Gardaí have cleared swimmers and bathers from Dublin's Forty Foot, which re-opened on Wednesday.
Despite signs urging people to "Swim and Go", large groups of people gathered there.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council says it is bathers' personal responsibility to practice safe physical distancing.
Crowds return at the Forty Foot in Sandycove, Dublin, as the bathing spot has reopened following #COVID19 closure. Gardaí later arrived and asked groups of people to move on. pic.twitter.com/l20a9NKaV5
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) May 20, 2020
One man explained: "The good weather's after bringing me out, so I'm just looking forward to a dip now after we have a little picnic here".
Another said: "I didn't even know it was open, I just went for a drive and saw that it was open - so came down for a swim.
"We always have the togs in the boot".
And a woman said: "It was something to do - just a bit of exercise.
"I actually love swimming but I just haven't been in years - so I was like 'I definitely want to come down now'".
But one swimmer admitted that efforts to socially distance were poor.
"I don't think it's great, if I'm being honest.
"We saw a lot of people very close, sitting down on the beach.
"Not that I'm judging people, cause I know it's been really hard.
"I do think that it's a bit dodgy".
Shortly before 3.00pm, four Gardaí arrived and asked groups of people to move on.
Reporting by Kacey O'Riordan and Jack Quann
