Forty Foot: Dublin's Historic Sea Swimming Spot
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
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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