Hundreds were at Dollymount Strand in Clontarf for the annual Christmas swim, with mild temperatures and sunshine encouraging all into the water.
Along with the swimmers, there were plenty out walking their dogs or going for a run, many in Christmas jumpers and other festive clothes.
It may have been a mild day outside but the water was still chilly – with tea, coffee and hot whiskey on offer before and after the swims.
Thousands took to Dublin’s shores for a festive dip, including at the famous Forty Foot in Sandymount, Dún Laoghaire and Portmarnock.
Charity swims were held right across the country, from Salthill in Galway city and Inchydoney beach in Co Cork, to Lahinch in Co Clare, and Banna Strand in Co Kerry.
The swim at Dollymount Strand is organised every year by the Clontarf Yacht and Boat club to raise money for the RNLI.
Among those in the water was Dublin woman Gillian Prior, who did the swim this year to raise money for Pieta House. She was joined by her sister Bernice and her daughter Jade, who is home for Christmas from Sydney.
Ms Prior has been taking part in 12 Dips in December this month, an annual campaign in aid of the suicide prevention charity.
“It was very cold when we jumped but the water is actually lovely when you’re in it, it’s really refreshing and it’s such a beautiful morning. I’m doing this for Pieta House, to help them save lives and support people who are struggling and anyone that’s been affected by suicide,” Ms Prior said.
Aoife Lawlor was braving the cold with her son’s girlfriend Sophia Amaral, who is spending her first Christmas in Ireland having come from Atlanta, Georgia in the US.
“She’s Brazilian, so she’s being particularly brave getting into the water,” Ms Lawlor said of Ms Amaral as the pair came out of the sea.
There was a flurry of frantic towelling off as Helen Doogue, a volunteer for the RNLI, explained how the Clontarf fundraising branch started.
She was one of three members of Clontarf yacht club who were rescued by the RNLI in an incident several years ago. Some time afterwards, the RNLI asked the group if they would be interested in helping to start a fundraising branch.
She said her family has had many interactions with the RNLI over the years and added: “We’re delighted to say we owe them a debt.”
The 2024 swim marks Helen’s 50th year of involvement with the Clontarf fundraising branch – with only one year relocated to the Clontarf Baths because of the tides.She has witnessed all sorts of conditions, including the breaking of ice at the top of the slip.
This year though, she said it was a “doddle” – even when compared with a message from Thailand, where she said friends were sipping mojitos after a lifeboat swim.
“We’re nearly at that stage here,” she said – as hot whiskeys were prepared for those who needed to warm up.
