The Forty Foot is a promontory on the southern tip of Dublin Bay at SandycoveIreland is the only country in Europe which still bans nude bathing. The 40 Foot named not for its size but because the 40th Foot Regiment of the British army who used to be stationed in a battery above it.

Owing to its relative isolation and gender-specific nature it became a popular spot for nudists, but in the 1970s, during the women's liberation movement, a group of female equal-rights activists plunged into the waters and now it is also open to women and children. The gentlemen's swimming club still exists and is open to both genders, it expects voluntary contributions to the upkeep of the area.

Many people believe that swimming in the extremely cold water is healthy. A nearby sign reads: "togs required - by order". If you still want to bathe au naturel, note that a small section is reserved for nude swimming. Some men and women still swim naked there but get dressed immediately they come out of the water.