Wild Swimming – Discover Northern Ireland

With over 200 kilometres of various shoreline to discover, Northern Ireland is a superb vacation spot to your wild swimming journey.

The reputation of untamed swimming continues to develop, with hyperlinks being drawn to the long-term advantages of cold-water immersion. These embody higher sleep, serving to to decrease and handle stress and anxiousness ranges, and lowering blood stress.

If you might be contemplating taking to the open water, both for train or the chilly water advantages, we strongly suggest doing your personal analysis upfront, and particularly if this will likely be your first swim, be vigilant of your limits and your skill stage. One widespread prime tip is to not try to leap straight in to chilly water; if you’re not acclimatised, the low temperature of the water can astound you and result in shock. Instead, tempo your self, stroll/dip your self in slowly and management your respiration. This is an exercise the place a bit of preparation makes all of the distinction.

>>> For tips and advice on how to enjoy the open water safely please visit RNLI <<<

Things to convey when going wild swimming

• A altering towel or gown

• Pre-filled sizzling water bottle, to warmth you up after getting out of the water

• Flask of tea or a sizzling beverage

• Warm socks and gloves

• Warm coat

Where to go wild swimming in Northern Ireland

We reached out to native members of the wild swimming group for their favorite swimming spots in Northern Ireland, and these have been probably the most advisable. For your security, it’s higher to swim with others. Check out native swim teams in your space or ebook a swimming journey with Wild River Dipping in Newcastle.

Portnahapple, Portstewart, County Antrim

Portnahapple swim spot

Portnahapple is an attractive swim spot. It affords a sheltered inlet between rocky partitions, making it a superb location for a night dip (usually with a stunning sundown). There’s a ladder that gives quick access out and in of the water, and parking is conveniently positioned alongside Strand Road. While it is an amazing place to go to, remember that the doorway may be slippery on account of rocks and seaweed.

Orlock Point, Donaghadee, County Down

Orlock Point

Orlock Point, simply exterior Donaghadee, is a gem for wild swimmers. This space affords a sheltered and beautiful spot for wild swimmers to relish within the pure sights of Donaghadee. This is only one of many the explanation why it is without doubt one of the greatest wild sea swimming spots in Northern Ireland.

Herring Pond, Portstewart, County Derry~Londonderry

The Herring Pond

This is a big rockpool, good for swimming particularly at low tide with a ladder for getting out and in. Parking is offered on Harbour Hill. After a calming dip, ensure you pop right down to the promenade for an ice cream from one of many many beloved ice cream spots.

Ballygally Beach, Ballygally, County Antrim

Ballygally Beach

Nestled alongside the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, Ballygally Beach supplies the right backdrop for a refreshing dip, and for those who’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot a dolphin or two gracing the waters! It’s a perfect spot for anybody seeking to embrace open-water swimming.

Cushendun Beach, Cushendun, Ballymena, County Antrim

Cushendun Beach

Cushendun Beach, positioned in an enthralling village on the Antrim coast, is taken into account a great spot for swimming. The seashore, which is a mixture of sand and pebbles, is ready within the bay, offering a comparatively nonetheless waters for swimming. Always verify the tides and native circumstances earlier than coming into the water as there aren’t any lifeguards on obligation. And simply across the nook, you may discover Cushendun Caves, a Game of Thrones® filming location. There is hundreds to see within the space!

Gortin Glen Lakes, Gortin, County Tyrone

Gortin Glen Lakes

Set towards the beautiful backdrop of the Sperrin Mountains, Gortin Glen Forest Park affords an attractive and tranquil spot for wild swimming. The lakes, identified for his or her distinctive inky black water, are wealthy with peat, which many consider to be useful for the pores and skin. One of the nice issues about this location is its accessibility. The foremost lakes are only a brief, family-friendly stroll from the automobile park, making it simple to get to. There can be a small altering hut, which is a handy characteristic for swimmers. When the heather is in bloom, it is a notably scenic spot. 

Kilclief Beach, Strangford, County Down

Kilclief Beach

Kilclief Beach has calm, clear waters that make it appropriate for swimming and different actions like paddleboarding and kayaking. There isn’t any lifeguard service right here, so warning ought to all the time be exercised. Car parking is offered close by.  

Dunseverick Pools, Bushmills, County Antrim

Dunseverick Pools

An actual hidden gem on the north coast with massive rock swimming pools good for swimming in, convey a picnic and you’ll spend all day right here if the solar’s out. Parking is offered at Dunseverick harbour however get down early as parking areas replenish fast! These pure swimming pools are stuffed by the Atlantic’s excessive tide, providing a serene spot to benefit from the water amidst beautiful coastal surroundings.

Muckross Bay, Kesh, County Fermanagh

Muckross Bay

Muckross Bay, positioned close to Kesh in County Fermanagh, is a identified spot for wild swimming, notably on account of its location on Lower Lough Erne. It has a jetty that makes getting out and in of the water simpler. Parking is offered alongside the bay and there are public bogs to your use.

Loughmacrory Lough, County Tyrone

Loughmacrory, Omagh

Loughmacrory Lough in County Tyrone is an attractive spot for open water swimming. Wetsuits usually are not obligatory, however advisable, because of the chilly water temperatures of the lough. 

Magilligan Point, County Derry~Londonderry

Magilligan Point

At the purpose the place the River Foyle meets the Atlantic Ocean, you may discover a beautiful spot that is good for a swim and a calming time out. The seashore is well accessible from the automobile park by way of steps outfitted with a handrail, making it appropriate for these with mobility challenges.

A well-liked and welcoming family-run bar and restaurant, The Point, is positioned proper on the seashore. It’s an amazing thought to verify with them or an area swimming group earlier than you’re taking a dip as there are solely sure areas the place it is advisable to enter the water. This location can be well-known for its breathtaking sunsets. In the autumn and winter, many swimmers like to heat up after their swim by the hearth within the bar with a sizzling drink.

Benone Strand, Limavady, County Derry~Londonderry

Benone Strand

Discover Benone Strand, a surprising seashore on the opposite facet of the place the River Foyle meets the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between Downhill Beach and Magilligan Point. The seashore affords quick access, permitting you to drive instantly onto the sand or use the primary automobile park on the entrance. For a scrumptious meal or a sizzling drink, two implausible cafes, Waves and Sea Shed are only a brief stroll away.

The seashore is patrolled by lifeguards during set hours, offering further peace of thoughts. You’ll additionally discover handy bathe and bathroom services on the seashore entrance, in addition to designated bins for garbage and disposable barbecues.

If you get pleasure from wild swimming in any of those places or others, why not share your expertise and be part of the dialog on social utilizing #EmbraceAGiantSpirit