IF THERE is such a thing as a reverse mirage, it shimmered into focus down at the Dublin docks yesterday.
Out of the wind and rain and the concrete and steel, there appeared in the distance a tantalising image of heat, sand and desert air.
To our fevered brains, a beach was beckoning: soft and lovely, with deck chairs and parasols, pedal boats and lemonade stands, and an unfamiliar light in the sky that old-timers called the "sun". There were girls in short shorts and bare-chested Brazilians with big biceps running shoeless along the sand. Pensioners and their ice-creams subsiding into sun loungers. Latin music in the background. Children turning cartwheels, a German lady turning bratwurst over hot coals. Buckets. Spades. Flip-flops.
Slap bang in the middle of a washed-out summer city, how could it possibly be? But this wasn't an illusion. Ireland's first urban beach was open for business.
The sun made a rare appearance to remind us all of what we've been missing. Out of sheer spite, it'll probably be gone today.
Inspired by similar projects in Paris and Amsterdam, the docklands authority has transformed George's Dock in the International Financial Services Centre into a seaside oasis. The temporary beach, with free admission for all, is located a short walk away from the Custom House - just follow the Liffey towards the sea.
This quirky little sea-wheeze is aimed at both IFSC workers and the general public. There is a barbecue and beach bar (licensed to sell alcohol between 5pm and 8pm) and a variety of holiday-themed activities such as mini-golf, giant chess and volleyball. A special play area has been created for small children, while deck chairs and sun loungers are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Changing rooms have been provided for anyone mad or toned enough to risk swimwear, and towels can be hired for stretching out on the sand. Yesterday, after a week of rain, this was not to be recommended unless you wanted a cold in your kidneys.
The organisers couldn't believe their luck when the sun smiled on their official opening. Cue much sighing about "doom and gloom merchants" from docklands authority chief executive Paul Maloney, resplendent in a Hawaiian shirt and straw hat.
They don't like public talk of recession around the IFSC, preferring a "life is a beach" response to the downturn.
A PR woman rejoicing in the name of Elizabeth Taylor said 240 tonnes of sand had been imported from a quarry in Wexford to create the beach. And a number of girls in shorts and bikini tops - "we're not from a modelling agency, we're from a morketing company" - were imported for the photographers.
With the sun shining and a band playing bossa nova, it was a fun place to be. No Liffey swimming allowed though, just a pedal boat for four at €15 a half hour around the dock.
Three pensioners who came to see the urban beach were happily ensconced in deck chairs beside the dance floor and enjoying the passing parade. Stephanie Batt from Dalkey, Betty Fagan from Fairview and Leo Finegan from Clontarf thought it was great idea.
"I heard about this on the television and thought I'd come along to support it. I came prepared with my cats and dogs umbrella in case it rained," said Stephanie, who was using it to keep the sun off instead.
"It's absolutely wonderful," said Betty, who didn't care about the weather. "You just have to take pot luck these days."
Leo, meanwhile, is a Mahon tribunal regular. He decided to go to the beach because the inquiry wasn't sitting. Which is the better attraction? "Well, they're totally different. For a start, there's no money attached to this one. I should've brought me togs."
The urban beach cost in the region of €200,000, and is open until Sunday, July 20th. There is a daily programme of activities, including yoga, aerobics and football. Themed salsa, tango and Brazilian nights are planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Let's hope it keeps fine for them.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
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