Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Naturism and Irish beaches

245

Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 106 ✭✭Earnest


    Wibbs wrote:
    I don't see how I'm contradicting myself TBH.

    In any event I would suggest clothing has been around for a lot longer than 50,000 yrs. Neandertals lived in Europe for 200,000 yrs through successive ice ages. They certainly had clothing. There's even some(admittedly scant) evidence that Homo Erectus had some form of clothing and that takes us back into the millions of years range. We ourselves, as a species are around for at least 100,000 yrs, so 50,000 years is a bit too recent a date for clothing.

    The point I was trying to make was that if hair loss was due to wearing clothes, how come there are people who wear hardly any clothes, as Wibbs agrees, who are just as hairless as the rest of us? Their ancestors didn't lose their hair through wearing clothes.

    If we have been around for 100,000 years (rather more, I think, actually) how does that prove that we couldn't have lost our hair 50,000 years ago? I don't think losing hair would have made us a different species.

    I would be interested to see your evidence for Neanderthals wearing clothes 200,000 years ago and Homo erectus wearing clothes millions of years ago. To quote from an article 'Human hair: The bare truth' in The Economist, Dec 18th 2003, which mentions the theories that hair loss occurred when humans lived aquatically or that it was due to pest infestation, and comes out in favour of the theory that it was to keep cool:
    "Robin Dunbar, of the University of Liverpool, ... argues that when humans invaded the open plains, hair loss doubled the distance they could travel on a pint of water. Moreover, the presence or absence of hair clearly affects insulation because hair length changes on animals in different environments: elephants in cold places became the woolly mammoth. And it is now thought that humans started wearing clothes rather recently—work on the genetics and evolutionary origins of clothes lice suggests they first appeared some time between 30,000 and 114,000 years ago—certainly far too late to explain why humans lost most of their hair."


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    corkonian1 wrote:
    Not all textiles are like the resident expert on just about everything from anthropology to psychosexuality and all things in between.

    We have sympathy (empathy?)for you feelings dear friend corkonian1, but we as a naturist couple have decided to try to steer the discussion back to the core of the subject.
    We have profound disagreements with the views offered by Wibbs. However we do respect Wibbs for his/her persistance in responding to our views on naturism. Though in general we find them negative to the practice of spontaineous or organised communal nudity, within agreed and legally accepted areas in a non offensive way.
    The view we offered that naturists seek provision of designated and recognised areas for naturists to meet is always ignored and instead there is a constant repetition by him/her about nudists looking to be nude "in public" wrongly and unfairly suggesting that naturists want to be nude anywhere at any time in public.
    It is of course frustrating to find that a core principle or demand if you like, of naturists is distorted in this way.
    We do enjoy that the discussion has at times broadened out to inclide historical developments in relation to humans and clothing, like the contributions of EARNST and find this informative. At least it allows us to weigh up the merits of these issues and judge for ourselves what may be the best development.
    If we may be so bold as to refresh the original core question we posed. Why is it that Irish people will enjoy nudism on foreign beaches while on holidays, and seem so afarid or reluctant to enjoy or practice it at home on Irish beaches? People suggest the weather, and to a degree this is maybe the biggest part. But there are some fine beautiful warm days in Ireland too, and we enjoy them together when they come.
    No, we believe there are other things at work in Ireland, to cause naturism to be enjoyed by such a minority. We thinks it's such a pity.
    After all if someone who is not in disagreement..."with nakedness itself" can consistently argue against communal nudity in publicly accepted designated areas by saying... "Full nakedness(and the promotion of same) carries a loaded social message".... well we had better prepare for what is to come from those who are very much opposed to nudity or "nakedness itself."
    For Nora and I nudity in agreed naturist areas as just another expression of human development and personal choice. We enjoy the feeling of being nude in nature together and we seek to promote the confidence it can give people who are at peace with their bodies of whatever shape, size or colour.
    All are welcome and we or our club won't laugh or giggle or snigger at anyone and never have.

    M+N


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27 corkonian1


    This thread reminds me of some online discussions I have read about the Travellers. Once you get past the unkind and badly informed stereotypes, the discussion settles down into something more like real debate, where people's positions are replaced by genuine willingness to learn. Just like most people never get the chance to meet Travellers in a social setting (they are mostly unable to get in!!!!) most never meet naturists in a social setting because they can not recognise them as they are clothed! Hence, they can not ask questions or put their own opinions or ideas in a relaxed atmosphere.
    So I will take the plunge and say a few of my own ideas about naturists, and say how I became involved, and finish with comments in response to Mick and Nora's original post.
    I think that naturists fall into three broad categories:
    1. People who simply like the sun's rays on their bodies, and are happy to go nude in the privacy of their own gardens when the weather allows.
    2. People who value social nudity, and show this by attending organised naturist events, or spend time in recognised areas where naturists gather. They share acceptance of their own and other's bodies without regard to figure, age, or appearance.
    3. People who promote social nudity as a reaction against the popular but naive belief that nudity can only occur in the context of sexual arousal.

