Sunny side up at urban beach on the Docklands

THE sun came out yesterday after days of heavy rains as Ireland’s first urban beach was unveiled in the heart of Dublin’s financial district.

With sand, palm trees, beach cabanas, daily barbecues and parasols, the Docklands Authority has transformed the banks of the River Liffey into a virtual seaside oasis.

Stressed out city slickers will be able to chill out on the beach in George’s Dock at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) for most of July, provided, of course, the weather turns.

Paul Maloney, chief executive of the Docklands Authority, said the mock strand — like others in Paris, Prague, Amsterdam and Berlin — will have something for everybody.

“Docklands is very much a living, breathing and working neighbourhood, and all the events and attractions at the Urban Beach have been selected with this very diverse audience in mind,” he said.

Day-trippers will be able to play giant chess, Jenga, crazy golf and volley ball, hire a pedal boat or simply relax on a lounge chair surrounded by palm trees and watch the world go by.

For those looking to party into the sunset there are several themed evenings at the beach bar — including a Tango Night, Brazil Night and a Salsa Night — that promise to turn the heat up after dark.

The weekends will see a dedicated “children at work” play area so parents can help build sandcastles or watch their little ones enjoy the sand between their toes.

There will also be outdoor workouts, including aerobics, yoga, body bump and body balance classes at the beach which opens between 12 noon and 8pm and runs until July 20.