go; swimming is best at high tide.
  • Bring a towel and warm clothes for after your swim, as the Irish Sea can be quite chilly.
  • Consider visiting the nearby James Joyce Tower and Museum to learn about the area's literary connection.
  • Join the locals for a traditional Christmas Day swim for a truly unique experience.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin city center, take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) to the Sandycove & Glasthule station. From the station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the Forty Foot. Alternatively, take bus 59 from Dún Laoghaire to Sandycove. A single DART or bus fare within Dublin typically costs €2-€3.

  • Walking

    From Sandycove Beach, walk east along the coast for about 2 minutes. You'll pass the James Joyce Tower. The Forty Foot is located right next to the tower. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from Dublin city center to the Forty Foot typically costs €22-€27 and takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that these are estimates and can vary.

Discover more about Forty Foot

The Forty Foot, located on the southern tip of Dublin Bay in Sandycove, has been a popular swimming spot for over 250 years. Originally a men-only bathing place, women were not allowed to swim there until a group of female protesters staged a 'swim-in' on Easter Sunday 1974. Today, the Forty Foot welcomes everyone and is a testament to Dublin's quirky and resilient spirit.The name 'Forty Foot' has a somewhat obscure origin. Some believe it's named after the 40th Foot, a British army regiment once stationed nearby. Others suggest the name comes from the water depth, though the area is no deeper than 20 feet.Swimming at the Forty Foot is more than just a recreational activity; it's a social gathering and a daily ritual for many. The concrete wind shelters perched on the rock outcrop offer some protection from the elements as swimmers descend the steps into the crashing waves. The Forty Foot is also featured in James Joyce's novel *Ulysses*, further cementing its place in Dublin's cultural history.Beyond the swim, visitors can explore the nearby James Joyce Tower, a Martello tower that now houses a museum dedicated to the author. Sandycove Beach, a small sandy beach, is also nearby.

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