Getting naked has become more and more popular since COVID hit Ireland’s shores, the Irish Naturist Association has said. 

While most people spent lockdown at home watching Netflix sheltered under a blanket, the association says it was inundated with membership requests from people looking to throw off their inhibitions and kit once restrictions were lifted. 

“I think it [nudism] has evolved a lot over the past couple of years,” INA spokesman Stephen Bolton told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“Especially with lockdown. People have become a lot more casual in regards to the formalities of it. 

“It would have been a natural progression from your casual Friday - when everyday was casual - then on a nice warm day you might as well go without. 

“Sure who would know? You’re on a Zoom call, you’re bottomless anyway that’s for sure. There’s been a good bit of that.” 

'A little cheeky bit of fun'

Nudism is far from a mainstream activity in Ireland but membership of the INA has surged by 60% over the past couple of years. The group runs a variety of events - ranging from pub quizzes, hikes and swim sessions - all in the nip.

“It’s the comfort thing,” Stephen explains. 

“It’s liberating and, again, over the past couple of years where people have been at home most of the time it’s a little cheeky bit of fun as well.”

One place that the group often meets is White Rock Beach in Dalkey, Dublin. Whereas on most beaches in Ireland a group of naked people might raise an eyebrow or two, on White Rock it is considered the norm. 

Nudists skinny dip in the sea, exchange pleasantries about the weather and soak up the rays of the elusive Irish summer sun. 

A young man is seen relaxing on a seashore in 2014. Picture by: nito / Alamy Stock Photo

Sometimes the INA puts on a free yoga class and Stephen says people looking to try nudism are more than welcome to attend: 

“This is our third summer… where at 12 o’clock on Sunday 12th June we’ll be down on White Rock Beach - so it’s the north end of Killiney Beach,” he described. 

“So what we’ve been doing is getting together and doing yoga on the beach. Enjoying the sunshine and feeling the nature on our skins.” 

People are allowed to be naked in public in Ireland as long as they do intend to cause distress or offence - a situation which Stephen says means “technically all beaches are naked beaches in Ireland.”

Main image: Two women sitting in the beach and sunbathing. Picture by: Alamy.com