    In the third category above, I think that this belief probably begins with adolescent experience of sexual arousal, when teenagers of both sexes are easily stimulated by images of nakedness or semi-nakedness. Advertisers and pornographers try to ensure that we don't grow up, i.e. that we stay stuck in this adolescent state. They attempt this by sexualising and exploiting the image of the naked body solely for profit. Naturists in the third category believe that we have a right to reclaim the image of our naked bodies as something other than a commodity to be marketed.
    By the way, nothing in this suggests that naturists do not enjoy healthy sexual relationships. If anything, we are probably much more relaxed about sex, as we benefit from having a good understanding of other human beings, and we are generally happy and confident with our own bodies, no matter what shape or size we are!
    How I became involved with naturism was an accident. On a visit to Munich many moons ago, I went with friends to a public park called the English Gardens. Actually there was nothing much there that reminded me of England, the only sign of any cultural heritage being a giant pagoda.
    Anyway, as we wandered through the park, we walked into an area where entire families were walking around without a stitch on. I was horrified. My friends who were living and working in Munich tricked me into going there, just to see my reaction. I met a female (Irish) companion there and she sensed my unease, so she just went topless. We talked for ages about how this would be unthinkable on Fountainstown beach near Cork, but that in this context it was different, as it was officially designated as clothing optional.
    I went home to Ireland, and thought a lot about it. About 5 years later I took the plunge and went on a sun holiday where I knew there were recognised naturist beaches. This was on Menorca, at a resort called Santo Tomas. It was a sleepy place, but the beaches are magnificent. The quietest beach, Bini Gauss, was frequented mostly by local Menorquin naturists. Everyone from newborn baby to granny and granddad went there. Sometimes I met people working in bars and restaurants, who would go for a skinny dip on their afternoons off. It was naturist heaven. I would have long conversations with people on holiday there, like me who were getting into the practice.
    When I came home I joined the INA and since then have gone nude at the less travelled spots on many Irish beaches. I have introduced naturism to a couple of friends, and have spoken with family and work colleagues openly about it. I learned that some of the latter already go nude regularly on holiday, but never in Ireland.
    In reply to Mick and Nora's question, I think the clue lies in people staying with the familiar, and I do think it has something to do with the weather too. It is true that we get many fine days here, but the weather is so unpredictable, the critical mass of a certain level of naturist activity is still a little too low for it to be recognised and accepted. I think that if we had more regular sunny weekend days in particular, naturists would be more likely to meet and recognise each other on the naturist beaches.
    In the meantime, the minority who do go bare on Irish beaches risk being singled out as being very different, but you know what? I don't mind. Only the live fish swim against the stream.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    corkonian1 wrote:
    I do think it has something to do with the weather too. It is true that we get many fine days here, but the weather is so unpredictable, the critical mass of a certain level of naturist activity is still a little too low for it to be recognised and accepted. I think that if we had more regular sunny weekend days in particular, naturists would be more likely to meet and recognise each other on the naturist beaches.
    In the meantime, the minority who do go bare on Irish beaches risk being singled out as being very different, but you know what? I don't mind. Only the live fish swim against the stream.

    What you say does make sense to us. There are simple not enough good sunny days back to back to give naturists a regular and consequently more accepted profile in Irish society.
    Those of us who enjoy being naked on Irish beaches and elswhere are possibly looked on as "different" and people can be unsure and perhaps ignorant of things that are different. That's understandable.
    That said, we still will encourage couples and individuals to embrace naturism and enjoy the feeling of wellbeing and confidence it can bring to you, not to mention the friends you can make who are accepting of you as an individual. A nude individual true, but an individual nonetheless.
    M+N


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    Well the Summer time will once again be upon us and with it the continuing request to those who think they may enjoy naturism to get down to their nearest naturist tolerated beach.
    For a list of beaches and for more information search google for naturism in Ireland where you will find the location of your nearest naturist tolerated beach.
    Give yourself the enjoyment of feeling the sun, wind and water on your naked body. Share the feeling with your loved one and family. Wonderful.

    Nora and Mick


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    They're ba-ack........ Must be some buzz in dangling ones wobbly bits in the wind and sun to engender this much passion and almost missionary zeal. I'm off to get the hairdryer and heat lamp to see what all the fuss is about.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    eth0_ wrote:
    Are you sure there are no official naturist beaches in Ireland?
    There's one just before Killiney, and you can see EVERYTHING when you go past on the DART as they're right beside the line, lying on the cliffs...it's not very nice!
    Hawks cliff. It is not "official" it is painted on the wall of the bridge when you go over though. I go there a bit (not in the raw), I have heard regulars talking about it and white rock, sometimes they go to white rock on sundays and have been in trouble with the law, thought there is never trouble at hawks cliff, probably because it is an unsuitable swimming area for children, though I have seen kids in the paddling pool bit. They are mostly 40-70 year olds, mostly around 50-60.

