building misc

Group of four freestanding reinforced concrete bathing shelters, built 1934, one pair facing southwest and other facing northeast. Flat roofs. Concrete walls to three sides, with curved corners. Central, higher entrances with round-plan piers. Visible painted lettering to rear elevations 'LADIES', 'MEN'. Integral concrete benches to interior. Exposed aggregate concrete steps leading from promenade to shore, flanked by concrete plinth walls and steel handrail to centre. Set at intervals on promenade, back from seafront.

This group of five concrete bathing shelters situated along the North Bull Wall was probably designed by Herbert Simms, Dublin Corporation housing architect from 1932 to 1948. The shelters are characteristic of the International style, with a strong horizontal emphasis, flat roofs and rounded corners. The elegant form and strong geometric openings take advantage of the material properties of poured concrete. The provision of bathing shelters is indicative of the continued popularity of outdoor recreation in the early decades of the twentieth century, and of the popularity of Dollymount strand as a bathing area for the residents of Dublin city and the northern suburbs. The shelters were designated for use separately by 'Ladies' and 'Men', the lettering to the rear adding social interest to the composition.