Location
Ireland
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Brittas Bay/Sallymount Beach
Brittas Bay is one of Wicklow's best-known beaches, a long sweep of sand backed by high, protected dunes about an hour's drive south of Dublin. The northern and central parts, near the main car parks, are busy with families and caravan-park visitors in summer. Naturists use Sallymount, the southern stretch about 2 miles further on towards Buckroney, where the dunes are higher and fewer people walk. The Irish Naturist Association calls it one of the most popular naturist beaches in Ireland and says naturists have used it for more than fifty years. The beach is fine, pale sand that shelves into the Irish Sea, with marram-grass dunes behind and no shade. Strong currents are a known hazard, so the INA advises not swimming alone, and there is no lifeguard at the Sallymount end. Being so close to Dublin, it gets lots of visitors on warm weekends. The association asks visitors to be discreet at busy times and to keep well south of the family beach. There are no facilities at the naturist end.
Getting there
Leave the M11 at Exit 19, follow the road to its end, turn right, and continue along the coast road for about 2.8 km to a junction marked by fir trees and gateposts at Buckroney. Park nearby without blocking field gates. From there, a small gate leads to a dune path of 10-15 minutes with some steep sections. Alternatively, drive on parallel to the beach to a small car park with an easier path to the sand, then turn north. Facilities are only at the main Brittas Bay car parks. Wheelchair access is not possible.
What visitors say
Naturists describe Sallymount as Ireland's classic naturist beach: long, clean and backed by fine dunes, with plenty of space once you are well south of the family areas. On hot weekends it gets busy, and people mention clothed walkers passing along the shoreline. Regulars advise using the southern parking areas, walking well into the Sallymount stretch before undressing, respecting the protected dunes and local landowners' gates, and taking care with currents.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Ireland has no officially designated naturist beaches. The Irish Naturist Association says non-sexual nudity is legal provided there is no sexual activity and no intent to cause fear or alarm. Sallymount is a long-tolerated naturist spot, and the association recommends discretion at weekends and in high summer.
Naturism at Brittas Bay/Sallymount Beach sits under Ireland's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Ireland public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 52.8458, -6.0922
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Ireland
Frequently asked questions
Where is the naturist area at Brittas Bay?
At Sallymount, the southern end of the beach near Buckroney, about 2 miles south of the main family beach.
Is nudity legal there?
There are no official nude beaches in Ireland. Non-sexual nudity without intent to cause alarm is generally not an offence, and Sallymount has been used by naturists for over fifty years.
Where do I park?
Near the Buckroney junction on the coast road, without blocking field gates, or at a small car park further along with an easier path to the beach.
Is it safe to swim?
Strong currents occur and there is no lifeguard at this end, so don't swim alone.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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