Sandycove Tide Clock

Sandycove, a picturesque seaside suburb of Dublin, is a place where history and the sea converge. Known for its stunning coastal views and the famous Forty Foot bathing spot, Sandycove has long been a retreat for swimmers, writers, and dreamers alike. The tides shape its shores, creating a rhythm that defines daily life.

Steeped in literary history, Sandycove is home to the iconic Martello Tower, where James Joyce once stayed and where the opening scene of *Ulysses* unfolds. The area’s maritime legacy runs deep, with Ireland’s first lifeboat station established here in 1803. The sea has always been both a protector and a force to be reckoned with, shaping the lives of those who call Sandycove home.

A tide clock inspired by Sandycove would capture the essence of this coastal haven. Whether marking the perfect moment for a swim at the Forty Foot or reflecting the ever-changing moods of the Irish Sea, it would reflect  the village’s enduring connection to the water.

The chart shows nautical features around Sandycove from Scotsman’s Bay , past the Forty Foot and the Martello Tower.

What is a tide clock?

A tide clock is a device that tells you if the tide is high or low, and how much time is left before it changes. It works by synchronising with the lunar cycle, which influences the tides. The tide clock has a single hand that rotates once every 12 hours and 25 minutes, which is the average time between two high tides or two low tides. The dial of the tide clock is divided into sections that indicate the state of the tide: high, low, rising, or falling. By looking at the position of the hand, you can tell what the tide is doing and how long it will take to change.

Why use a tide clock?

A tide clock can help you plan your activities around Sandycove by letting you know when the water is high enough or low enough for your preferred activity. For example, if you want to swim, you might want to avoid low tide, when the water is shallow and cold, and the mudflats are exposed. If you want to fish, you might want to avoid high tide, when the water is deep and fast, and the fish are dispersed. Going sailing, surfing, or kayaking? You might want to choose a time when the tide is rising or falling, which creates more favourable conditions for these sports. If you want to walk along the shore, you might want to choose a time when the tide is low, which reveals more of the beach and the wildlife.

What are the details of the Sandycove Tide Clock?

• 260 mm x 260 mm  and 45mm deep. (10″ x 10″ x 1.75″)
  
• Heavy duty professionally printed canvas.
• Solid-Wood frame.Select from either black or white.
• Real Glass
  
• Delivered in a presentation box with “Who knows what the tide may bring” printed on it.

The Sandycove tide clock contains full instructions on how to set and how to read a tide clock.

This is not a navigation device.