    Why do Irish people not do it, very simple, Ireland is a tiny place and you will risk meeting people you know. The guy who does it on holidays is on a designated nude beach so if they even do run the risk of running into somebody they know, it is likely the other person will be naked too, so equal embarrassment. At the hawks cliff place in the summer there are far more clothed people than nudists. A lot of the regular nude swimmers cover up at busy times, and I presume it is because of this, or generally feeling out of place.

    It is like people being able to "score" on holidays, or dublin guys going down the country and scoring country girls. They don't care too much as they will likely never see the person again, no small town gossip. You dont want to be asking the young girl in the butchers for a pound of white pudding after she saw your own earlier that day.

    Also cold weather=shrinkage!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 25,848 ✭✭✭✭Zombrex


    I thought not wearing clothes was a nudest, not a naturalist

    As someone pointed out earlier it isn't "natural" (from a purely biological sense, not talking about morality) not to wear clothes all the time, so someone saying this is the natural state of a human being is incorrect. The natural state of a human is to wear some form of protective cloth over their bodies. Otherwise we would all still be covered in thick hair.

    Anyway, I would be all for allowing nudest beaches so long as they are clearly sign posted. Having seens (but not taken part in mind) a nudest beach in Europe I can safely say that the horny teenage fantasy that a nudest beach is loads of young women and men rolling around having sex is a little off the mark. The one I saw was a load of middle aged, slightly over weight, hairy people lying around drinking bottles of coke and eating sandwitches.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    No nudist and naturist are the similar/same ones. A naturalist is like david bellamy or richard attenborough


  • Advertisement
  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    Great lads, now I've an image of Dave bellamy in the nip. Oh joy......

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    They're ba-ack........ Must be some buzz in dangling ones wobbly bits in the wind and sun to engender this much passion and almost missionary zeal. I'm off to get the hairdryer and heat lamp to see what all the fuss is about.


    And wibbs is back too with his cynical and sneering attitude to the issue of Naturism. Well we suppose we will have to grin and bear it, but we would just like to remind him it's the lowest form of wit and tiresome.

    Paul Ableman writes: "We have divorced ourselves from our instincts so conclusively that we are now menaced by their perverted expression. The blocked erotic instinct turns into destructiveness and, in our age, many thinkers have perceived that some of the most ghastly manifestations of human culture are fueled by recycled eroticism. Channelled into pure cerebration, the sexual instinct may generate nightmares impossible in the animal world. Animals are casually cruel and are usually, not always, indifferent to the pain of other animals. Animals kills for food or, rarely, for sport but they do not torture, gloat over pain or exterminate. We do. What's more, we can tolerate our own ferocity. What we cannot tolerate is our own sexuality."

    An obsessive sense of modesty about the body often correlates with a reluctance to share healthy forms of touch with others.

    Naturist. just like being naked and enjoy that state even more when in the company of other naturists. And genuine naturists do not seek to cause offence to anyone, to do so we would consider shameful.

    Mick and Nora


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    normar wrote:
    And wibbs is back too with his cynical and sneering attitude to the issue of Naturism. Well we suppose we will have to grin and bear it, but we would just like to remind him it's the lowest form of wit and tiresome.
    Grin and "bare" it eh? Now that's low. Anyway, this mouldering thread had run it's course for most. Now, months later, you come back again looking for "converts". Do you not think this seems strange to some people? Do you not think it seems a bit creepy, for want of a better word? As I said before, all this sounds to much like a "lifestyle" for comfort.

    Paul Ableman writes: "We have divorced ourselves from our instincts so conclusively that we are now menaced by their perverted expression. The blocked erotic instinct turns into destructiveness and, in our age, many thinkers have perceived that some of the most ghastly manifestations of human culture are fueled by recycled eroticism. Channelled into pure cerebration, the sexual instinct may generate nightmares impossible in the animal world. Animals are casually cruel and are usually, not always, indifferent to the pain of other animals. Animals kills for food or, rarely, for sport but they do not torture, gloat over pain or exterminate. We do. What's more, we can tolerate our own ferocity. What we cannot tolerate is our own sexuality."
    Hippy psuedo Freudian claptrap TBH. To ascribe "cruelty" to animals at all is anthromorphic and a tad old fashioned to say the least. The idea that in the halcyon(presumably naked) past we were unmolested by such destructive thinking is laughable. It's the fall of Adam story again. A lovely thought, but sadly unlikely. We're just another animal, naked or not. To blame the whole of human misery on some sort of blocked sexuality is a bit OTT as well. You do realise that animals kill each other on a regular basis for greater access to mates? Even so, to take from that quote the suggestion that we can regain such a fictitious Shangri La by walking about naked is even more naive and silly. You could equally argue, rightly or wrongly, that naturism shows an immature exhibitionist streak, like some six year old showin' his willy for shock value.
    An obsessive sense of modesty about the body often correlates with a reluctance to share healthy forms of touch with others.
    So now we're the unhealthy ones, because we don't feel the seemingly overpowering need to take our clothes off and "share" healthy forms of touch en masse? Riiiiight. Anyhoo, when did the touching start and what are you defining as healthy in the context of naturism?

