Now that the holiday week is now over and the good weather has returned, the swimming pool under Emmet - late Harold's Cross - Bridge has returned to favour.
The canal at this point is ideally situated for the purpose. The banks are low, and, while the water is apparently deep, the width is sufficiently small to give the weak swimmer confidence. The bridge itself provides an excellent stand for onlookers, and iron railings have been erected this season on either side of the bridge, adding considerably to the comfort of the spectators, who are many.
Thoughtlessly, no doubt, a police notice was erected some considerable time ago telling all and sundry that swimming was forbidden. The bathers find this board a convenient peg for their clothing.
The view from the bridge, looking east or west, is really beautiful, especially as the sun begins to slide down into the canal water and softens until it is a shimmering blob of red gold.
There is peace then, with only the traffic to disturb it, and an occasional splash as a youngster arches into the water, but of the noises only the latter is part of it all, mingling like a colour, in harmony with the low-voiced storytelling of the old men and the silence of the young people.
The Irish Times, August 16th, 1939.