Life’s a beach

THERE was a mixed result for the country’s beaches in the latest Bathing Water Quality in Ireland 2018 report.

Some 94 per cent of bathing waters (137 of 145) met the minimum required standard of ‘Sufficient’ while 71 per cent (103) were classified as ‘Excellent’. Another 15 per cent (22) were classified as ‘Good’.

However, five were classified as Poor; including Merrion Strand, Sandymount Strand, Portrane (the Brook) Beach, Clifden Beach and Lilliput, Lough Ennell.

Merrion Strand was classified as Poor for the last four years, 2015 to 2018. A Poor-quality rating again in 2019 will mean that it can no longer be identified as a Bathing Water, until the water quality improves.

On the back of the report Tommy Hickey headed into town to ask passers-by which Dublin beach is their favourite.

“I know it’s not in Dublin, but Brittas Bay in Wicklow will always be my favourite beach,” stated Dubliner Colm Cummins.

“There’s no better stretch of coastline in the country. The sand dunes are gorgeous to look at and the kids love playing in them.”

For Dun Laoghaire native Paul Noyes, Killiney Beach will always be where he goes when the sun comes out.

“My father was a bus driver, so we used to get free travel to Killiney Beach,” he revealed.

“This is when the tearooms there were still in business. I’ll never forget the egg sandwiches. They were delicious, even when they got sandy. I still have a fondness for them now.”

Diarmuid Deegan, from Sligo, has fond memories of the beach in Donabate from his time living there.

“I love the beach in Donabate, it’s feels secluded and private,” explained Diarmuid. “It gets fairly busy, but it’s not as commercial and touristy as other beaches.

“There’s a lovely coastal walk, and the Waterside hotel is a great place for a cup of coffee and an ice cream.”

“Portmarnock Beach is my favourite,” declared Phil O’Neill from Crumlin. “The sand is so fine. It’s so long as well that you’ll always get a spot to yourself. It’s a shame most of the sand dunes are now restricted to preserve wildlife, but it’s still a gorgeous beach. It’s also a lovely walk from Malahide DART station.”

However, Phil’s friend, Mercedes Flynn (pictured right) says it’s not always gorgeous.

“Portmarnock Beach can get a bid mad in the nice weather,” she said. “You see a lot of young people drinking, but that’s not the only problem.

“People leave nappies and rubbish and it can get quite horrible. It’s not the beaches fault though, it’s the people.” 

For Frank Murphy from Booterstown, nothing will beat Sandycove.

“It has everything,” he enthused. “You can stay in the harbour in your own depth so it’s quite safe. The jumps from the Forty Foot can be quite fun as well.”