Dublin's Premier Sea Swimming Locations
From the famous Forty Foot to hidden gems along Dublin Bay, these carefully selected spots offer the best sea swimming experiences for all abilities and preferences.
The Forty Foot (Sandycove)
Historic • Deep Waters • Year-Round Swimming
Dublin's most famous sea swimming spot with a rich history dating back over 250 years. This iconic location offers deep waters accessible at all tides, equipped with handrails and steps for safe entry. A must-visit destination for any serious sea swimmer.
Historic Significance
Over 250 years of swimming tradition
Deep Waters
Accessible at all tides with safe entry
Safety Features
Handrails and steps for secure access
Year-Round
Popular with swimmers in all seasons
⚠️ Important Notes:
Can be crowded during peak times; no lifeguards on duty; changing shelters available
Access & Transport:
- • DART to Sandycove & Glasthule
- • 30 minutes from city centre
- • Short walk from station
- • Limited parking available
- • Changing shelters on-site
- • No lifeguard service
Best For:
Experienced swimmers, year-round swimming, historic experience
Sandycove Beach
Family-Friendly • Sandy Beach • Summer Lifeguards
A charming small sandy beach adjacent to the famous Forty Foot, perfect for families and less experienced swimmers. This sheltered spot offers a gentler introduction to sea swimming with the added safety of lifeguards during summer months.
Family-Friendly
Perfect for children and beginners
Sandy Beach
Comfortable entry and exit
Summer Lifeguards
Professional supervision in peak season
Facilities
Public toilets nearby
🏖️ Beach Notes:
Can become crowded on sunny days; limited parking available; adjacent to Forty Foot
Access & Facilities:
- • Same access as Forty Foot
- • DART to Sandycove & Glasthule
- • Public toilets available
- • Lifeguards in summer
- • Limited parking
- • Family changing areas
Best For:
Families, beginners, supervised swimming
Vico Baths (Dalkey)
Secluded • Stunning Views • Experienced Swimmers
A hidden gem offering one of Dublin's most spectacular sea swimming experiences. This secluded spot features stunning coastal views and access via steps carved into the rocks, making it a favourite among experienced swimmers seeking a more adventurous swim.
Secluded Location
Peaceful swimming away from crowds
Stunning Views
Spectacular coastal scenery
Rock Steps
Unique carved stone access
Natural Setting
Unspoilt coastal environment
⚠️ Important Warnings:
Not suitable for those with mobility issues; no lifeguards or changing facilities; experienced swimmers only
Access Information:
- • DART to Dalkey Station
- • 40 minutes from city centre
- • 15-minute walk from station
- • No changing facilities
- • No lifeguard service
- • Challenging rock access
Best For:
Experienced swimmers, adventure seekers, scenic swimming
Seapoint Beach (Monkstown)
Blue Flag Beach • All Ages • Accessible
A pristine Blue Flag beach featuring a sandy shoreline with gentle slope, making it perfect for swimmers of all ages and abilities. With excellent accessibility features and summer lifeguards, it's one of Dublin's most family-friendly sea swimming destinations.
Blue Flag Status
International quality and safety standards
Gentle Slope
Easy entry for all abilities
Accessible
Ramp access and nearby parking
Summer Lifeguards
Professional safety supervision
🏆 Quality Assurance:
Blue Flag certified for water quality and safety; can be busy during peak times
Access & Facilities:
- • DART to Seapoint Station
- • Short walk from station
- • Accessible via ramps
- • Nearby parking available
- • Lifeguards in summer
- • Blue Flag certified
Best For:
All ages, accessibility needs, quality swimming
Bull Island (Clontarf)
UNESCO Biosphere • Long Beach • Nature Reserve
Known as Dollymount Strand, this expansive sandy beach is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The long stretch of golden sand is popular for swimming, walking, and nature watching, offering a unique combination of urban accessibility and natural beauty.
UNESCO Status
Protected Biosphere Reserve
Long Beach
Extensive sandy shoreline
Nature Reserve
Rich wildlife and birdlife
Car Access
Parking available on-site
⚠️ Safety Notes:
Watch for strong currents; lifeguards during summer; part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Access & Features:
- • Accessible by car or bus
- • Parking available
- • Lifeguards in summer
- • Limited facilities
- • Nature walks available
- • Birdwatching opportunities
Best For:
Nature lovers, long walks, family outings
Claremont Beach (Howth)
Ireland's Eye Views • Sandy Beach • Village Amenities
A picturesque sandy beach offering stunning views of Ireland's Eye island. Perfect for swimming and picnics, this charming spot combines natural beauty with the convenience of nearby Howth village amenities, making it ideal for a full day out.
