The Forty Foot Swimming Guide: Everything You Need to Know
The Forty Foot has been Dublin’s favourite swimming spot for over 250 years. A rocky outcrop on the southern tip of Dublin Bay, with steps carved into the stone and the Irish Sea waiting below. On any given morning - rain, shine, or December - you’ll find locals climbing down those steps and into the water.
We know it well. Fitzgerald’s has been five minutes up the road for generations. We’ve seen every type of swimmer walk through the door afterwards - the year-round regulars who swim in togs in January, the tourists who dip a toe and retreat, and everyone in between. This guide is what we’ve learned from all of them.
What is the Forty Foot?
The Forty Foot (sometimes written “40 Foot”) is an open-air bathing place at Sandycove Point, on the south side of Dublin Bay. It’s a natural swimming area formed by rocky ledges and concrete steps that lead down into the Irish Sea. No pool, no heating, no facilities. Just the sea, the steps, and whoever’s brave enough to get in.
The name comes from the 40th Foot Regiment of the British Army, who were stationed at the nearby Martello Tower in the 19th century and used the spot for bathing. Before that, locals had been swimming here for generations. The spot has been in continuous use for over 250 years.
The Forty Foot was men-only until July 1974 - the sign on the outside used to read “Forty Foot Gentlemen Only,” which confused more than a few visitors. A group of women swimmers decided that was nonsense and jumped in. They’ve been swimming there ever since. Good.
Where is the Forty Foot?
Sandycove, south County Dublin. On the coast, about 14 kilometres south-east of Dublin city centre. It sits right beside the James Joyce Tower and Museum - the Martello tower where Joyce stayed for six nights in 1904 and set the opening chapter of Ulysses.
How to get there
By DART (easiest): Get the southbound DART from Connolly, Tara Street, or Pearse Station to Sandycove & Glasthule. It’s about 25 minutes from the city centre. Walk down Sandycove Road towards the sea - the Forty Foot is signposted. Fifteen minutes from the station. The DART runs every 10-15 minutes.
On foot from Dún Laoghaire: Walk along the coastal path from the harbour. It’s about 15 minutes, flat the whole way, and one of the nicest short walks in Dublin. You’ll pass the piers, the waterfront, and then you’re there.
By car: Parking near the Forty Foot is very limited. There’s more parking up near Sandycove Road or at the DART station, but on summer weekends it fills up early. The DART is the easier option.
From Dublin Airport: Allow about an hour. Bus or taxi to the city centre, then DART south. Or a taxi straight there in about 40 minutes (traffic dependent).
Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?
Yes - when conditions are right.
The Forty Foot is a natural sea swimming spot, not a swimming pool. That means conditions change with the weather, the tides, and the wind. Here’s what to watch for:
Check the wind direction. This is the big one. If the wind is blowing from the east, the water at the Forty Foot gets rough. Waves crash over the steps and getting in and out becomes difficult. On a calm, still day - or when the wind is from the west - the water is usually flat and manageable. Check the Dublin Bay Buoy or our live conditions page before you go.
Check the tides. There’s always enough water to swim at the Forty Foot - that’s one of its advantages. But at low tide, the entry steps are exposed and it’s an easier climb down. At high tide, the water comes right up to the railings and you can jump straight in (if you know the depth). The locals have this sorted - watch them.
Go with someone. Especially if it’s your first time. Not because it’s dangerous, but because it’s more fun and someone can hold your stuff. There are no lockers.
Don’t swim alone in rough conditions. If there are no other swimmers in the water, ask yourself why. The regulars know when to stay out.
Swim shoes are a good idea. The rocks and steps are slippery. Proper swim shoes with grip will save you from a twisted ankle on the way in or out.
The small beach alternative
If the Forty Foot itself looks intimidating - the rocks, the jump, the crowds - walk around the corner to Sandycove Beach. It’s a small, sheltered sandy cove where you can wade in gradually. You can also use the steps off the harbour wall. Same water, gentler entry. Good for beginners and children.