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    "sarcasm is the lowest form of wit" is the lowest, most witless comeback ever :v:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,327 ✭✭✭Nasty_Girl


    I think that nudist beaches in Ireland would attract pervs to be quite and totally honest.

    I worked on beaches for years and the amount of them crawling through the dunes was unreal.
    Frightening even.

    People j*cking off and drinking, I was even followed about 3 times.
    They were mostly tourists.

    I would certainly not feel comfortable and would fear for anyones safety, especially young teens.
    They wouldn't even have to approach you on the beach but if they saw you later...
    Especially in a society like Ireland where if a girl wears a short skirt "she's asking for it" (see thread on "ass grabbing" in After Hours for confirmation of this attitude)

    I don't know, I could be way off and I don't mean to offend.
    I would just worry, you never know who is watching you.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    Nasty_Girl wrote:
    I think that nudist beaches in Ireland would attract pervs to be quite and totally honest.
    I worked on beaches for years and the amount of them crawling through the dunes was unreal.
    Frightening even.
    I don't know, I could be way off and I don't mean to offend.
    I would just worry, you never know who is watching you.

    We can understand from what N_G says above the reluctance of many people to be nude on a beach in Ireland (and presumably any other beach). Naturism is not for everyone. That's understandable, and we accept it fully. Naturists don't want to force or pressure anyone into being nude anywhere. We believe in letting people live their lives as best they can through tolerance and respect.

    On the issue of Naturists attracting perverts all we can say is that this is not our fault. Perverts are attracted to all walks of life. We are like other groups in that we can't just give up being what we are, in our case naturists because of the activities of some unsavoury people. We have been on naturists beaches in Europe and the USA and on no occasion were we bothered by perverts.
    I would certainly not feel comfortable and would fear for anyones safety, especially young teens. People j*cking off and drinking, I was even followed about 3 times.
    They wouldn't even have to approach you on the beach but if they saw you later...
    Especially in a society like Ireland where if a girl wears a short skirt "she's asking for it" (see thread on "ass grabbing....)


    What you are describing is as we understand it a criminal offence. No one should feel afraid for their safety anywhere at any time. You don't say if the fear you felt happened on a naturist beach or not, but it wouldn't matter. Call the Guards or the police and have the matter dealt with. Grabbing anyones arse also constitutes an assault on the person and is also a criminal offence. Threatening and criminal behavour by anyone is an offence. It has nothing at all do with naturism. It should be dealt with by the full force of the law


    Sorry N_G but we can't agree with you that
    "in a society like Ireland where if a girl wears a short skirt "she's asking for it"
    We believe that Irish people have developed a greater tolerance for others. That's not say that there no ignorant backward gobs out there, but in general we have progressed in our attituides to women. We hope so anyway.
    Can we at least assure you that in the Irish naturist movement in common with naturists worldwide, we work to increase respect and acceptance for others in society and especially women.

    Naturism is not for everyone and we accept that. But for those of us who choose to be nude, alone and in company because we enjoy it, should not be blamed for the activities of a criminal minority. Naturists respect and tolerate others, and naturally expect the same.

    Find out more at http://www.esatclear.ie/~irishnaturist/ or by email at clubaquarius@gmail.com

    Mick and Nora


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    It would be fair to say that discussion on these threads develop in their own way. We think it might be the right time to give a short summary of our position so far, as naturists, which might help explain some things.

    The basic question we asked at the beginning was why Irish people who visit naturist beaches while abroad seem reluctant to visit Naturist tolerated beaches at home. We say tolerated because there are no official clothing optional beaches here in Ireland. We mentioned as well that this meant that Ireland was the only country in Europe not to have them and we thought this a pity. We made what was basically an appeal that Irish people who enjoyed naturism abroad should also be naturist at home, and wondered why this was rearly the case.

    There were contributions suggesting that the weather was primarily the reason for this, and to a large extent this is significant. But the weather here during Summer is not that much different than in the UK. Yet there are a good number of naturist beaches throughout the UK and these are well attended in summer.

    There were other contributions that remarked about "perverts" who hung around such beaches put people off naturism. Again this is a legitimate argument and we can see how that would be difficult for some to put up with.
    Our only answer we can offer to this issue is based on our own experience. These "perverts" just want to see sex. When they don't get to see it they soon loose interest and sloop off to where they came from. This is especially so when there are groups of naturists together on the beach enjoying the sunshine.
    Other contributions mentioned about "naturists" being offensive and "in your face" and how this was not very nice. We agree fully. Real naturists do not seek to cause offence to anyone, and we would never tolerate this behavour from anyone.This is the reason we ask for proper designated beaches where naturism can be enjoyed. Designated beaches would be very clearly marked so that people would be aware that naked people may be seen there, and people could make an informed choice as to whether they wish to enter into the area of not.

