In case you have missed the weather reports or failed to step outside this week, it is very warm out.
So warm that some people on Tara Street in Dublin have gone the distance and broken out the old rooftop inflatable pool.
From the The Irish Times, the set-up looks fairly nice.
Adam Fleetwood, who runs a number of online businesses from the building on the corner of Poolbeg Street, said the sunny weather had prompted the installation.
“Just because it was nice weather, we thought we’d go out and buy a pool - that’s more or less the extent of it,” he said.
“We’re thinking of putting a little slide going into it.”
Sounds excellent. But if you are looking for a swim this week and don’t fancy heading up to the roof, here are some places you can go for a dip:
Jameson's Pool, Howth, Dublin 13 Situated on Drumleck Beach, a sandy inlet on Howth's southern cliff walk. Members of the Jameson distillers added a wall to the natural rock to capture the sea after high tide. The water leaks out quickly, so time this one carefully.
Vico Baths, Killiney, Co Dublin Quiet and secluded with panoramic views of the sea. Are we still in Dublin? One of the last bastions of the nude swimmer. If you can tackle that, then you'll enjoy a dip in these deep blue waters.
Magheramore Beach, Co Wicklow A short walk along a public access track through Seawalk Farm (off the R750) brings you on to a pristine little beach with regular seal visitors. One minute it was deadly quiet, the next it was overtaken by 30 young surfers. We also spotted the sorry sight of a baby whale washed up on shore.
Solomon's Hole, Hook, Co Wexford A 300m walk south of Slade Harbour, on the Hook, will bring you to Solomon's Hole, an enchanting natural pool, with an overhanging ledge. Ideal at high tide in calmer weather.
Portally Cove, Co Waterford An unassuming beach with steep, lush-green hills on either side that seem to stretch on for ever, providing protection from the open sea and leaving the water flat as a lake on fine summer days.
Guillamene, Tramore, Co Waterford Whether you want to wade in or spring-dive from a height, this spot is ideal at all times. At higher tides you can cross the cove to the equally enjoyable and railing-free Newtown.
Garrettstown, Co Cork There are few better places for coasteering than along the cliffs and rocks just west of Garrettstown Beach with G-Town Surf School. They'll ensure your safety as you swim through the Devil's Hole and leap from Shark Rock.
Derrynane Beach, Kerry Derrynane is like a large pub but with lots of snugs. It's a playground for the senses. Navigate the nearby islets, fish for crabs in the shallows, dive off the small stone pier, and explore the ruins of the sixth-century abbey.
Finian's Bay, Co Kerry A favourite with surfers and bodyboarders, this spot is also good for swimmers who like to crash against the waves. Two hundred metres away is the Skelligs Chocolate Factory, where they'll give you free tastings of their latest range.
Menogahane, Kerry Even some Kerry folk haven't heard of it, but this is an ideal spot for exploring sea caves, jumping off rocky ledges or swimming through sea arches. All in a confined and sheltered space, with easy access from a large slip.*
(Bonus entry) - Tara Street, Dublin 2 As the saying goes, the majesty of a blow-up pool during an "Irish heatwave" is surpassed only by the presence of an old couch nearby. Dublin's Tara Street Penthouse has both. This private swimming retreat is furnished with a sea-blue relaxation pool, inflated with the breath of a thousand summer laughs.
*Numbers 1-10 in the above list first appeared in an article by Brendan McEvilly about the best Irish swimming spots - read the original here.
Is your favourite swimming location missing from the list? Let us know @irishtimes.
