Dublin's international, cosmopolitan image got a further boost this week with the opening of Ireland's very first 'urban beach' facility.

The beach, an initiative of the Docklands Authority, is in place from Friday 4th July - US Independence Day - to Sunday 20th July.

It aims to be like similar attractions in Amsterdam, Paris, Prague and Berlin, but will an Irish summer turn George's Dock into a tropical seaside oasis?

Loretta Lambkin, Director of Marketing, Docklands Authority, thinks so and said: "The concept of the urban beach has grown in popularity in European cities over recent years.

"We were inspired by the idea of transforming a city concrete space into a welcoming, relaxed destination where families, office workers and visitors can enjoy what will hopefully be a good summer in the city."

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However, with Met Éireann predicting plenty of rain over the coming days, there's little likelihood of clear skies but the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA), is hopeful that the beach will prove to be something of an oasis for those wishing to bring a bit of sunshine into their lives.

They insist it will be a "relaxing haven in the midst of the bustling IFSC, the Urban Beach will be dotted with palm trees and surrounded by beach cabanas, lounge chairs, beach umbrellas and a refreshment beach hut".

Visitors will have the opportunity to practise yoga or tai chi, play a game of chess or boules or simply relax on a lounge chair surrounded by palm trees and watch the world go by - while ignoring the rain.

The Urban Beach at Docklands is just one of a number of activities over the summer months, with several free themed nights also set to take place including a Brazil night, a tango night and a salsa night.

"Docklands is very much a living, breathing and working neighbourhood and all the events and attractions at the Urban Beach have been selected with this very diverse audience in mind," said Paul Maloney, Chief Executive of the DDDA.

"Our community includes families, office workers, young people as well as visitors from the rest of the city and beyond and we were anxious to appeal to as many tastes and interests as possible," he added.

(BMcC)