Saturday, August 28, 2010
THEY are known as the One-o-clock Nudes – bare-arsed aficionados of nude bathing who descend on Irish beaches during the summer to let it all hang out.
Ireland is fast becoming one of the world’s best nudist beach destinations, joining warmer climes like Spain, France, Italy and Croatia in the top ranks of nudist beaches.
The west and south west of the country is particularly popular with nude sunbathers, who enjoy the benign climate courtesy of the Gulf Stream, with Silver Strand Beach, Barna, Co Galway, and Inchidoney in west Cork among the most popular.
This latest tourist trap is not mentioned by Tourism Ireland, nor does it feature on the Discover Ireland website, but fans say that Ireland’s climate is ideal for nude beach-going.
The top destinations include Roundstone in Galway, Simons Cove, Lough Hyne and Sands Cove in west Cork and Donabate in Dublin. Brittas Bay in Co Wicklow also features.
According to the Irish Naturist Association, which describes itself as "an umbrella organisation" to promote naturism in Ireland, there are a number of unofficial beaches around the country where nude bathers like to congregate.
On its website, www.irishnaturism.org, the association cites Inch beach in Kerry, which is two miles long, as one of the most outstanding areas for nude bathing. However, it advises those who like to swim in the nude to be prepared to take a hike along the shoreline before stripping off. "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," says the INA.
West Cork offers dozens of quiet and secluded coves. Perfect destinations include the eastern and western sides of Clonakilty Bay, Dunowen with its rocky cliffs, Dunny Cove and Sands Cove while Glandore includes the famous rocky Prison Cove, which is a long-accepted haven for naturists.
Along the east coast naturists favour Brittas Bay, which is said to be one of the best naturist beaches on the east coast. It is certainly the most popular.
The main beach is clothes-only and attracts campers and caravans at the weekend and during national holidays. According to the INA, the naturist beach, which is some two miles south of the main beach, is long and sandy, backed by large dunes but with a stony strip between the dunes and the water.
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