Forty Foot is a promontory in Sandycove offering a great swimming spot for Dubliners. Locals go swimming all year round, whatever the weather or water temperature! A great place to take a dip and enjoy the view of Dublin Bay!
Forty Foot, during the Christmas ice bath – © Eugene Remizov
Forty Foot is located at the very tip of Dublin Bay.
It takes the form of a sort of promontory made up of rocks, from which a staircase has been dug out to facilitate access to the sea.
The area offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside, and is a pleasant place to rest for a picnic or a siesta. In summer, Forty Foot is packed with Dubliners and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the water (a little warmer than usual, but don’t be fooled: it’s chilly whatever month you’re swimming in!)
For over 250 years, the Irish have enjoyed a “health swim” in the cold waters of the Irish Sea… at any time of the year!
It has to be said that the spot, which is very rocky, is practical and perfect for a swim.
Although there are no lifeguards on duty at all times, the site is relatively safe for swimming. Ladders and platforms provide easy access to the water, and the rocky surroundings make for a comfortable spot to recuperate with friends after a good swim. Perfect for a picnic and to feel like a real Dubliner!
But that’s not all! Forty Foot is known throughout Ireland as a gathering place for the Irish on December 25. Irish tradition dictates that Irish people go for a dip to celebrate the festive season!
Although the water is terribly cold, the Irish like to soak in it for fun. Many of them turn up in swimsuits and Santa hats, ready to take the plunge!
The scene is tasty and amusing, and foreigners are usually as surprised as they are amused by it! One thing’s for sure: the Irish are brave and far from cold!
This tradition, as well as being crazy, is a way for the Irish to respect tradition. Because in Ireland, bathing at Christmas is an act charged with cultural and social significance. This is in keeping with a long-standing Irish tradition. It began as a ritual of purification and renewal, symbolizing the cleansing of sins and the welcoming of the new year with a fresh, purified spirit.
It also brings local communities together. People get together, often with family or friends, creating a festive, communal atmosphere. It’s a way of connecting with others and sharing a unique experience.
Finally, bathing in the cold waters of the Irish Sea or the Atlantic Ocean allows you to enjoy the benefits of ice-cold water on the body (firmer skin, better blood circulation, etc.).
Try it out if you’re not the faint-hearted type!
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