Parks, markets and the famous "Forty Foot."

There is an abundance of outdoors activities and sites to visit in Sandycove, Glasthule and the surrounding area for visitors who would like lots of fresh air on a visit to this spectacular location.

The People’s Park is a public park just 10 minutes’ walk from Sandycove beach. The park is small but perfect for a picnic. It has a playground, a bandstand and tearoom for those who need a recharge. If you visit on a Sunday, you will get to experience some great local produce at the Farmers’ Market.

Sandycove Harbour is great for those visitors who want to do a bit of snorkelling and explore the waters. It is known as one of the best safe diving spots on the east coast. To see under the sea, Oceandivers (01-2801083) is a PADI Diving school based here. 

The Forty Foot, a historic bathing pool on a promontory on the southern tip of Dublin Bay, is a short walk from the James Joyce Tower.

It used to be a maleonly swimming spot but today both men and women enjoy a swim here. The character of Buck Mulligan in James Joyce’s Ulysses takes a dip in the Forty Foot. People have been swimming here for the past 250 years.

The origin of the name is unclear. It has been speculated that it may have been called after the British army regiment, the 42nd Highland Regiment of Foot, which may have been stationed here.

Other suggestions put forward include the depth of the water (which is actually less than 40 feet) and the width of the road leading to the bathing spot.

Sandycove Beach is a lovely small inlet with fine sand. The visitor can take a dip in the sea off the pier area above the cove or just walk out to the water from the beach. There is a lifeguard on duty in high season.

The beach is packed in summer so you need to come early to secure your spot and there is always an ice cream van in high season selling drinks and other treats.

To explore more in Sandycove & Glasthule click here.