Gates to Ireland's first nudist beach to open this month
What's the story
A trip to Ireland usually involves packing more clothes, courtesy the country's chilling temperatures. But tourists and citizens will soon be able to soak in the sun without clothes as the country's first nudist beach opens at Hawk Cliff in Dalkey, South Dublin, in April. Signs at Hawk Cliff will notify visitors about naturists to warn them about the excess skin they might see.
Nudism laws
Clothing optional: Why is this a milestone for Ireland
In 2017, Ireland changed nudity laws, deeming public nudity an offense only when someone is "intending to cause fear, distress or alarm", or engages in sexual activity. Irish Naturist Association chief Pat Gallagher has been campaigning for a nude beach for many years. He said, "Every other country in Europe has these kinds of signs. It is a milestone for Ireland."
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Pat Gallagher is happy but doesn't want to offend anyone
After the big win, Gallagher said, "We don't go out to offend anyone. We simply want to go there, lie in the sun, get in the water, have a swim. But we don't want to wear anything, that's all."
Not everyone's thrilled
Not declaring it a nudist beach, says county council
A spokesperson from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said the beach will not be declared a nudist one, and only signs will be put up to warn about nude bathers. Calling clothed beachgoers 'textiles,' Gallagher said the beach will be open to them too. He added children shouldn't be allowed to the beach without supervision, as it's dangerous.