Dublin’s Best Sea Swims

Open water swimming is a great way to stay fit and explore the outdoor beauty of Ireland. Here are our favourite sea swimming spots in Dublin.

Forty Foot, Dun Laoghaire

The Forty Foot in Dublin is world famous. It is situated on the south shore of Dublin Bay near the harbour of Dun Laoghaire on the tip of Sandycove Point. Locals and visitors of the Forty 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. This swimming spot has helpful handrails for entering and exiting the water as well as a diving platform - if you’re brave enough!

Sandycove, Dun Laoghaire

Next on our list is the picture-perfect surroundings of Sandycove. This spot is your best bet for a laid-back swim in the sea. There are plenty of lifeguards on duty here during business hours in summer and it tends to be less busy with swimmers than the nearby Forty Foot. Another bonus is its close proximity to Teddy’s Ice-Cream in Dun Laoghaire for a 99’ ice cream cone after your swim.

Bull Island, Clontarf

Just a short distance from Dublin City Centre you’ll find Bull Island with its bathing shelters, 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. You can relax and dip at Bull Island while enjoying a faraway view of the iconic Poolbeg Chimneys. Check out Happy Out café if you’re looking for a post-swim coffee and delicious treats.

Vico Baths, Killiney

This is the most secluded spot in town for a sea swim. Located in Killiney, 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.
The baths are accessed by a series of steps accompanied by a handrail and can be tricky to find on your first time. You’ll usually see other bathers on their way to follow. You can enter the sea by ladder or choose to bathe in the adjoining seawater pool. Diving is no permitted here.
Tip: The Vico Baths are situated beside White Rock beach and Killiney beach if you prefer sea swimming at the beach.

Seapoint, Monkstown

Nestled between Blackrock and Monkstown, Seapoint is easily accessible via the southbound DART in just 15 minutes, for those who don’t fancy driving as parking can be an issue. 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.
Swimmers are advised to take care when swimming at the south end of the beach, as the water can be quite shallow with hidden rocks.

Skerries Beach, North County Dublin

This popular swimming spot is a 1-hour drive from Camden Court Hotel, so pack up the car and make a day of it. 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.

If you prefer swimming in bathing areas, the Springers Bathing Area is also located in Skerries. It is accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and the local swimming club - The Skerries Frosties - swim there every day and welcome visitors.