Canon

SANDYMOUNT SEA BATHS

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My first time to photograph this derelict structure was in February 2008 and back then the street art was much more interesting and it would appear that the artists have lost interest in recent years and it is also evident that the old sea baths have decayed to a great extent in sixteen years.

A Brief History

The Sandymount Baths, originally known as the Merrion Promenade, Pier, and Baths, opened in July 1883. Designed by engineer Frederick Morley, the baths boasted a 120 ft by 80 ft men’s bath and a smaller 120 ft by 40 ft women’s bath. A 350 ft long pier connected the baths to Strand Road, featuring a bandstand, refreshments, and a reading room.

Decline and Closure

Despite initial enthusiasm, the baths faced financial difficulties due to substandard construction and lower-than-expected patronage. The Merrion Pier and Baths Company Limited went into liquidation in February 1889. The final blow came in 1920 when a section of the wall collapsed, leading to the closure of the entire structure.

Present Day

The ruins of the Sandymount Baths remain on Sandymount Strand, a testament to a bygone era of seaside leisure. While there have been occasional calls for their restoration, no concrete plans have materialised.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

It’s important to distinguish the Sandymount Baths from the Blackrock Baths, another historic bathing site in Dublin. While both share a similar fate of decline and abandonment, they are distinct structures with separate histories.

The Sandymount Baths, while a fascinating historical relic, pose significant dangers due to their location on Sandymount Strand. The tidal nature of the area means that the ruins can be cut off from the shore during high tide, trapping unsuspecting visitors.

Tidal Risks

Sandymount Strand experiences a wide tidal range, with the water level rising and falling considerably throughout the day. During low tide, the ruins of the baths are accessible on foot. However, as the tide comes in, the water level rises rapidly, surrounding the baths and cutting off access to the shore.

Visitors who venture out to the baths without checking the tide times risk being stranded as the water rises. The incoming tide can be surprisingly fast, making it difficult to return to shore safely. In addition, the currents around the baths can be strong, further increasing the risk of drowning.

Safety Precautions

It’s crucial to exercise caution when visiting the Sandymount Baths. Always check the tide times before venturing out and allow plenty of time to return to shore before high tide. If in doubt, it’s best to stay on the shore and admire the ruins from a safe distance.

Additional Hazards

Apart from the tidal risks, the ruins themselves pose hazards. The crumbling walls and unstable structures can collapse without warning, causing injury. It’s advisable to avoid climbing on or entering the ruins.

The derelict Sandymount Baths, with their weathered walls and crumbling structures, have become an unlikely canvas for street art, murals, and graffiti. The ruins offer a unique and evocative backdrop for artists to express themselves, transforming the decaying structure into a vibrant outdoor gallery.

A Canvas for Creativity

The walls of the baths have been adorned with a diverse range of artwork, from colourful murals depicting local scenes and historical figures to abstract graffiti tags and stencils. The constantly evolving nature of the artwork adds to the allure of the site, as visitors can discover new pieces with each visit.

Artistic Expression and Social Commentary

The street art at the Sandymount Baths often serves as a form of social commentary, reflecting the concerns and aspirations of the local community. Some pieces highlight environmental issues, such as climate change and pollution, while others celebrate local culture and heritage. The artwork also serves as a reminder of the baths’ history, with some pieces referencing their past as a popular seaside destination.

A Controversial Issue

The use of the Sandymount Baths for street art is not without controversy. Some argue that the artwork detracts from the historical significance of the site, while others see it as a vibrant form of cultural expression that breathes new life into the ruins. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between preservation and creative reuse of heritage sites.

A Unique Attraction

Regardless of one’s stance on the issue, there’s no denying that the street art at the Sandymount Baths has become a unique attraction in its own right. The site draws visitors from across Dublin and beyond, who come to admire the artwork and contemplate the complex relationship between art, history, and decay.

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