Nestled deep in South Dublin's suburb of Sandycove, lies the Forty Foot. The Irish swimming location has gained international recognition over the years and acts as a community support activity during COVID-19.
The Forty Foot dates as far back as 1838. The origin of the name Forty Foot is much disputed. Some say the name is related to the great depth of its waters. However, measurements show it to be an average of 20 feet deep at full tide. On an 1833 map, the Marine Road in Dún Laoghaire was named the Forty Foot Road and many think the name was transferred to the bathing spot. Another theory suggests that the garrison attached to the James Joyce Tower nearby housed a regiment known as the 40th Regiment of Foot for a time during the early 1800s.
However, it's the community, safe bathing areas and freezing cold waters that keeps the regulars coming back year round. Listening to the daily swimmers, their ritual almost sounds like a cult. People who have been swimming in the same place for 40 years, people who have passed on the tradition to their children and a new generation of daily swimmers due to the pandemic.
The atmosphere is electric in The Forty Foot, rain or shine. Friends Bláithín Lane, Niamh Cullen, Anna O' Farrell and Rachel Mahon have recently started swimming due to the pandemic.
"One day back in May 2019 we were all bored and I suggested a sea swim. Older relatives kept telling me to go down and luckily it's within my 5km so I did. I haven't looked back since. My friends are I are usually go to the pub after a week in college, but with the pubs shut, sea swimming has become a new tradition for us. It's a fun, safe way to socialise with friends whilst also keeping active," says Bláithín.
Kenneth Byrne has been swimming in The Forty Foot for over 55 years. 64 now, he remembers his father bringing him down to swim when he was just nine-years-old.
"I've been coming to The Forty Foot for as long as I can remember. I have to go for a dip every day or else I feel like 'I've woken up on the wrong side of the bed.' It's an addiction....a healthy one!"
But for Kenneth and the friends he's made through sea swimming, it's so much more than dunking yourself in freezing water.
"I enjoy the swimming aspect of course, but I've made some of my bestfriends from swimming daily. There is such a community feel to it. Growing up in Dún Laoghaire myself, there's a level of comfort swimming with other locals. Anyone is welcomed. If we see someone coming down for a few days in a row, a conversation will strike up naturally and you become friends. People from all walks of life are connected through The Forty Foot, it's a really special thing." 
There is a membership club in The Forty Foot that is free, however once a year, all members goes for a 5 course meal in Killiney Castle in South Dublin. The locals talk about it with laughter and fond members.
At the moment, Kenneth is a gardener but hopes to retire in the next two years so he can spend all his time down by the water with friends.
It's safe to say there is a real community feel to The Forty Foot. Everyone is welcomed and connected through sea swimming. The Forty Foot's legacy stretches across the pond to articles published in The Washington Post. One of the articles can be found here:
Most people argue that their 5km is the best but for the swimmers in The Forty Foot, there is no comparison.
Comments