    We accept that naturism is not for everyone. There are people who would perish at the thought of being seen in the nude. Thats ok too and very understandable. But equally there are people who enjoy being naked especially in the company of other human beings who are naturists. It gives a very powerful sence of acceptance and confidence to those of us who practice it. There was one contributer who criticised us for what he believed was "promoting a lifestyle". Well yes. I suppose we are promoting a lifestyle. One which teaches tolerance, and acceptance of others, and of trying to be harmony with nature.


    Finally we do not seek to go wandering naked around the streets of towns and villages in Ireland as suggested by one contributer. What we want is the right to enjoy being naked in nature and in the company of other likeminded people in areas where this is leaglly accepted. There is no shame in the nake human body. Naturists teach tolerance and acceptance for all people regardless of age, sex, creed or physical condition.
    We were hoping that modern Ireland and it's people had moved towards this notion of tolerance and acceptance. We believe it has.

    For more information see: http://www.esatclear.ie/~irishnaturist/

    Mick and Nora.


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 12,887 Mod ✭✭✭✭JupiterKid


    I don't consider myself a real natuist as I don't visit naturist resorts or clubs but I prefer to swim and sunbathe nude - it is a fantastic feeling of freedom and once you open your mind and stop equating nudity with sex the appeal of swimming naked becomes obvious. Swimming trunks are actually really stupid and uncomfortable. There is definitely a growing number of like minded people here in Ireland who believe that swimming nude is the best way to swim.

    Some posters on this thread demonstrate exactly why Ireland is the ONLY country in all of Europe not to have a designated and legal naturist beach (and it has nothing to do with our weather). Much as we would like to think that we've socially modernised, Irish society is still very much dominated by both church-taught shame and guilt, the growing Anglo-American cultural influence of nudity=sex, and ideas are also moulded by the pornography and beauty industries. I see a survey showed the only 1 in 50 women are turly happy with their bodies - this is really sad and shows that we are being fed a pack of distorted lies about how we should live and look.

    Naturism is actually the opposite of pornography - as there is nothing hidden or covered up, there is no message of temptation, secrecy and enticement that womens' bikinis, for example, convey. Continental Europeans have a much more mature and open-minded approach to nudity. In Germany, it is quite normal to swim in the nude and nobody sees any sort of problem with it.

    Yes there are gawkers, pervs and other dodgy characaters that try to hang out at naturist places but these people are not welcome and their attraction to gawking and getting off is actually the result of prudery, body shame, ignorance and a general unhealthy hang-up about sex.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,972 ✭✭✭fly_agaric


    normar wrote:
    No we wouldn't. Nature has made us the way we are...natural and naked. It is as normal and natural for humans to be naked as it is for us to walk, talk, love, live and die.
    Broaden your horizons and enjoy what is natural and normal.

    We evolved in lowland regions in Africa, pretty close to the equator, with warm and predicatble weather throughout the year. All you'll really need is some kind of a willy protector for men who decide to chase after/run away from wild animals.

    Our stone-age forebears wouldn't have lasted very long if they'd tried to survive without any clothes in Ireland.

    "Naturism" in countries with climates like Ireland is not "normal" or "natural" but I see nothing wrong with having dedicated areas where people who are into this stuff can strip off when we get our week or so yearly allowance of weather which makes it non-masochistic to do so.:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20 JustAnother


    I suppose it's partly due to religious conservatism and partly due to people taking holidays abroad in countries that are much warmer than Ireland.

    Whether someone enjoys naturism is surely down to that person and not inevitable.


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Adrienne Orange Tailgate


    Why don't you call yourself nudists? It's hardly got much to do with nature, only going around without clothes on.

    In any case, I'm fine with it as long as they're out of the way. I don't want to see this when I'm walking or driving along, thanks.


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,258 ✭✭✭Ag marbh


    Big thumbs up for Naturism. I try get naked whenever I can, especially at house parties during the Summer. Tis a lovely feeling !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    If God wanted me to be naturist, I wouldn't have been born that way. And He wouldn't have sent me to the South of France and cured my psorasis (well, eased it a lot, anyway).

    We're a nation of childish prudes here, end of story. We see/think nudity and we think not sex, but 'perverts'. I blame the catholic chruch and their successors, the Star/Sunday World.

    The only environmental factor aiding our blubber is not the cold, it's bloody McDonald's We're fat because we eat too much.

    And if it's too cold to go naked, how come it's warm enough to wear a speedo?

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    fly_agaric wrote:
    "Naturism" in countries with climates like Ireland is not "normal" or "natural" but I see nothing wrong with having dedicated areas where people who are into this stuff can strip off when we get our week or so yearly allowance of weather which makes it non-masochistic to do so.:D


    We mostly agree with the above. And with the weather so nice over the past two days.... repeat two whole days.... it was a real pleasure to be out on our favourite beach enjoying the sunshine on our bodies. The water is still freezing so we wait for another while to get in without going comatose.

