A slightly unusual festive tradition that has exploded in popularity in recent years, people from all across the Emerald Isle head to the coast on 25 December for a Christmas Day dip.
North to south, east to west, people from all across Ireland head to the coast on 25 December to dive into the cold winter water.
Want to discover what all the fuss is about for yourself? These are the top ten best Christmas Day swim locations in Ireland.
A great way to start the day before heading home to warm up with your turkey and stuffing dinner, the Christmas Day dip is a fun tradition to add something a little different to this festive holiday.
So, grab your Santa hat and swimsuit (and maybe a warm mug of tea or coffee for afterwards), and head to the seaside. Here are the best Christmas Day swim locations in Ireland you need to check out this year.
10. Lough Lannagh, Co. Mayo – plunge into the depths of an icy cold lake
Every year, people from across County Mayo travel to Castlebar’s Lough Lannagh to embrace the icy cold Christmas Day waters.
Those involved line up to dive off a wooden deck to plunge themselves into the waters below. Undoubtedly one of the coldest spots for a Christmas Day dip, this is a sure-fire way to wake yourself up.
Address: Knockacroghery, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland
9. Rosses Point, Co. Sligo – one of Ireland’s longest-running Christmas Day dips
On Christmas Day, sea swimmers gather at 12 pm at the Yacht Club to brave the cold West Coast waters, all in the name of raising money for good causes.
This festive dip has taken place in the area for over 40 years. So, there’s really no denying that Rosses Point is one of the best Christmas Day swim locations in Ireland.
Address: Rosses Upper, Co. Sligo, Ireland
8. Bundoran, Co. Donegal – feel the rush of the Wild Atlantic Waves
Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland, it wouldn’t be right to have a list of Irish sea swim locations without at least one mention of County Donegal.
At 12:15 pm on Christmas Day, brave swimmers gather at Bundoran Main Beach for a cold winter dip in the Wild Atlantic Ocean.
Address: Finner, Co. Donegal, Ireland
7. Greystones, Co. Wicklow – one of Ireland’s most beloved swim spots
Greystones South Beach on the coast of County Wicklow is a popular swim spot all year round, and Christmas Day is no different.
Each year, huge crowds turn out to brave the cold Irish waters. Plus, many local cafes open in the morning so cold water dippers can warm up with a hot cup of tea or coffee afterwards.
Address: Killincarrig, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
6. Helen’s Bay, Co. Down – a must-visit in Northern Ireland
If you’re based in Northern Ireland, then there’s no better place to enjoy a dip in the sea on Christmas Day than Helen’s Bay.
Situated on the beautiful North Down coast, just outside of Belfast, this popular spot sees large crowds gather on the sand to brave the cold waters of the Irish Sea.
Address: Helen’s Bay, Bangor BT19 1XX
5. Fenit Beach, Co. Kerry – a sea dip in the southwest
If you find yourself in the southwest, then Fenit Beach should be one of the top spots on your list as one of the best Christmas Day swim locations in Ireland.
Hundreds of people gather at the beach just after 12 pm for an epic collective dip into the Wild Atlantic Ocean.
Address: Fenit, Co. Kerry, Ireland
4. Carlingford, Co. Louth – one for those who like a challenge
Located on the east coast, Carlingford is a must-visit for an epic and challenging Christmas Day dip.
The annual pier-to-pier charity swim organised by Carlingford Sailing Club sees Christmas Day dippers swim a total of 300 m (984 ft)
Address: Co. Louth, Ireland
3. Rosslare, Co. Wexford – a top spot in the southeast
If you’re in the southeast, one spot you need to visit for an epic dip this Christmas is Rosslare Strand in County Wexford.
Every Christmas Day, keen dippers gather on the beach at 12 pm to embrace the cold December waters.
Address: Ballygillane Little, Co. Wexford, Ireland
2. Galway Bay, Co. Galway – an annual event for a great cause
Every year, the Cope Galway Christmas swim takes place between 10 am and 1 pm at Blackrock, Salthill, to raise money for homeless and vulnerable people in Galway.
Hundreds of people attend to get involved and raise valuable funds for this worthy cause.
Address: Galway Bay, Ireland
1. Forty Foot, Sandycove, Co. Dublin – a popular spot near the capital
Topping our list of Christmas Day swim locations in Ireland is the iconic Forty Foot in Sandycove, County Dublin.
This popular spot sees people from all across the capital city and its surrounding areas gather at the shore for a festive plunge every 25 December.
Address: Sandycove, Dublin, Ireland
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS: Women’s Christmas: the history of Nollaig na mBan in Ireland.
