BEACHGOERS have been hit with a months-long “do not swim” warning at a popular Irish spot.
And a second Dublin beach has been slapped with a similar warning that’s set to last less time.
Dollymount strand sees thousands flock to the beach in the summer[/caption]
Swimming at Sandymount strand has been banned for the summer[/caption]
The two beaches in question are the beloved Sandymount Strand in south Dublin and Dollymount Strand in north Dublin.
Sandymount Strand is a five kilometre stretch that’s popular among swimmers, cyclists, and walkers.
The bathing season there runs from June 1 to September 15 and sees thousands flock to the area.
But swimming on Sandymount strand has now been banned for the entire 2025 season – meaning swimmers can’t return to the waters until mid September.
The reason for the ban is that the water quality at the beach, tested by Dublin City Council, is poor.
Swimming in poor quality water could expose beachgoers to pollution and risk creating health problems.
The city council said: “A swim restriction applies at Sandymount Strand for the entire 2025 season.
“Based on the 2021 – 2024 bathing assessment, Sandymount Strand will be classified as Poor for the 2025 season.
“In accordance with 14(1)(a) of Bathing Water Regulations, a temporary restriction needs to be applied to prevent exposure of bathers to pollution.”
Meanwhile north of the river Liffey, Dollymount strand has been placed under a temporary swimming ban.
The five kilometre stretch is popular among walkers and swimmers.
During the summer, hundreds of families enjoy it for socialising and swimming.
But recent heavy rainfall led to a storm water overflow at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant just days ago, contaminating the water at the beach.
The council said they will continue to monitor the water quality at the popular beach and update accordingly.
They explained: “A Temporary Prohibition was erected by Dublin City Council on 03/06/2025 at Dollymount Strand following a stormwater overflow on the 03/06/2025 at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant due to heavy rainfall.
TOP FIVE BEACHES IN DUBLIN
Here are the top five beaches in Dublin:
- Balscadden Beach, Howth
- Killiney Beach, Killiney
- Portmarnock Beach, Portmarnock
- Seapoint Beach, Seapoint
- Donabate Beach, Donabate
“The notice was erected in consultation with the Health Service Executive.
“Sampling will take place at Dollymount Strand and the notice will be updated accordingly.”
The water at three designated spots in Dublin is monitored by the city council.
The spots are Sandymount, Dollymount, and Half Moon.
Monitoring is also carried out at non-designated water areas including Merrion Strand, Shelly Banks and North Bull Wall.
Sandymount is located in south Dublin[/caption]