    Would be nice to see more naturists out enjoying the "lifestyle".
    M+N


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,642 ✭✭✭✭fits


    I like the idea of a nudist beach, often because a lot of men scared of seeing other mens dangly bits will avoid like the plague:D
    I dont think they necessarily attract perverts, its very rude to stare, and I've found people to be very careful about where their eyes go. Also if you want to go on the beach, its only polite to go nekkid too! And single men do stand out, its mostly couples or groups that I've encountered.
    Love the freedom of it, and the feeling of the sun on my skin I must say. And this doesnt make sense, but I actually feel less self conscious. My partner grew up on the continent and they were brought to nude beaches when they were in school, the naked body isnt stigmatised like it used to be here...
    Have also tried out the baths in Baden Baden, and its absolutely lovely and so relaxing.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 286 ✭✭CoolGuy2006


    I am moving to Germany soon and have spent alot of time there already. they certainly dont have a problem getting naked. My girlfriend regularly goes to a mixed sauna with her friends and she doesnt understand what my hangup with nudity is.

    Its hard for me to explain it to her. Im not religious, i dont have any hangups with regards to the church. I have been naked outdoors a few times with her (In a lonely forest :-) and yes, its a great feeling.

    I dont understand why you call yourselves naturists either. Wearing clothes is just as natural as not wearing clothes. Its like you suggest that we all live in an unatural way because we wear clothes.

    wearing clothes is just as natural as being naked. Evolution has led us here, to be in this state. Its part of being Human, if we were to go naked all year we would all die. To survive naturally in Ireland we have to wear clothes.

    At this present time, people who wear clothes should be called naturists. In Ireland anyway :-)

    Also, even though i DONT have any religious hangups, I do like that fact that only my girlfriend sees me naked. In this day and age where everyone wants to know everything about you its nice to have something personal between the two of you. That might sound terribly old fashioned to most people here. Im a young guy, i promise :-)


    Also, for those people who say that "We are born naked, its natural"
    Yeah, but if you didnt have a blanket thrown around you and a incubator near by you would probably die. CLOTHES ARE A PART OF OUR NATURAL LIFE.

    So dont be confused when you see people looking at you on a beach in Ireland, its just human nature to look at something you dont see everyday, People outside without clothes


    I also think its a big joke to blame the church. Its modern day media thats the problem. Most advertisments, movies and music videos try to shove sex down our throats. Always using as much of the naked body to suggest something sexual. You cant blame people for having these thoughts when they see a naked person or why they would put nakedness and sex together. This could also put people off the idea of stripping off.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,642 ✭✭✭✭fits


    coolguy, is your girlfriend german? My boyfriend is, und ich spreche nicht deutsch auch:)

    I dont call it naturism, and I dont understand why they make such a big deal out of it. Its just sunbathing and swimming naked, and it feels nice...

    Its really not a big deal.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 286 ✭✭CoolGuy2006


    fits wrote:
    coolguy, is your girlfriend german? My boyfriend is, und ich spreche nicht deutsch auch:)

    I dont call it naturism, and I dont understand why they make such a big deal out of it. Its just sunbathing and swimming naked, and it feels nice...

    Its really not a big deal.

    Hey Fits, yeah my Girlfriend is German :-)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    fits wrote:
    I dont call it naturism, and I dont understand why they make such a big deal out of it. Its just sunbathing and swimming naked, and it feels nice...
    Its really not a big deal.

    As naturists we agree with you that it's no big deal. The whole purpose of the thread was to try and convince more Irish naturists to practice the lifestyle here in Ireland when the weather is suitable. And we again would like to say to those who are thinking about trying out naturism to go ahead and give it a go. It's enjoyable and especially in the company of others.

    As to why it's called Naturism we don't know. It's also called Nudism which may be more accurate. To us it's simply a name, and just like the rose every naked body would look just as natural by any name.

    M+N


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    normar wrote:
    As naturists we agree with you that it's no big deal. The whole purpose of the thread was to try and convince more Irish naturists to practice the lifestyle here in Ireland when the weather is suitable. And we again would like to say to those who are thinking about trying out naturism to go ahead and give it a go. It's enjoyable and especially in the company of others.

    As to why it's called Naturism we don't know. It's also called Nudism which may be more accurate. To us it's simply a name, and just like the rose every naked body would look just as natural by any name.

    M+N
    Right, I'm gonna stick my head out here and say it: I'm a single bloke. Problem in a nutshell. Been to Cap d'Agde, loved it, gone naked in Denmark, not a problem, but here, I'd be self-conscious about that more than anything.

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    Ikky Poo2 wrote:
    Been to Cap d'Agde, loved it, gone naked in Denmark, not a problem, but here, I'd be self-conscious about that more than anything.

    This is interesting. You went to naturist beaches in these places without a problem but here in Ireland you would be self- conscious about it. Why?

    Sometimes I get the impression that there is something funny about this country, ......like it's haunted or had an evil spell cast upon it...or something

    Just be yourself and enjoy it. ;)


    ,


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    normar wrote:
    This is interesting. You went to naturist beaches in these places without a problem but here in Ireland you would be self- conscious about it. Why?

