Ireland gets its first nudist beach
Date: 2023-08-24 Author: Karina Ziganova Categories: NU ART, TRAVELS
If you can't stand a tan but enjoy a day at the beach, we've got good news - Ireland is about to open its first nude beach.
In what will be the nation's first "nudist" beach, Hawke Cliff in Dalkey is due to undergo a nudist makeover, and public notices should already be posted around the area by Dun Laogaire Rathdown County Council.
The signs, expected to come out next month, will alert other bathers to the likelihood of seeing nudes, according to Irish Naturist Association (INA) head Pat Gallagher, who explained to the Irish Sun: "Every other country in Europe has signs like this," and they will simply say, "Naked bathers can be seen beyond this point."
Of the announcement, Gallagher said it was "a milestone for Ireland" that previously had no nude beaches.
And this could be the start of a nudist revolution in Ireland as the INA is lobbying local authorities to place similar signs on other beaches to allow nude beachgoers to undress.
The announcement comes after Ireland's public nudity law was changed in 2017 to only apply to someone who "intends to cause fear, anxiety or alarm" and engages in sexual activity.
But for those who prefer to stay clothed, Gallagher insists Hawk Cliff will still be open and welcoming to clothed swimmers.
And the beach isn't technically a "nudist" area, just a "clothing optional" place.
According to Gallagher: “We don’t go out to offend anyone. We just want to go there, lie in the sun, get into the water, swim... But we don't want to wear anything, that's all.”
If anything, Gallagher believes the new nude beach will boost tourism.
However, not everyone is happy with the announcement - adviser John Bailey told the Irish Sun that politicians are being kept in the dark about the decision and he is "totally opposed".
But despite the backlash, next month Hawk Cliff will be officially open to all beach lovers, swimwear or not.
