Location
Ireland
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to September
About Hawk Cliff
Hawk Cliff is a small rocky bathing place just outside Dalkey on the coast of south County Dublin, below Vico Road and overlooking Killiney Bay. It is shared by naturists and clothed bathers, and in 2018 it was widely reported as Ireland's first nudist beach after notices went up telling the public they might encounter nude bathers there. A path from the road leads down to small changing shelters and a diving board on the rocks; naturists also use a small cove around the rocks to the south. There is no sand: you sunbathe on rock and swim straight into deep, clear water, with views across the bay toward Bray Head. The Irish Naturist Association warns of strong currents, especially when ships are entering or leaving Dublin Port. Nearby White Rock beach, a little further along Vico Road, is a sandy alternative whose north end is popular with naturists.
Getting there
From Dalkey take Sorrento Road and turn right onto Vico Road. The path down is not signposted: cross the footbridge and follow the path, keeping left to reach the changing shelters and diving board. The descent is steep and not suitable for limited mobility. Parking is free but limited along Vico Road; Killiney Hill car park is a 15-minute walk. Dalkey DART station is within walking distance.
Amenities
Legal context
In 2017 Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council agreed with the INA to put up notices warning that nude bathers may be present, and notices were reported in March 2018, but the council said it was not designating a nudist beach and later withdrew from the agreement. Since 2017, public nudity in Ireland is an offence only where there is intent to cause fear, distress or alarm or where it involves sexual activity.
Naturism at Hawk Cliff 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. 53.2694, -6.0979
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
Is Hawk Cliff an official nudist beach?
No. It was widely reported as Ireland's first nudist beach in 2018, but the council said it was not designating it. Naturists and clothed bathers share it.
Is there sand?
No, it is a rocky bathing place with a diving board. White Rock beach nearby is sandy.
Where do naturists go?
The bathing area itself and a small cove around the rocks to the south.
Is it safe?
The water is deep, and currents can be strong, especially when ships enter or leave Dublin Port.
Sources
- Leinster naturist locations – Irish Naturist Association Official
- Public notices erected around Ireland's first nudist beach – Today FM (2018)
- Ireland's first official nudist beach to open next month – Irish Examiner
- Irish naturists delighted by first officially recognized nude beach – CBC As It Happens
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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