Nudist colonies or access to nudist beaches are usually not associated with good old Roman Catholic Ireland. You will find them in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and many other enlightened European countries, but of course not in Ireland? You say the weather is terrible. Who wants to go to Ireland? In fact, quite a lot of people. And the weather is absolutely not suitable for those who like to swim or walk without obstacles clothing. You don't have to be in the heat sky of exotic places to have comfort without clothes. The areas of the south-west of Ireland, in particular, benefit from the favorable climate provided by the Gulf Stream and create ideal places for nudists.
Keep in mind that the next small selection of places is what is called "unofficial". Does this mean that those who swim in naked places are breaking the law? This is a very gray area. In a technical sense, it sometimes happens that the laws of propriety are violated. On the other hand, these areas, as a rule, are marked with signs, and there is an informal “official” acceptance that allows you to designate these areas of specific beaches and dedicate them to nudist use. In most cases, signposts for such zones are identified by local authorities in any case.
This is just a small selection of the most popular places in Ireland.
Silver Strand Beach, Barna, County Galway
To get here, take the Galway-Spiddal (R336). About four miles from Galway, not far from Barna Woods and the gas station, there is a turn to the left signpost Silver Coast. About three hundred yards west of the main beach there is a small beach that is regularly used by naturists. To get to the naturist area, walk 15-20 minutes along the rocks or along a rough road behind a wall nearby. Peace and silence, and, most importantly, solitude guaranteed in a stunningly beautiful setting, which is close to the buzzing and beautiful city of Galway.
Roundstone, County Galway
This beach is located in the beautiful area of Connemara in County Galway, where nature is located in the most beautiful place with stunning scenery, river, lakeshores and mountains. To get there, you need to take the Galway-Clifden road from Galway City, also called the N59. Turn off the coastal road (R341) before Roundstone.
There is parking and a primitive, but suitable textile campsite. Take a walk along the beach and take a short walk to a small hill at the end of the bay. You will come to the gate. Go through the gate and go through the cape for 400 yards. There you will find yourself on the beach in a delightful sandy bay. Note that the bay is not visible until you get close to it, which makes it an excellent setting for naturists.
West Cork, County Cork
If the region ever gives itself a naturist paradise in Ireland, then this is stunning West Cork in southwestern Ireland. For example, a dozen quiet and secluded coves on the eastern and western sides of Clonakilta Bay, which are very suitable for naturism. Dunowen, also called Duneen ends on a rocky cliff and is therefore very secluded and private. Next you will find Dunny Cove and Sands Cove. Further west again to Glandor is the famous rocky Prison Bay. On the east side there is a suitable bay near the village of Koltso. Turn right over the bridge in the village and follow the road along the coast with Inchidoni island along the canal on the right. After some time, the road turns inland and uphill. Halfway up this hill is a narrow strip to your right that leads almost to a sheltered rocky bay, which is an acceptable and private object for naturists.
Further along this hilly road there is a sign for Simons Cove, which lies along the cape to the South Ring, where a small alley leads to the sea. The bay is protected by a reef, but can be thick with fibrous algae. On the shores of the magnificently named Roaring Bay and Low Hayn, which passes by Skiberen, along with the Bera Peninsula, there are many deserted beaches that are accepted by naturist areas.
Corballis, Donabat, County Dublin
Corballis is a scattered beach near the beautiful village of Donabat in the north of Dublin County at exit 5 on the MI northbound highway. A road from here leads to the village of Donabat with signs for the beach. Go to the beach and park as far as possible. Beware of soft sand. Walk down the beach for 15-20 minutes. This area is known as Corballis and has long been used by naturists. Alternatively: two miles on the road in Donabat, turn right at the sign for Island Golf Club and Corballis Golf Club. Continue for about 1 millimeter until you see a small green gate in front of the Island Golf Club. Go through the gate and follow the path over the dunes until you reach the beach. Turn right and walk for 10-15 minutes. Peace and tranquility are guaranteed, and there is a long and respected tradition for naturists in this field.
Brittas Bay in Co. Wicklow
Brittas Bay is probably one of the best naturist beaches on the east coast of Ireland. It is also an extremely popular camping and caravanning resort, mostly visited by Dubliners, leaving the capital on weekends and public holidays. The main beach is only a textile area. The naturist beach is located almost two miles south of the main beach and is the most popular naturist beach in Ireland. It is long and sandy, supported by large dunes, but with a rocky strip between the dunes and water (sandals are recommended!).
Disconnect the main southern freeway Dublin-Wexford M117, located nine miles south of Ratnew. Follow the sign of Fort Jack White Cross and Pub. Follow this road until you can go further. Turn right and follow the coast for about 1 millimeter, until you get into the collection of firs and counters, marked Bukroynoy on the road. At the crossroads there is a small green gate. Go through the gate and follow the path to the naturist part of the beach. Once on the beach, turn left and walk until you see a fence on the dunes past the sixth in a row of lifebuoys. Between the fence and the stream along the coast is a naturist region. You can swim, sunbathe and walk in comfort on the beach or in the dunes without fuss or a possible break. However, since this is a very popular family resort, do not risk being naked outside the designated naturist area.
So, who said that Ireland was a strange country? Freedom of expression all the time develops on the Emerald Isle, and de Valera - the girls dancing at the intersection, have long gone into the company of fairies, and it is not harmful!
For more information about other nudist places and practices in Ireland, check out the Irish Naturist Association.
