Vico and Hawk Cliff
Dalkey, south Dublin · Ireland
Dublin's traditional men's bathing spot: rock ledges on Killiney Bay where swimwear-free swimming has been the custom for a century.
Updated
- Status
- Tolerated
- Crowd
- Gay-popular
- Country
- Ireland
- City
- Dublin
- Water
- Sea
- Best time
- May to September, and the brave all year
- Confidence
- Medium
Find it
53.2718° N, 6.1052° WThe gay end
The Vico bathing place and Hawk Cliff below it. Cold water, warm regulars, swimwear optional by custom.
Crowd A clothing-optional beach for everyone with a gay end everyone knows about. Walk in the direction the guide says and you will find the boys.
Getting there
DART to Dalkey, then a twenty-minute walk along Vico Road. Steps down to the rocks.
The rules
Tolerated. Not designated, but going without swimwear has been the custom for years and is left alone. Rules and patrols can change, so read the signs when you arrive.
No photos of anyone, sunscreen everywhere, cover up the moment you leave the clothing-optional stretch, and head home with the light. Sunbathe, swim and keep the beach respectful for everyone.
Questions people ask
Beach questions
Where exactly is Vico and Hawk Cliff?
Dalkey, south Dublin, Ireland. The map pin is 53.2718° N, 6.1052° W.
What is Vico and Hawk Cliff like?
Dublin's traditional men's bathing spot: rock ledges on Killiney Bay where swimwear-free swimming has been the custom for a century.
Which section of Vico and Hawk Cliff is on the atlas?
The Vico bathing place and Hawk Cliff below it. Cold water, warm regulars, swimwear optional by custom.
How do I get to Vico and Hawk Cliff?
DART to Dalkey, then a twenty-minute walk along Vico Road. Steps down to the rocks.
Method
Status says what the law and the locals allow; crowd says who is on the sand. Both come from gay-travel guides, the national naturist federations and members who were just there, scored on sources, recency, crowd, legal footing and safety. How we rank. Pins mark the beach; the gay end is described above. Last reviewed September 2026.