Papal visit puts end to nudist pool swim
THE Pope’s visit is causing a cover-up in Ballyfermot after a planned nudist swim in the leisure centre this weekend was postponed due to the road traffic restrictions in place.
The Irish Naturist Association (INA) has hosted private nude swim sessions in Ballyfermot before, including three this summer, but the pontiff’s visit has forced the cancellation of Sunday’s swim.
Ballyfermot Leisure Centre
INA members host events at venues all over the country and plan to return to Ballyfermot again, pending availability at the busy leisure centre, which is used by a variety of other clubs and groups.
“Our members love Ballyfermot Leisure Centre with its modern facilities, 25 metre pool, sauna and steam room,” said Leticia Medina, INA coordinator.
“Our swim sessions are of course, for genuine naturists – we don’t tolerate voyeurs nor exhibitionists.”
Leticia said her children have taken part in the family-friendly events at Ballyfermot and “can’t wait to go back.”
The sauna at Ballyfermot is another major plus for INA members.
Leticia continued: “As far as I know, it is impossible to do a proper sauna in Ireland except within our bookings. It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever to be sweating in swimming attire inside a sauna as everybody who understands saunas would tell you.
“The proper sauna procedure entails being naked. To me that’s enough reason to join our private swims. Needless to say, naked swimming is also more enjoyable.”
Leticia acknowledges Irish society is not yet prejudice-free about naturism.
However, slowly but surely, times and attitudes are changing, including the variety of INA activities on offer such as naked dining events which have taken place in the city centre.
This is something INA would hope to host in Dublin 10 if a suitable venue was available.
“We would be interested in finding further venues, not sure if there are pubs and restaurants in Ballyfermot that accom-modate us.”, said Leticia.
Anyone interested in INA events is encouraged to visit their website www.irishnaturism.org or contact them via their social media channels on Facebook/Twitter.
The group also have a YouTube channel and a monthly newsletter which can be subscribed to.
TAGS Ballyfermot
