The recently published book, entitled The World's Best Nude Beaches and Resorts, says that Brittas Bay in Co Wicklow and Inch Strand in Co Kerry are the best nude bathing spots in the Irish Republic.

According to the guide, Brittas Bay is the perfect location for a naked stroll, and "more bare bathers enjoy this special place than anywhere else in the Republic". For naturists wishing to avail of the Kerry coastline, the guide advises a "brisk 15-minute walk south along the shore" before you reach "seclusion and open space for baring all . . . naturist nirvana".

The president of the INA, Pat Gallagher, welcomed the inclusion of Ireland in the book and said that the Association had just recently been planning a strategic campaign targeted at local authorities.

"The last time we campaigned was in the mid-'90s and we think that the time might be right to try again, " he said. "We've haven't decided exactly what we'll be doing, but we'll probably take one area at a time, and write letters to every county councillor in that area asking them for their support."

Gallagher said the INA would hope to reach an agreement similar to that which exists in the UK. "There, they have signs on particular beaches that say something like 'Nude Bathers May Be Seen Beyond This Point', " he said. "That type of wording allowed the authorities to designate nude beaches without having to change the legislation, and we should be able to do the same thing here."