Naturist group wants Cork hikers to shed their clothes and inhibitions

'It is of great benefit to your self-confidence,' says one of the organisers. 'While there might be a reluctance at first, many people trying naturism for the first time have trouble putting their clothes back on at the end'

Photographer Spencer Tunick's nude installation at Blarney Castle in 2008. Picture: Dan Linehan

The Irish Naturist Association is hoping more Cork people will shed their inhibitions as well as their clothes following a successful event that saw people from all walks of life hike naked through Mitchelstown.

Friday saw like-minded individuals come together to mark World Naked Hiking Day.

The occasion coincided with the summer solstice, which many regard as the beginning of summer. Members of the group are hoping the event will be one of many in Cork as efforts ramp up to recruit more INA members. The organisation is a rapidly- growing movement that promotes naturism or non-sexual nudity.

Chris from the INA travelled all the way from Wicklow to make the event a reality. He said a number of Cork naturists have to travel significant distances for naturist events due to a lack of naturist activities in the area. He said feedback from the public at recent events has been largely positive.

“Things don’t generally always go according to plan, but in a positive way,” he told the Irish Examiner. “People might see you, who are out and about, but they rarely take offence. In actual fact, many people are just happy to come across something different for a change.

“It’s very unusual and unexpected. 

The public are more open-minded than you would expect. Often we will become the talking point of their hike and they have an interesting story to tell when they get home.

“The feeling is more of intrigue than shock. The great thing about a hike is that you are at a distance from people. It means they have the chance to compose themselves before they get up close to you.”

A visitor to Cork's Crawford art gallery views a work by Amanda Coogan as part of 'Naked Truth: The Nude in Irish Art' in 2018. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

He recalled a memorable exchange with a mother and son. “We were chatting to one woman with her son who was in his 20s,” he said. “They chatted to us for ages without making us feel in any way different. It was like they didn’t even notice we didn’t have clothes on.”

Chris said they often receive praise from people. “A lot of people would like to try it but they are afraid of what other people will think. People we meet along the way often compliment us and tell us we are brave for what we’re doing and that they wish they were brave enough to do it too. When you do experience it you quickly lose that fear of judgement.

“It is of great benefit to your self-confidence. While there might be a reluctance at first, many people trying naturism for the first time have trouble putting their clothes back on at the end.”

He hopes the naturism scene in Cork will continue to thrive.

“When something new comes to an area there is always interest. However, over time there tends to be a drop-off. If we have success with events in Cork then I’ll plan more events in this part of the country. However, if the demand isn’t there people will have to travel.”

Cork has been home to naturist events over the years, including a photoshoot involving 1,200 naked subjects near Blarney Castle with photographer Spencer Tunick.

One of the best-known annual naturism events is the World Naked Bike Ride, which takes place next August and aims to highlight the dangers presented to cyclists on the road.