Twelve Days of Irish Holiday Traditions: Hit the beach

Inspired by that traditional carol, and the funny Irish version, Christmas Countdown, we're bringing you Twelve Days of Christmas (Traditions). These Irish traditions make the season so special for so many on the Emerald Isle. You may even want to try one for yourself!

Day 10 - Hit the beach

Because, has Christmas Day really happened if you haven't had a dip in icy cold water? “Wild” swimming has exploded in popularity over the last few years in Ireland. But as an island nation, swimming in the sea, ocean, loughs or rivers has always been there and swimming advocates will tell you that an invigorating dip helps the immune system keeps them in good health. And though mid-winter may seem like a strange time to take the plunge, at this time of year there are countless “Christmas swims” around Ireland.

Cold Cold Christmas

Brave bathers in just their swimsuits, also known as “togs,” merrily run or jump into water typically less than 50F / 10C and the surrounding air temperature colder again, with just a Santa hat for warmth. It's not for the faint-hearted and with cold water shock, it can be dangerous. But I have several family members who seem to enjoy it. They have been known to utter the somewhat unbelievable phrase “it’s actually lovely once you are in.”

Keep Safe and Get Warm

The Coast Guard and Garda (the Irish police) are typically notified to ensure everyone stays safe. And some charity organizers put on hot drinks and food to help the participants warm back up after their dip. Flasks of tea and woollen hats are the order of the day. And it certainly warms the heart to see so many people willing to suffer for a good cause.

All around Ireland

You will find "Christmas Swims" around the country wherever there is a body of water large enough, raising money for local charities. Some of the biggest and longest running include:

The Forty Foot, Co. Dublin

The Forty Foot has been a cherished Dublin swimming spot for at least 250 years. Originally reserved just for men, women finally got access to this choice swimming spot in the 1970’s. And at Christmas, huge crowds of men, women and children will descend on this small stretch of rocky coastline on Christmas Day to leap from the rocks and plunge into the Irish sea. Last year their number included the head of our government, our Taoiseach.

Fenit, Co Kerry

The Christmas Swim at Fenit holds the title for the largest swim in Munster. My family and I were lucky to visit this beautiful part of the world during the summer. The water was cold enough in July! I can’t imagine how it feels in December!

And yet hundreds of people will leave their cosy houses to head to Lockes Beach and the pier, joining Santa and Mrs Claus in a chorus of Jingle Bells before racing into the Atlantic.

Dungarvan, Co Waterford

The Dungarvan Christmas swim has been running for more than 40 years and raises money for their local Christmas appeal - providing fuel and food vouchers to those that need it in Waterford who are struggling. Last year they gave out an impressive €50,000 in support. The swim takes place on the gorgeous Clonea beach, a crescent of golden sand 5km north of Dungarvan at noon “come rain or shine”. The brave swimmers are set off by a bugler and the hardy souls are given cups of homemade soup to heat up.

Salthill, Co. Galway

The organizers of this Christmas swim have come up with a novel idea, allowing people to take part even if they can't make their way to Salthill. So here is your chance! Over 700 swimmers participated in 2022, in Galway and around the world, raising an impressive €41,500 for COPE Galway.

Lough Rea, Co. Galway

Galway residents that don’t fancy the sea can head to a lough instead. Folklore tells us Lough Rea in Go. Galway holds a sort of Irish Atlantis, with the ruins of an ancient town submerged under the lake. There are other stories that tell of the lake forming from a well damaged by a battle fought between pagan gods. Quite the spot for a Christmas day swim so! The somewhat discouragingly named Loughrea icebreakers have their annual swim there each Christmas Day in the late morning, raising money for local charities.

Bundoran, Co. Donegal

My family has headed to spectacular Co. Donegal for holidays since I was a child. I will never get used to the shocking cold of the water, even at the height of summer! And I’ve never braved it in winter so I can only imagine what the participants of the Bundoran Christmas day polar bear dip experience. I suppose it is all for a good cause!

Fancy a Dip?

If Donegal, Galway, Kerry or Dublin seems like a long way to go, you could always brave the water where you are with care, or look for another charity event to join.

What's Next?

Check back in with us tomorrow for Day 11 of our Twelve Days of Irish Christmas traditions. You might also like to see our Twelve Days of Christmas offers too!