How cold is the water?
Cold. That’s the honest answer. But it depends on the season.
| Season | Approximate temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 7-10°C | Baltic. Regulars go in togs. Limit your time. |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 9-12°C | Still cold. Wetsuit recommended if you’re not acclimatised. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 14-17°C | Manageable. Brisk. Most pleasant time for a first swim. |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 12-14°C | Cooling down. Fine for regulars, challenging for newcomers. |
The Irish Sea never gets “warm.” Even in August, the first few seconds take your breath away. That’s part of the point.
If you want to check the current sea temperature and conditions before heading out, take a look at our live swimming conditions page - we pull real-time data for air temperature, sea temperature, wind, and tides.
What to bring
The Forty Foot has no commercial facilities. There’s a barely covered changing area and a cold water shower. No lockers, no food stalls, no toilets. Bring everything you need.
Essentials:
- Towel (a big one)
- Swimming costume / togs
- Swim shoes (the rocks are slippery)
- Warm clothes for after (layers, a hat, something windproof)
- Bag to keep your stuff in (there are railings to hang it on)
Nice to have:
- Wetsuit (especially October to May)
- Hot drink in a flask (you’ll appreciate it)
- Neoprene gloves and socks if you’re going in winter
- A robe or changing poncho for getting changed with some dignity
- Phone in a waterproof pouch (for photos - it’s a stunning spot)
Don’t bring:
- Anything valuable that you’d be upset to lose to the sea
- Inflatable rings or floats (the tide will take them)
- Glass bottles (broken glass on rocks is a bad combination)
Best time to swim at the Forty Foot
Best time of year
June to September is the most comfortable window. The water is at its warmest (14-17°C), the days are long, and the atmosphere is buzzing. Weekends in July and August get busy - arrive early morning or late afternoon if you want space.
October to May is for the hardy. The regulars swim year-round, some daily. If you’re not acclimatised to cold water, build up gradually - start with short dips (2-3 minutes) and increase over weeks.
Best time of day
Early morning (7-9am): The local swimmers. Quiet, atmospheric, proper. You’ll see the same faces every day. The water is often calmest in the morning.
Mid-morning to afternoon (10am-4pm): Busiest. Tourists, families, day-trippers. Good energy, but the steps can get crowded.
Evening (after 5pm): Quieter again. The light is beautiful in summer. Check sunset times - you don’t want to be getting out of the water in the dark.
When NOT to swim
- Easterly wind: Rough conditions, waves over the steps
- Stormy weather: Obviously
- After heavy rain: Water quality can be affected by runoff
- Alone, in winter, in rough conditions: Just don’t
Can beginners swim at the Forty Foot?
Yes. Start smart.
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Pick a calm, sunny day in summer. Flat water, warm-ish temperatures, other swimmers around for confidence.
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Use the beach or harbour steps. The main Forty Foot entry involves climbing down rocks or jumping off ledges. If that’s not your thing, the small beach around the corner lets you walk in.
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Stay in for 2-5 minutes your first time. Cold water shock is real. Your body will adjust after the first minute. Don’t push it on day one.
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Have something warm waiting. A towel, dry clothes, and ideally a warm drink. The “after” is as important as the swim.
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Watch the locals. They know which steps to use, where the currents run, and when to get out. Copy them.
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Don’t dive unless you know the depth. Rocks underneath. Check first.
The Forty Foot in culture
The Forty Foot isn’t just a swimming spot. It’s a Dublin institution.
James Joyce and Ulysses. The opening scene of Ulysses takes place at the Martello Tower right next to the Forty Foot. Buck Mulligan stands on the tower roof, shaving. In the novel, the sea is always present. Joyce himself swam here during his brief stay in 1904. Every year on Bloomsday (June 16th), swimmers and readers gather at the tower and the Forty Foot to celebrate.
Bad Sisters. The Apple TV+ show brought the Forty Foot to a global audience. The Garvey sisters swim there regularly throughout the series. Filmed on location.
