Wild swimming at Vico Road, Dalkey (aka The Ramps, Hawk Cliff)

Wild swimming at Vico Road, Dalkey (aka The Ramps, Hawk Cliff)

If it’s good enough for Matt Damon…

 

The trick with this swimming spot is to find it, so keep a close eye out and follow the directions below. 

Variously known as ‘the Vico’, ‘the Ramps’ and Hawk Cliff (which is what the sign at the spot says).

This is a small swimming spot, not as famous as its Forty Foot neighbour down the road, but a place which has its fair share of devotees.

There are handrails and a ladder which lead you into the fresh clear sea and as you swim you could be anywhere.

There is also a small seawater pool which you can get a dip in if the sea is too choppy. A small sheltered area can be huddled into when it rains.

When the sun shines and you look across at the white, sun drenched row of millionaire houses on Sorrento terrace just remember that the sea is free.

Take heed of the No Diving signs which are there for a reason.

Unfortunately, not accessible.

Directions

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Dalkey is about 10 kilometres from Dublin city .   The best way to access this spot from Dublin is on the DART getting off at Dalkey station. From there find or ask your way to Sorrento Road and Vico Road. At the end of Sorrento turn right onto Vico and its a few minutes walk to the entrance. Watch out for a small gap in the wall which leads you down a path and over a railway bridge.

About 10 – 15 minutes walk from the station.

 

 

Lough Ouler

Lough Ouler

Sometimes the best swimming places take an effort to get to, and this is one of them.

Lough Ouler is a corrie lake at the base of Tonelagee, one of Wicklow’s most imposing mountains. From the road it’s a good 45- 55 minute walk uphill and with a fair bit of effort involved.

The rewards are worth the effort, however, and as you come over the brow of the hill the lake appears dramatically, quiet and shining, nestling at the foot of this impressive mountain. The water is dark but fresh. As for all lakes you need to be extra careful and look out for submerged rocks. We got in from the rocks on the right hand side.

Not too many people swim here but this is a well used route for walkers heading up the mountain. Skinny dippers be warned.

Directions

 
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From Dublin take the R115 Military Road and head for the Sally Gap. From the Gap you keep on the R115 and drive on until you come to a large car park at Glenmacnass waterfall.

From here it is best to walk back up the road you drove on for about 15-20 minutes until you come to a small forest on your left hand side. Before the forest you will see a rough track which you follow down to the river. Having found your way across you head upward taking the right hand side of the stream. With a bit of searching you should find a worn track which will lead you uphill to the lake.

Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 56

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