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My favourite swimming spot is Seapoint in Dublin. Despite growing up beside the sea, I was late to the sea swimming game. My husband and I started a weekly Friday morning tradition when I was pregnant with my youngest and it is something we still try to carve time out to do today (admittedly only between April and October). There is nothing better than arriving at Seapoint first thing in the morning on a crisp sunny day and taking the plunge (or rather, slowly submerging via the steps) into the cold fresh seawater.
The views of Dublin Bay are unparalleled and the sailboats in the distance immediately calm the nervous system, something to focus on as your body readjusts to the baltic temperature and you slowly catch your breath again. After your dip, as your reward, you can dry off and walk towards nearby Blackrock for a hot drink and delicious breakfast at Hatch Coffee. The ultimate start to the day!
Dogs and Gurteen, located just outside of Roundstone, get all the praise but I think Glassilaun is Connemara’s best beach. Located between Lettergesh and Killary Fjord, it’s the kind of place you have to go looking for but it’s oh-so worth it. A white sandy horseshoe-shaped beach, its waters are crystal clear thanks to its location basically on the Atlantic Ocean. Well sheltered and with plenty of space for a quick dip, it’s rarely got any seaweed on it and there’s ample wildlife to be spotted from here – we had a nosy seal come say hi last time we were there and dolphins are regularly spotted further out. When the tide’s out, it’s the perfect spot for a game of rounders and it’s only a 15-minute drive to Misunderstood Heron for lunch. What more could you want?
My second favourite is probably Barleycove in West Cork. It’s long been rumoured that the golden sand embankment appeared overnight following a tsunami in Portugal more than 250 years ago, and the beach would not look out of place in the Mediterranean. Its long stretch of sand dunes offer plenty of shelter to dry off afterwards.
Rugged coastline, the sounds of curlews in the background, the notion that you just might see dolphins in the distance and the knowledge that Barleycove Beach in Mizen, West Cork was created by the Lisbon earthquake (and tsunami) of 1755 makes this one of my favourite sea swimming spots whether it’s New Year’s Day or in the middle of summer.
Close to the tip of the Beara Peninsula, with white quartz sand and incredible coastal views, Allihies Beach in Beara, West Cork is the perfect place to dip after a coastal road trip (by car or bike) before a glass of Guinness and a toastie.
About 10km from Schull as you head towards Mizen Head, you’ll find Ballyrisode Beach in Goleen, West Cork. The beach forms an inlet within the larger Toormore Bay and there are two strands depending on the tide. You’ll often see seals bopping around and looking towards Fastnet Rock makes you feel like you’ve stumbled on something secluded and special. Don’t miss the Altar Wedge Tomb (which is well signposted) on the Schull side of the beach, less than a mile away.
We absolutely love the Greystones Cove (obviously I’m biased, as it is my hometown), which has become an incredibly popular spot with the sunrise crew (including The Happy Pear brothers), as well as families all year round. With the Rise at the Cove just across the road, serving great coffee, breakfast and gelatos and the new marina just around the corner, it’s no wonder this place is a favourite for locals and visitors alike all year long!
There is also a sauna to warm up during the colder days. It is definitely our favourite spot when we come over for the summer. The perfect day for our family is a swim in the Cove, Greystones followed by an ice cream in Spendlove’s Cafe by the marina.
This article was originally published in May 2024.