250+ years of swimming. The bathing place predates the name. Locals have been swimming off this rocky point for centuries. The Forty Foot has survived wars, independence, men-only policies, and decades of Irish weather. It’s still here. Still free. Still cold.
What to do after your swim
This is the part most guides skip. You’ve been in the Irish Sea. You’re cold, you’re buzzing, you’re alive. Now what?
Get warm. Dry off, get dressed, have a hot drink. The wind off Dublin Bay will cool you down fast after the initial warmth fades.
Walk it off. The coastal path from Sandycove to Dún Laoghaire (or the other direction towards Dalkey) is a good way to get your body temperature back up.
Have a pint. Yes, we’re going to mention ourselves here. Fitzgerald’s is five minutes up the road from the Forty Foot. We’ve been serving post-swim pints for generations. The Guinness is well-kept, the bar is warm, and nobody will judge you for still having wet hair. There’s a reason LovinDublin called us “your only man” for a post-swim pint.
Hot whiskey is the correct answer if you’re properly cold. Irish coffee if you need the caffeine. A plain pint of Guinness if you’re a regular. All acceptable.
Getting there: quick reference
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin city centre | DART southbound to Sandycove & Glasthule | ~25 min |
| Dún Laoghaire | Walk along coastal path | ~15 min |
| Dún Laoghaire | DART one stop | ~3 min |
| Dublin Airport | Bus/taxi to city + DART | ~60 min |
| Dalkey | Walk along coast | ~20 min |
From Sandycove & Glasthule DART station: walk down Sandycove Road towards the sea. Turn right at the coast. You’ll see Joyce’s Tower ahead of you - the Forty Foot is right beside it. Fifteen minutes on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?
Yes, the Forty Foot is safe for swimming when conditions are calm. Check the tides and wind direction before you go - avoid swimming when the wind is easterly, as conditions get rough. The steps into the water are well-worn and there are usually other swimmers around. Go with a friend if it’s your first time, and watch the locals to find the best entry points.
How cold is the water at the Forty Foot?
The Irish Sea at the Forty Foot ranges from about 7-10°C in winter to 14-17°C in summer. Even in August, it’s brisk. Regular swimmers go year-round in togs, but first-timers should consider starting in summer and using a wetsuit if they plan to stay in longer than a quick dip.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim at the Forty Foot?
No, many locals swim year-round without wetsuits. But if you’re not used to cold water, or you want to stay in for more than a quick dip, a wetsuit makes it more comfortable. Swim shoes are strongly recommended - the rocks and steps are slippery.
What facilities are at the Forty Foot?
There are no commercial facilities at the Forty Foot itself. There’s a barely covered changing area and a cold water shower. No lockers, no food or drink stalls. Bring everything you need: towel, warm clothes, swim shoes, and a hot drink in a flask if it’s cold. There are basic railings and steps for getting in and out of the water.
Can beginners swim at the Forty Foot?
Yes. If the Forty Foot itself looks intimidating, head around to the small Sandycove Beach nearby - you can wade in gently from the sand or use the steps off the harbour wall. Start in summer when the water is warmest, pick a calm day, and don’t stay in too long on your first go.
Is the Forty Foot free?
Yes, the Forty Foot is completely free and open to the public. No entry fee, no booking required. It’s accessible at all times, though swimming is safest during daylight hours.
Where is the Forty Foot in Dublin?
The Forty Foot is in Sandycove, south County Dublin - on the southern tip of Dublin Bay. It’s a 15-minute walk from Sandycove & Glasthule DART station, a 15-minute walk from Dún Laoghaire, and about 25 minutes by DART from Dublin city centre.
How do I get to the Forty Foot?
The easiest way is the DART train to Sandycove & Glasthule station, then a 15-minute walk. From Dublin city centre (Connolly or Tara Street), it’s about 25 minutes. You can also walk from Dún Laoghaire in about 15 minutes along the coastal path, or drive - there’s limited street parking nearby.