Hawk Cliff & Vico Bathing Place

The Vico Bathing Place and neighbouring Hawk Cliff, on Vico Road in Dalkey, are among Dublin's best-known sea swimming spots, historically men-only and with a gay following that continues today. Concrete steps and ladders drop straight into deep, clear water with views across Killiney Bay, and regulars swim all year. Hawk Cliff is used as a naturist bathing area. This is a social swim scene, not a cruising ground: people come for the water and the chat. There is no beach, and the water is deep from the first step, so it suits confident swimmers. Take the DART to Dalkey and walk about 15 minutes along Vico Road.