    Sometimes I get the impression that there is something funny about this country, ......like it's haunted or had an evil spell cast upon it...or something

    Just be yourself and enjoy it. ;)


    ,
    No, slef-conscious about being a single bloke. Abroad, there was a much wider mix of people and attitudes are more open, and not just abotu the actual nudity

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    Ikky Poo2 wrote:
    No, slef-conscious about being a single bloke. Abroad, there was a much wider mix of people and attitudes are more open, and not just abotu the actual nudity


    OK I..P..2,

    That's a fair point and well made.
    Maybe our attituide to the naked human body is changing. We would like to think it is.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    normar wrote:
    OK I..P..2,

    That's a fair point and well made.
    Maybe our attituide to the naked human body is changing. We would like to think it is.


    i think so, but unfortunately, too slowly. A lot of my art revolves around nudity and getting models is horrendously difficult! Would love to go back to Cap D'Agde aith a holdall full of bodypaint... :):)

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    ...another problem with getting people out is information?

    Where to go without having to join a club (which doesn't allow simgle male members) how people there are and so forth...

    I don't mean, by the way, I'd be self-conscious because of my situation, just of being the ONLY one in that situation. Especailly if there were families present. Aborad, there was a much better mix of men/women couples/singles in 'public' places as opposed to clubs.

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,642 ✭✭✭✭fits


    Did anyone see the late late last night? Not hard to imagine why people feel discouraged from going nekkid here. The guy who wrote the holy blood and the holy grail was getting ridiculous comments by text. He was being called a heretic amongst other things because he questioned a few things in the bible. Gosh the people defending him sounded totally brainwashed to me... Anyway it is this attitude which still prevails amongst a lot of people in this country, and quite frankly, these people find nudity sinful and offensive. This is why I dont think I'd strip off in Ireland unless it was a very private cove.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    fits wrote:
    Did anyone see the late late last night? Not hard to imagine why people feel discouraged from going nekkid here. The guy who wrote the holy blood and the holy grail was getting ridiculous comments by text. He was being called a heretic amongst other things because he questioned a few things in the bible. Gosh the people defending him sounded totally brainwashed to me... Anyway it is this attitude which still prevails amongst a lot of people in this country, and quite frankly, these people find nudity sinful and offensive. This is why I dont think I'd strip off in Ireland unless it was a very private cove.
    A little off topic, but it's more the media these days than religion. Look at the amount of sensationalism in the tabloids

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 850 ✭✭✭DOLEMAN


    pork99 wrote:
    I have on one occassion attempted cheat the weather in order to enjoy unfettered naturism by going au naturel in the Tralee Aqua Dome. Needless to say an unpleasant scene ensued with members of an Garda escorting me off the premises, court appearance, bound over to keep the peace etc. The whole apparatus of this state's repressive prudery was deployed against me.

    All I can say is if people don't want their brats to ever see a healthy 19 stone man as God made him they probably should keep their wretched offspring locked in sheds and cellars until they reach the age of 21.

    So you went to this place where people bring their kids to have fun, you stripped off in front of the kids, got arrested, and somehow you are in the right?

    This has nothing to do with prudery or needing to lock children in cellars like you suggest. This is about you doing something totally inappropriate in front of children (and adults.)

    I'm all on for naturist areas, but not the extreme being naked around unsuspecting kids. There's something very very creepy about that...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    fits wrote:
    ....... Anyway it is this attitude which still prevails amongst a lot of people in this country, and quite frankly, these people find nudity sinful and offensive. This is why I dont think I'd strip off in Ireland unless it was a very private cove.

    We believe that attitudes are changing in Ireland. Slowly perhaps, but changing none the less.
    What we would like to know is if you would strip off on a naturist Beach outside of Ireland? If the answer is yes then this means sadly, those who see nudity as sinful and offensive have beaten you. You might not agree but it seems like that from what you said.

    What Naturists want is to have a recognised place of our own where we can enjoy being naked without offending.
    Every other European country has leglislated for, and enjoys this right, except Ireland and it's time this changed. :mad:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    normar wrote:
    We believe that attitudes are changing in Ireland. Slowly perhaps, but changing none the less.
    What we would like to know is if you would strip off on a naturist Beach outside of Ireland? If the answer is yes then this means sadly, those who see nudity as sinful and offensive have beaten you. You might not agree but it seems like that from what you said.

    What Naturists want is to have a recognised place of our own where we can enjoy being naked without offending.
    Every other European country has leglislated for, and enjoys this right, except Ireland and it's time this changed. :mad:

    Agreed, you win. Now all I need is good weather duriong the weekend :D

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    There is a very good (and fair) article in today's Sunday Independ 21/05/06 on this subject of Naturism.
    It suggests as we do that there is an increasing interest in it in Ireland ans of course internationally. We are glad it's getting some serious national prominance and debate. :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    It's the new year. and with the prospect of a warm Summer ahead we thought we might give this issue of naturism another spin.
    So this is our gentle reminder and request to all again.....

