Donal Hickey: Fine weather reminds us of the lack of basics at Irish beaches

A €19m programme to create facilities at 22 locations where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction is welcome

People making the most of the fine weather on the beach at Tramore, Co Waterford. Picture Dan Linehan

Get on your bike, literally, or take to the water. Activity holidays making the most of the Irish outdoors seem to be the trend of summer 2021.
The lure of the sea and the wonders of the coastline are compelling for people of all ages. Like last year, people are rediscovering their own country and adapting to uncertain weather.

There was a time when some cautious folk just “paddled’’ in the sea, never allowing the surf-fringed water above their knees. A case of rolling up the legs of the pants and revealing flour-white skin before tentatively allowing the water to tickle the toes.