Scenic Views
Beautiful views of Ireland's Eye
Sandy Beach
Comfortable swimming and relaxing
Village Access
Close to Howth amenities
Picnic Spot
Perfect for family outings
🏖️ Beach Features:
No lifeguards; limited facilities; close to Howth village with restaurants and shops
Access & Nearby:
- • Short walk from Howth DART
- • No lifeguards on duty
- • Limited beach facilities
- • Howth village nearby
- • Restaurants and cafés
- • Cliff walks available
Best For:
Day trips, scenic swimming, village visits
Portmarnock Beach (Velvet Strand)
Extensive Beach • Water Sports • Kite Surfing
An extensive sandy beach known as Velvet Strand, ideal for swimming, walking, and various water sports. This expansive coastline is particularly popular with kite surfers due to its windy conditions, offering excitement for both swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Extensive Beach
Long stretch of golden sand
Water Sports
Popular for kite surfing and windsurfing
Ample Parking
Good parking facilities
Summer Lifeguards
Professional supervision in season
🌊 Beach Conditions:
Can be windy; popular with kite surfers; lifeguards during summer months
Access & Activities:
- • Accessible by car or bus
- • Ample parking available
- • Lifeguards in summer
- • Water sports equipment rental
- • Kite surfing lessons
- • Long beach walks
Best For:
Water sports, windy day swimming, beach walks
Balscadden Bay Beach (Howth)
Secluded • Clear Waters • Local Favourite
A hidden gem favoured by locals, this secluded pebble beach offers crystal-clear waters and stunning scenic views. The peaceful atmosphere and pristine conditions make it perfect for those seeking a more intimate sea swimming experience away from the crowds.
Secluded Location
Quiet spot away from crowds
Clear Waters
Excellent water quality
Scenic Views
Beautiful coastal scenery
Local Favourite
Beloved by Howth residents
⚠️ Access Warning:
Steep steps from Balscadden Road; not suitable for those with mobility issues; no facilities
Access Information:
- • Steep steps from road
- • No lifeguards on duty
- • No facilities available
- • Pebble beach surface
- • Limited accessibility
- • Local knowledge helpful
Best For:
Experienced swimmers, peaceful swimming, locals
Burrow Beach (Sutton)
"Hole in the Wall" • 1.2km Beach • Sand Dunes
Known locally as the "Hole in the Wall," this 1.2km sandy beach features beautiful sand dunes and is perfect for both swimming and sunbathing. The beach offers a more natural, undeveloped feel whilst still being easily accessible from Dublin city centre.
Long Beach
1.2km of sandy shoreline
Sand Dunes
Natural dune system
Local Name
Known as "Hole in the Wall"
Summer Lifeguards
Professional supervision in season
⚠️ Swimming Conditions:
Can experience strong currents; lifeguards during summer; limited facilities available
Access & Features:
- • Short walk from Sutton DART
- • Lifeguards in summer
- • Limited facilities
- • Natural sand dunes
- • 1.2km beach length
- • Strong currents possible
Best For:
Beach walks, sunbathing, natural setting
Sandymount Strand
Tidal Flats • Birdwatching • Walking Only
Expansive tidal flats that are incredibly popular for walking and birdwatching rather than swimming. This unique coastal environment offers spectacular views and wildlife watching opportunities, but swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and mudflats.
Tidal Flats
Expansive mudflat system
Birdwatching
Excellent wildlife viewing
Walking Destination
Popular for coastal walks
No Swimming
Not suitable for swimming
⚠️ Important Warning:
Swimming not recommended due to strong currents and mudflats; limited facilities; no lifeguards
Access & Activities:
- • Bus or DART to Sandymount
- • Limited facilities
- • No lifeguards
- • Excellent for walking
- • Birdwatching opportunities
- • Photography location
Best For:
Walking, birdwatching, photography (not swimming)
Sea Swimming Safety Guidelines
Never Swim Alone
Always swim with others or in supervised areas
Check Conditions
Monitor tides, weather, and water temperature
Stay Visible
Wear bright caps and consider tow floats
Emergency Contacts
Know local emergency numbers: 999 or 112
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year for sea swimming in Dublin?
Dublin Bay is swimmable year-round, though water temperatures range from 6-8°C in winter to 15-18°C in summer. Many swimmers prefer May through September for warmer conditions, whilst dedicated year-round swimmers enjoy the invigorating winter months. Always check local conditions before entering.
Do I need a wetsuit for sea swimming in Dublin?
A wetsuit is highly recommended for Dublin's waters, especially outside summer months. Even in summer, many swimmers prefer wetsuits for comfort and safety. A 3-5mm wetsuit provides good thermal protection whilst allowing freedom of movement. Some hardy swimmers do swim without wetsuits year-round.
Which beaches have lifeguards?
Several beaches have lifeguard services during summer months (typically June-September): Sandycove Beach, Seapoint Beach, Bull Island, Portmarnock Beach, and Burrow Beach. The Forty Foot, Vico Baths, and Balscadden Bay do not have lifeguard services. Always check current lifeguard schedules before visiting.
How do I get to these beaches using public transport?
Most Dublin sea swimming spots are accessible via DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). Key stations include Sandycove & Glasthule (Forty Foot, Sandycove Beach), Seapoint (Seapoint Beach), Dalkey (Vico Baths), Howth (Claremont Beach), and Sutton (Burrow Beach). Some locations like Bull Island and Portmarnock are better accessed by bus or car.
What should I bring for sea swimming?
Essential items include: wetsuit (recommended), bright swimming cap, goggles, towel, warm clothes for after, waterproof bag, and possibly a tow float for visibility. Many locations have limited facilities, so bring everything you need. Consider bringing warm drinks and snacks, especially in cooler months.
Are there any swimming groups I can join?
Yes! Dublin has many sea swimming groups and clubs. Popular options include local swimming clubs at various beaches, open water swimming groups, and informal meetups. Many groups welcome beginners and provide safety in numbers. Check social media groups, local swimming clubs, or ask at the beaches for current group information.
Ready to Explore Dublin's Coastal Waters?
From historic swimming spots to family-friendly beaches, Dublin Bay offers incredible sea swimming experiences for everyone. Start your coastal adventure today!