Cork’s proposed Lee-side Lido would trump the Dún Laoghaire Baths any day

Fiona Frawley

There’d actually be a bath, for a start.

Following the unveiling of the long-awaited Dún Laoghaire Baths in Dublin last week, locals and sea swim enthusiasts all had one question on their lips.

…. Where are the Baths?

There was great excitement around the expansive studio space for artists and the new 35 metre long jetty, but it was hard to ignore the glaringly obvious. 12 years of work, 17 years of campaigning and €18m later, the Dún Laoghaire Baths had no bath.

Via dlrcoco

A concrete lid currently covers the void where a tidal seawater pool could potentially sit, but as of now it’s a ‘maybe’, not a definite. Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council say the original plans for the Baths did not include a swimming pool, but that a future phase of development on the site could include an open seawater pool, subject to approval.

Meanwhile in the Rebel County, Corkonians are ready and waiting to one-up Dublin, further solidifying their position as The Real Capital™.

Community group Lido Cork have been campaigning for a year-round outdoor pool for Cork City for the past two years. The last similar amenity for the city would have been the famous Lee Baths, which closed in 1986.

These glory days can be had again!
The ever expanding city might even need more than one #LidoCork 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️😀 https://t.co/aNH7hciNUP

— Cork Lido CLG (@LidoCork) January 12, 2022

The proposal from Lido Cork would see a 50m outdoor pool opened at a city location to allow for safe year-round swimming in the city. A number of locations have been considered for the pool, including both sides of the River Lee and a number of inland sites, including Tramore Valley Park. As of May of this year Kennedy Quay, the Marina and Horgan’s Quay were on the shortlist of possible locations, according to The Examiner.

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Where in Cork would you put one of these ?#LidoCork https://t.co/IR26jzLC9e

— Cork Lido CLG (@LidoCork) November 9, 2022

Speaking to The Examiner about the project earlier this year, open water marathon swimmer and Lido Bath group member Niall Kenny said:

There are any number of reports on the long term health benefits for the country of facilities like this.

But what’s particularly frightening here and now is the sheer lack of swimming facilities in Cork… But with the new developments coming there’s a chance to get these facilities in now, at the right time.

Who doesn't like a bit of inspiration!!
💙💙💙💙🏊‍♂️🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️
Wonder how big we could make #LidoCork https://t.co/HmIn0ip6d9

— Cork Lido CLG (@LidoCork) October 23, 2022

Will Cork see an outdoor Baths facility before Dublin?

Header image via Shutterstock