Over half of Irish people prefer to cover up at the beach. That’s according to a poll run by Ireland AM this week where 54% of the programme’s viewers voted against nudity at the seaside.
The show’s hosts, Tommy Bowe and Muireann O’ Connell, weighed in on the topic of nude sunbathing as Ireland is set to continue to enjoy glorious sunshine this bank holiday weekend and beyond.
Tommy spoke about his past experience on a nudist beach.
Read More: Four dogs die after walks at popular Irish lake as vet issues stark warning
He said: I’m pretty sure my parents took me to a nudist beach as a kid.
“It was a bit of an awkward situation for a kid.
“Because you’re kind of looking around at other people’s junk.”
But his Virgin Media co-star, Muireann O’ Connell, admitted that nudist beaches do not bother her.
“I’ve gone topless in Europe because everyone does it in Europe.
She added: “With men, as soon as the sun comes out, the tops come off and the t-shirt goes in the back pocket and off you go, they’re just nipples.
“But for women, the mammary gland has been sexualised to the ninth degree.”
“The north part of Kilkee in Co Clare was always the man's beach. That’s where they went nude. Women were not allowed. It was definitely segregated.
“It’s not like that now. The women invaded, they certainly did.
*Even White strand beach in Dublin, it’s so funny when you go, and you’re like, ‘Oh God, there’s nude people’.
“But then after a while, you’re grand.”
In Ireland nude beaches are not officially signposted, however the Irish Naturist Association says naturism is widely practised in the country and has outlined a number of popular beaches with naturists.
These include Clonakilty Bay, Cork; Inch Beach, Kerry and Byrne’s Cove, Kilkee, Clare.
Tullagh Bay in Donegal and Bertra Beach in Co. Mayo are also popular with naturists.
READ NEXT:
Jonathan Dowdall expected to leave the country in weeks under witness protection
'I want this put to bed' - Una Healy discusses throuple on RTE chat show
Met Eireann pinpoint date high pressure will 'weaken its grip' on Ireland
Holly Willoughby to deliver 'honest statement' about Phillip Schofield
Irish Britain's Got Talent star shares secret to staying calm ahead of final
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
