The Forty Foot is a rocky bathing promontory at Sandycove, historically a men-only bathing spot (open to all since 1974) and the setting for the opening chapter of Joyce's Ulysses — the nearby Martello tower is now the James Joyce Tower and Museum. Steps and ladders lead straight into deep water off the rocks, with no beach or sand entry. Year-round swimmers gather here daily, including a well-known crowd on Christmas morning.
| Price | Free |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 minutes to 2 hours |
| Difficulty | Open to all fitness levels, but cold-water acclimatisation is recommended for longer swims |
| Season | June–September for warmest water (16–18°C / 61–64°F) |
| Address | Sandycove Point, Sandycove, County Dublin, A96 Ireland |
Activity facts
- Where
- Sandycove, County Dublin
Equipment
Wetsuit recommended; no equipment available on site; changing area nearby
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Sandycove Point, Sandycove, County Dublin, A96 Ireland
53.2866, -6.1107 View on map
Highlights
- Direct deep-water entry off rocks with ladders, right beside the James Joyce Tower
- Active year-round swimming community, including a Christmas Day tradition
- Free and open at all times, with no booking or entry fee
Tips for visiting
- Water is cold even in summer (rarely above 18°C/64°F) — consider a wetsuit if swimming for more than a few minutes
- Enter and exit via the ladders rather than jumping unless familiar with the tides and depth
- Combine with a visit to the James Joyce Tower and Museum next door
- Weekday mornings are quietest; weekends and Christmas Day draw large crowds
Accessibility
Rocky, uneven entry via steps and ladders; not step-free or wheelchair accessible