Activities for Dublin bay
LIFFEY SWIM The 84th Liffey Swim takes place today, starting at Watling St bridge and finishing at Custom House Quay. More than 300 swimmers, who have qualified in races throughout the summer, will go under starters orders at 3.30 p.m. for the men's race, and an hour later for the women's event. The competitors are expected to complete the 1,800 metre swim in around 20 minutes.
SEA SWIMMING People don't swim in Dublin Bay, said Brendan Behan, they just go through the motions. However, those responsible for water quality say Dublin Bay is now cleaner than at any time in the past 100 years. There are now Blue Flag beaches at Portrane on the north side and Seapoint on the south. However, the Forty Foot, under the shadow of Joyce's Tower in Sandycove, is the spiritual home of Dublin Bay swimmers, or, for a more city-central sea swim, try the Half Moon Club on the South Wall. The sea never gets too warm, but temperatures are at an annual high in early autumn.
KAYAKING We'd love to observe the splendours of Dublin Bay from the comfort of a private yacht, but while we're saving up, we might have to make do with watching from the discomfort of a kayak. Deep Blue Sea Kayaking, run by Des and Marie Keaney, runs introductory sea kayaking courses. "Have fun, learn new skills, explore the Dublin coastline, paddle with the seals," they say. Kayak, paddle, wetsuit, buoyancy aid, waterproof jacket and spraydeck are provided. Courses take place one evening a week for five weeks and bring you to Irish Canoe Union Level 2 standard. www.deepblueseakayaking.com, 01-2760263.
SEA SAFARI A high-speed rib takes up to 12 passegners on a heart-pumping, wave-bumping jaunt around Dublin Bay. Take in the sheer scale of Dublin Port, explore caves on Ireland's Eye, and witness jumping porpoises and wildlife aplenty. €30, from starting points on the Liffey or at Malahide marina. 01-8557600, www.seasafari.ie.
WINDSURFING Some of the more popular spots are Malahide and Salthill for beginners to improvers and Dollymount, Portmarnock and Rush for the more experienced. www.windsurfing.ie
THESE FEET WERE MADE FOR WALKING And remember that you don't have to take to the water to appreciate the beauty of Dublin Bay. The Irish Heart Foundation's Slí na Sláinte East Coast route follows the contours of the bay and runs from Bray head to Malahide. Download the route map from the Irish Heart Foundation website, www.irishheart.ie.