Nudist Beaches in Ireland
BeoWolf
Ireland does not have ideal weather for nudists but there is an active
nudist community. There are no Designated Areas although there are
areas that nudists congregate. The Police seem to adopt the attitude
that if nobody complains, we wont bother. A hundred years ago "The
great Unwashed" used to go to Dollymount Strand to bathe, this was
before bathing suits and Nudism. The Tenement houses had no running
water and bath houses were only for those who could afford them. Nobody
batted an eyelid as they stripped off and washed their clothes and
themselves. I dont know why the practice didnt continue, but a remnant
of this is areas where "Men Only" congregate. One of these was the "40
Foot" where men swam and sunbathed without the interferance of women
for many years. Women invaded the area in the 1980's and have been
there since, if only in small numbers. Another area is Vico Road near
Dalkey, I have been there several times myself and have seen some women
there although some come only to gawk. Ireland still has a long way to
go in some respects.
The following are extracts from the INA list of unofficial naturist
beaches in Ireland.
Please remember that these are all unofficial naturist beaches. Please
use discretion at all times.
Please also heed any warnings regarding currents and tides.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leinster:
Corballis
This fine beach is near the village of Donabate in north Co. Dublin,
off the main Dublin-Belfast road. Driving from Dublin go past the
Airport and past the town of Swords. One mile past the last of a series
of roundabouts watch for the turn right to Donabate off the dual
carriageway. This road leads to Donabate beach. At the martello tower,
drive onto the beach and park as far down as possible. Beware of soft
sand. Walk further down the beach for 15 to 20 minutes. This area is
known as CORBALLIS and is used by naturists. Most of the Naturists hide
out in the Dunes, Textiles walk down the beach regularly but tend to
stay away from the dunes.
Alternatively: Two miles down the road to Donabate turn right at the
signpost for the Island Golf Club and Corballis Golf Club. Continue for
about 1½ miles until you see a small green gate just before the
entrance to the Island Golf Club. Walk through the gate and follow the
path over the dunes until you reach the beach. Turn right and walk for
10-15 minutes.
Brittas
Brittas Bay is a popular camping and caravanning resort. The main beach
is textile, although topless sunbathing is becoming more popular there.
The naturist beach is long and sandy, backed by large dunes but with a
stony strip between the dunes and the water (sandals are nice!). This
beach is located South of the main beach and the European Golf Club.
GPS co-ordinates N 52.85313° W006.08794°
Turn off the main Dublin - Wexford (N 11) road nine miles south of
Rathnew at the signpost at Jack Whites Cross. Go down this road until
you can go no further. Turn right and follow the coast for about 1¾
miles until you come to a collection of fir trees and gateposts marked
Buckroney at a road junction. At the junction there is is a small green
gate. Walk through the gate and follow the path to the naturist part of
the beach.
Alternatively you can drive on until you come to a small car park
beside a path down to the beach. Once you are on the beach turn left
and walk until you see fencing up on the dunes past the sixth in a line
of lifebuoys(sixth from the south end of the beach). Textliles use the
south end of the beach so please use discretion. You can swim, sunbathe
and walk around in comfort on the beach or in the dunes. Please do not
go nude outside this area.
CAUTION: Beware of currents. Always swim parallel to the beach.
Vico Road
Drive south through the village of Dalkey and follow Sorrento Road to
the coast (Vico) road. You will need to park further down as there is a
double yellow line at the break in the stone wall at the entrance. You
can safely park further down over the crest of the hill where the
single yellow line is and walk back. You will see the railway bridge
over the wall, follow down to where you will see a changing shelter and
steps. If you follow this area around to the right there is a cove
which is used by Gay and Lesbians. The area at the steps used to be
used by textiles but is now widely used by nudists with the odd textile
joining in. Please do not go nude in the upper level, remember that
Nudism is illegal in Ireland and we want to keep this lovely little
place for nudists. Vico is the best area that I have seen in Ireland,
people are friendly here.
Curracloe
The village of Curracloe is approximately 5 miles north of Wexford town
or 10 miles from Enniscorthy. From Wexford access is via the R741/742
road. From Enniscorthy take the R744 road to Blackwater and then south
on the L304. The coastline in this area is one long beach. There is a
wooded area at the south end of Curracloe beach. Park in the car park
and walk south along the edge of the wood for 10 or 15 minutes. This
secluded part of the beach is regularly used by naturists. Discretion
is required at weekends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Munster:
Inchidonney GPS co-ordinates N51.59657° W008.86965°
After information from a local member, this beaches' listing is to be
reviewed.
Long Strand
This beach is also in Clonakilty Bay. Take the N71 road from Clonakilty
towards Skibereen for approximately six miles. Turn at the signpost for
Owenachna and follow the sign for Long Strand. Go through the Hotel
area and caravan park and continue on the coast road. As you come to
the top of the hill you will see the beach stretching out before you.
The beach and the dunes behind it are used by naturists.
CAUTION: Swimming is dangerous because of strong currents.
Inch
This beach is on the southern side of the Dingle peninsula and is one
of the best in Ireland. It is more than two miles long and is backed by
sand dunes. Walk for about half a mile until you are past the textile
bathers.
DIRECTIONS: Turn off the N 70 road from Tralee at Castlemaine onto the
R 561. Continue for approximately 12 miles until you reach the village
of Inch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connaught:
Bartraw
This beach is in Westport Bay and is approximately five miles from
Westport. DIRECTIONS: Take the R 335 from Westport towards Louisburg.
After passing the village of Murrisk take the next turn to Bartraw
Beach which is on a small peninsula. Use the eastern side of the
peninsula.
Trawmore
This long beach is on Achill Island. It was sandy but has now become
very rocky. Use the eastern end of the beach at Dookinelly.
DIRECTIONS: Take the R 319 from Achill Sound towards Keel for
approximately five miles. There is a turn off for Dookinelly. You can
also get there from Keel by a long walk up the beach.
Yellow Strand
This fine long beach is on the northern side of Sligo Bay, near
Drumcliff Bay.
DIRECTIONS: Take the N15 from Sligo for approximately 6 miles. Turn off
just past Drumcliff towards the village of Carney. Just before Carney
take the minor road in the direction of Knocklane which is on the tip
of the headland. About half a mile before the road ends at Knocklane,
which has only a few cottages and caravans, take a left turn. Continue
on straight until the road ends at a gate beside a barn. Park here and
walk up the beach.
CAUTION: Beware of currents