Dubliners Dive Into the Frosty Waves for a Festive Christmas Swim

Numerous individuals participated in charitable Christmas swims throughout Ireland.

In Dublin, participants faced the chilly waters on an otherwise pleasant morning in Clontarf, as a stunning sunrise presented splashes of gold, pink, and red rising behind the renowned Poolbeg Stacks of the capital.

The vibrant atmosphere above was complemented by families sporting Christmas sweaters, swimwear, and changing robes for outdoor use.

They were involved in the yearly Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club charity Christmas swim to support the RNLI.

Festive hats were hastily swapped for swim caps as toes were carefully introduced into the waters amidst scattered involuntary gasps of “ooh” echoing across Dublin bay.

Others plunged straight into the water while their family members, friends, and a few pets observed. Some onlookers, however, exclaimed that they could “never” attempt it.

A flurry of energetic towel drying occurred as Helen Doogue, an RNLI volunteer, shared how the Clontarf fundraising chapter originated.

She was among three members of the Clontarf yacht club who were rescued by the RNLI during an event several years back.

Later on, the RNLI inquired if the group would be interested in assisting to start a fundraising branch.

She mentioned that her family has had numerous engagements with the RNLI over time and stated: “We’re pleased to acknowledge we owe them a debt.”

The 2024 swim signifies Helen’s 50th year of participation with the Clontarf fundraising group – with only a single year moved to the Clontarf Baths due to the tides.

She has observed various conditions, including the ice breaking at the top of the slip.

This year, however, she remarked it was a “piece of cake” – even when contrasting it with a report from Thailand, where she noted friends were enjoying mojitos following a lifeboat swim.

“We’re almost at that point here,” she mentioned – as hot whiskeys were being prepared for those who required warmth.

Lucy Winkelmann, who swims daily in Clontarf, remarked there was a “wonderful group of individuals” involved, as she shared some cake given to her by a friend.

“It was delightful, everyone tends to bring something along.”

She stated it was “not as distressing” for those who frequently participated, adding that she intended to “take it easy” for the remainder of the day – although that includes preparing Christmas dinner.

Sean Mulligan remarked the water was “extremely cold,” but the mild accompanying weather created a “beautiful day to participate.”

He expressed he was “thrilled” to initiate a Christmas Day custom with Jill Owens and their 10-week-old child Maisie – with all three wearing Santa hats.

When asked if he would bring Maisie along in the future, he replied: “Hopefully, perhaps with a wetsuit on her,” adding: “Might persuade her mother to join next year.”

Ms. Owens mentioned: “I’ll have no reason to avoid it next year.”

Through chattering teeth, she added that it was “extremely, extremely cold.”

“It was quite different. Ocean water in Colombia is typically warm, so this was nothing like that.

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“Yet, this invigorates you for the cooking period, unwrapping presents – and you won’t feel weary for the remainder of the day.”

Nevertheless, she noted that participants were considering warming up with some coffee – and perhaps that splash of whiskey as well.

Additional sea swims had been arranged across the country, including at Inchydoney beach in Cork and Blackrock Pier in Galway.