    We would love to see naturism being accepted by more people here at home, and to see us Irish coming out of our self imposed shells of shame about our bodies.
    It is really wonderful to be with the one you love and especially to be able to walk naked hand in hand along the sand or swim together, letting the sun and wind dry your bodies. It is what the Summer was made for. Let's enjoy it while we can.

    regards..

    M+N


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    A tad obsessive about this whole naturist lark are we? Hardly the time of year for even thinking of throwing off one's clothes either.:D

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 429 ✭✭Dontico


    in the words of apu, "everybody get naked!"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭Bottle_of_Smoke


    normar wrote:
    It's the new year. and with the prospect of a warm Summer ahead we thought we might give this issue of naturism another spin.
    So this is our gentle reminder and request to all again.....

    We would love to see naturism being accepted by more people here at home, and to see us Irish coming out of our self imposed shells of shame about our bodies.
    It is really wonderful to be with the one you love and especially to be able to walk naked hand in hand along the sand or swim together, letting the sun and wind dry your bodies. It is what the Summer was made for. Let's enjoy it while we can.

    regards..

    M+N

    I think theres one big reason people don't do it here - People are possibly afraid they'd be seen by someone they know - and aren't comfortable with this.

    Maybe in Europe they are comfortable with this or with bigger populations they're just less likely to run into someone they know.

    I'd be the same - though I'd probably do it down the country somewhere & definitely abroad I just wouldn't in Dublin/

    Other thing - I know some prominent nudist said "nakedness isn't sexy when everyones naked" I'm sorry but I just think it would be!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭normar


    Wibbs wrote:
    A tad obsessive about this whole naturist lark are we? Hardly the time of year for even thinking of throwing off one's clothes either.:D

    Hi ya Wibbs. :)

    Nah. We don't think so. When the weathers good it's a great lifesyle. Only right to share this feeling with others who may be interested.

    M+N
    ;)


  • Advertisement
  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    normar wrote:
    Hi ya Wibbs. :)
    Right back atcha ;)
    When the weathers good it's a great lifesyle.
    Eh no. I mean best case scenario the temp here might get into the 20's on a very few days of the year. 30 degrees on a beach in Tahiti I can just about see the gig. In fact surrounded by Tahitian maidens in a similar state of disrobement I can definitely see the gig. Then again that might just be me, polluted by unclean thoughts an' all. I am the Exon Valdez of unclean thoughts it seems.

    19 degrees on a windy beach in Wexford doesn't really cut the mustard. Smacks of people with grey flecked beards, ramblers, people who eat muesli to be regular and never turn the bloody heat on in their house, so baby penguins don't die and such. I am well acquainted with the breed. Walking in the hills of Ireland in the depth of winter claiming the weather's fresh. Fresh my arse. It's cold. That's why we invented indoors and oilskins.
    Only right to share this feeling with others who may be interested.

    M+N
    ;)
    Jesus oul son it's bit early in the day to be talkin about feelings. Perverts I tells ya.:D

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    So it never gets hot enough to go swimming in the sea in Ireland? Oh yes, a speedo makes all the differece temperature-wise!
    Jesus oul son it's bit early in the day to be talkin about feelings. Perverts I tells ya.

    How do you make the link from nudity to perversion? Or are you a catholic?

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    Ikky Poo2 wrote:
    So it never gets hot enough to go swimming in the sea in Ireland? Oh yes, a speedo makes all the differece temperature-wise!
    For a few days of the year warm maybe, for hardy types. Hot no.

    How do you make the link from nudity to perversion? Or are you a catholic?
    Regards if you will the smiley at the end. That should clear it up for you.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,630 ✭✭✭✭Princess Consuela Bananahammock


    Wibbs wrote:
    For a few days of the year warm maybe, for hardy types. Hot no.


    Regards if you will the smiley at the end. That should clear it up for you.

    The smiley reads as "I'm embarassed to have this opinion, but I'll express it anyway"...

    Everything I don't like is either woke or fascist - possibly both - pick one.



  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,170 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    Ikky Poo2 wrote:
    The smiley reads as "I'm embarassed to have this opinion, but I'll express it anyway"...
    Riiiight. That would be in your mind then. :o That smiley may have been more along the lines of your imaginings.

    I assure you I've never been embarrassed to hold or express an opinion. If one is embarrassed to hold an opinion maybe it's time to change same.

    To recap; If someone wants to go around naked I have no particular problem with it in context. I don't fall for the whole "it's natural" bit and nakedness does have more meanings than some will acknowledge. Nakedness itself has different definitions. Some tribal societies are naked to our eyes, but to themselves are not. Some women tribal types have only a thin leather belt that hides nothing yet they feel clothed. Without the aforementioned they feel "naked" with all the extra stuff that may bring. Are they uptight? Nope.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Advertisement
This discussion has been closed.
Advertisement