Beach
Half Moon
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The Half Moon Bathing Water is located approximately half way along the Southside of Great South Wall. It is not a beach and access to the bathing water is via ladder or slipway from the Great South Wall. Access for pedestrians along the Great South Wall is permitted solely by foot or bicycle. Vehicle access (except for emergency vehicles) is limited at the beginning of the wall, where bicycle parking and car parking facilities are located. For additional parking, it is encouraged to use the nearby Shelley Banks car and bicycle parking facilities and refrain from parking along the roadway to prevent disturbance/damage to sand dunes. The bathing area is bounded by the Great South Wall to the North and the Irish Sea to the South thus flora and fauna have limited opportunity to grow. However, due to its position and coastal connection to Sean Moore Park and the Irishtown Nature Reserve, it is of international importance for migrating Light-bellied Brent Geese and of national importance for nine other waterfowl species. The Half Moon bathing location is located within the South Dublin Bay and River Tolka Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA), the South Dublin Bay Proposed Natural Heritage Areas and South Dublin Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is encouraged to check wind, weather and tidal forecasts before swimming. During times of adverse weather, Dublin Port Company (<a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dublinport.ie%2Fpublic-notices%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C87832797e7f04f86bcdc08dc297b7a20%7C03f164957710409d90cb9b3f403feeea%7C0%7C0%7C638430857721299040%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=fNDpL7pcYw1LNii2yyrtaB0RYeXkdcLg8gfwjz3cxIQ%3D&reserved=0">https://www.dublinport.ie/public-notices/</a>) and Dublin City Council will issue a public safety notice for the temporary closure of the Great South Wall. A designated bathing water monitored by the EPA. Description © Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland), CC-BY 4.0.
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Is this beach safe for swimming?
Check the Conditions tab for current wave height, swell and wind. Review the Quality tab for the latest Environment Agency classification. Always read recent community reports for local knowledge.
When is the best time to swim here?
Check the Tides tab for today's high and low times. Many coastal spots are best around high tide when there's enough water depth, or during slack water when currents are weakest.
What should I bring?
A tow float for visibility, warm layers for after, and footwear for rocky entries. In colder months, consider a wetsuit, gloves, and a swim cap.
What should I know before swimming here?
Check tide times before entering. Incoming tides can cut off escape routes. Watch for rip currents, especially near groynes and headlands. Cold water shock is real. Enter slowly and control your breathing. Always swim with others or tell someone your plan. A tow float makes you visible to boats and other water users. Conditions change fast. Always check the latest data, read recent community reports, and swim within your ability.
