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South Wall

Secret Dublin? It don't get more secret than South Wall. Adventure your lonely way down and through the post-apocalyptic landscape around the fantastically stripey Poolbeg chimneys and you'll find yourself on a precocious pier jutting out into the middle of Dublin Bay. Topped by a little red lighthouse, the panoramic view from here is just a little bit breathtaking.  Half way along the Great South Wall you'll find the Half Moon Swim Club (previously a battery). Cross your fingers and hope the swimmers are in - a handful of the most salted aul' Dubliners meet here for swims in frigid waters. They'll make you tea, offer you biscuits, and give you the grand tour. Bring your togs and you'll be one o' da lads (like me).  It feels like you're being initiated into a forgotten bit of Dublin history. / Karl Watson