Displaying items by tag: Dalkey Tern Project

25th June 2012

Birdwatch Ireland: Dalkey Island Evening Viewings

#MARINE WILDLIFE – The South Dublin Branch of BirdWatch Ireland is organising outdoor meetings over the summer which include watching terns and other species during July at Coliemore Harbour, Dalkey, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The first meeting is Tuesday 3rd July (6.30-8pm) and every other Tuesday during the month. None-members of Birdwatch Ireland are invited to the evenings which are run in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo).

During the seabird viewing evenings, BirdWatch Ireland experts will be on hand to show the breeding terns and other birds whose habitat is not just confined to Dalkey Island. The island encompasses Lamb Island and the rocky outcrops of Clare and Maiden Rocks which straddle towards Dublin Bay while to the east of the island lies The Muglins with its lighthouse.

For further information including the Dalkey Tern Project visit: www.southdublinbirds.com/events/events.php and www.dlrevents.ie/

Published in Marine Wildlife

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Forty Foot Swimming Spot on Dublin Bay

The 'Forty Foot' is a rocky outcrop located at the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove, County Dublin from which people have been swimming in the Irish Sea all year round for 300 years or more. It is popular because it is one of few spots between Dublin city and Greystones in County Wicklow that allows for swimming at all stages of the tide, subject to the sea state.

Forty Foot History

Traditionally, the bathing spot was exclusively a men's bathing spot and the gentlemen's swimming club was established to help conserve the area.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to everyone and it is in the control of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Many people believe that swimming in extremely cold water is healthy and good for the immune system.

Is it safe to swim at the Forty Foot?

The Forty-Foot is a great place to swim because there is always enough water to get a dip but like all sea swimming, there are always hazards you need to be aware of. For example, a lot of people like to dive into to the pool at the Forty-foot but there are submerged rocks that can be hazardous especially at low water. The Council have erected signs to warn people of the underwater dangers. Other hazards include slippy granite cut stone steps that can often be covered with seaweed and of course marine wildlife including jellyfish that make their presence felt in the summer months as do an inquisitive nearby Sandycove seal colony.