Dublin's beloved Forty Foot to undergo repairs due to storm damage

Sarah Slater

A much-loved swimming spot of international celebrities and locals is undergoing repairs due to storm damage inflicted last year.

Ladders at Sandycove’s Forty Foot in south Co Dublin were recovered after being damaged during a storm late last year.

They were repaired, and initial works by Dún-Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council began early last month.

A council spokesperson said that works were weather and sea conditions-dependent and a contractor has been “engaged to reinstall them”. A temporary handrail was put in place at the main steps to ensure continued safe access.

The popular spot appeared on the big screen as a location in Dublin native Sharon Horgan’s Bad Sisters.

In the 2023 documentary film, Bono & The Edge: A Sort of Homecoming while well-known US TV host Dave Letterman often visits the spot.

American actor Matt Damon was snapped using the swimming spot during the Covid-19 pandemic, as he was living in Dalkey at the time, and UK singer Sam Smith.

Phase one of the reinstatement began on March 5 last, with the second phase starting on Wednesday, subject to weather conditions.

Works will continue for three days until Friday. Safety signage will be installed on site, and temporary safety barriers will be in place while works are underway.

The spokesperson said: “Please respect all safety barriers and follow instructions from the divers on site. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience”.