Galway is home to the Blackrock Diving Tower, a popular swimming spot. A must-see on Salthill Promenade, it can be identified by its metal diving tower. This is where the locals come for a relaxing dip in the sea (in all weathers!). If you’re one of the courageous ones, don’t hesitate to go for a swim: it’s a great, unusual spot!
The Blackrock diving tower – © mark_gusev
Rain, shine or snow, it’s all the same. Every day, small groups head for the Blackrock Diving Tower to take a dip. Men, women, young and old: all seem to enjoy the invigorating experience of the cold Atlantic Ocean.
According to many locals, an ice bath is good for your health. Invigorating, it is said to benefit the heart and the body, as well as the skin. Some say it’s the must-do experience every morning to stay healthy.
In any case, the Blackrock Diving Tower is a Galway institution. A not-to-be-missed meeting place, it boasts a magnificent ocean view and allows you to swim right in the middle of the ocean, thanks to its concrete access ramp, stairs and diving board.
Here, the structure provides direct access to the waves and depth. The perfect marine experience! (For the less adventurous, there’s a beach just 100 metres from the bathing ramp: Blackrock beach).
For the record, Blackrock’s diving tower dates back to 1885. But it was built on Colonel O’Hara’s property, much to his displeasure. Disgruntled, he reportedly did everything he could to make it difficult for swimmers to access the structure.
He eventually had the springboard removed, but the local council intervened and then managed to secure a lease for a public right-of-way to the bathing area.
Depios, the original springboard has been replaced by a facility more suited to swimming and diving.
After a diver’s near-death experience in 1942, the diving boards were replaced by the diving tower we know today at Blackrock.
For a long time, the spot was a men-only bathing area. In the early 70s, women finally made their presence felt. Since then, the Blackrock Diving Tower has become a mixed swimming area open to all…
Please note: the area may be closed to swimming in the event of storms or heavy swells. This bathing area is intended for good swimmers, and swimming in bad weather can be particularly dangerous. It’s best to choose a day with good weather and few waves: you’ll enjoy swimming all the more!
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3.41/5 (27 votes)
