40foot

40foot, commonly written The Forty Foot, is a historic sea bathing location in Sandycove, a coastal area near Dublin, Ireland. The site comprises a rocky ledge and tidal area at the eastern end of Sandycove Point overlooking Dublin Bay. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it is generally thought to refer to a feature in the rock or water that once measured about forty feet in height or depth.

The Forty Foot has a long-standing place in Dublin's social and maritime history. It has been used as a free, public swimming spot since at least the 18th century and became a focal point of local seaside culture. The nearby James Joyce Tower and Museum, housed in a Martello tower, anchors the area as a cultural landmark. Over the years the site has become associated with Dublin's literary heritage and is frequently cited in tourist and cultural references to Joyce's Dublin.

Today, The Forty Foot is a popular outdoor swimming location, especially in the summer. Because it is a natural, unsupervised tidal area, swimmers must exercise caution and swim at their own risk; there are no lifeguards on duty. Access is via the coastal path and steps down to the rocks, with nearby amenities in Sandycove village.

See also: Ulysses (Joyce), Sandycove, James Joyce Tower.