The Christmas swims taking place around Ireland and how you can take part
Of Events Dip Whether A Pre Aware A Christmas Be Swim, Some Or You're Planning Season Here Are To Day
Meet at Inchydoney beach at 10.30am and swim at 11am.
"Last year was our biggest turn out and we are hoping to make it even bigger and better this year — we raised a whopping €28,000 for The Dunmanway Day Unit of Cork University Hospital where patients receive chemotherapy."
Organisers and participants won a Cork County Council Mayor's Community Award in February. They say: "We had some survivors who used the facility take part last year which was amazing but also had family members take part who were going through really hard times that had sick relatives using the unit!!
Assemble at noon at Broadstrand.
The organising committee said: "It's 49 years since a small group of locals, took to the sea at Broadstrand near Courtmacsherry in West Cork on Christmas Morning and started the annual tradition that has continued every year since then. A few have never missed the occasion each year whatever the weather. We will forever remember one of the shining lights of our Swims, the late Sean Connolly, from Cregane, Timoleague, whose wit and wisdom graced the Wild Atlantic waters at Broadstrand for decades on Christmas morning."
For decades this joint venture between Courtmacsherry and Timoleague has raised much needed funds for COPE in Clonakilty and the Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Unit at CUH. Contributions can be made here.
At Inchydoney Beach at 11am sharp.
This one's in aid of Fr John Kingston mission in Mozambique
"Fr Kingston needs funds always for the young people they are trying to educate. The rains have just started there and they are hoping for miracles after no rain last year. People have started to plant their crops, in the hopes the rain will continue and their crops will grow."
Sponsorship cards available from O'Donovan's Hotel, Clonakilty or Mary White on 087 280 6063.
facebook.com/inchydoneychristmasswim
Meet at the Warren Beach at 11am sharp.
Organisers say: "We have listened to your feedback and the water heating will be turned on from 11 on Christmas Day!"
Last year's swim raised a cool €6,770 which was divided equally between Rosscarbery Social Services Centre Ltd and Cancer Connect. This year's swim is in aid of the same groups.
The 41st annual Xmas Swim in aid of Kerry's oldest Independent Lifeboat Station, Banna Rescue, will take place at 12:30pm on December 25.
Entertainment and refreshments back at the boathouse after the swim. All proceeds go to funding the emergency service and donations can be made on the day or online here.
"The annual swim is a firm festive favorite and is always been a great social occasion and an opportunity for family and friends to meet on the beach and celebrate the holiday season."
Organised by Ian Galgey in memory of his grandfather, Waterford local Billy Galgey, this year’s swim will take place at 11:15 at Tramore Slip.
The swim is in aid of Helping Hand Waterford, a small group of volunteers that aim to give anyone in need a hot meal, tea and coffee and a chat.
The annual Christmas Day Swim takes place on Christmas morning at 11.30am at the Long Point, Loughrea Lake, Galway. Proceeds are in aid of CASA Loughrea.
Lahinch Christmas Swim is on December 25 at 10am. Please note the time this year — it's a bit earlier due to tides.
This Swim was set up by PJ Crotty and John Fawl in December 1989, to raise money for local charities in Clare.
This year it's in aid of Cancer Care West and the West Coast Surf Club's inclusion programme. Donations to buckets on the day.
The 2024 swim takes place at noon on Christmas Day in Kilmurrin Cove.
It has raised thousands of euro for various charities in Waterford city and county, and for charities nationwide. This year it will benefit the Boatstrand Sea Safety Centre, a community centre for local residents to use for coffee mornings, a walking group, mental health talks, knitting & crochet circles, and a place for the community to meet up and socialise. It is also there as a place to gather and centralise in the event of anybody lost at sea in the area. The swim this year was launched in November with a hugely successful table quiz.
The White Bay Christmas Day Swim is taking place this year at noon at White Bay Beach (Cuan Bán), Glanagow.
Contact margaret.osullivan@corksimon.ie for your sponsorship cards. The first Cork Simon White Bay Christmas Swim was more than 30 years ago and has raised over €250,000 so that people struggling to survive on the streets have somewhere to turn.
This swim is in aid of North Tipperary Hospice and Templemore Community Services and takes place in the Templemore Town Park at 12.15pm on December 25.
Contact Robbie Ingram on 086 302 3563 for a sponsorship card
Takes place at the Skate Park in Tramore at 9:45am on Christmas morning.
The organisers explained that "on November 17 2021, our close friend, Brian Kinsella went missing. Over the months that followed, the Waterford Marine Search and Rescue organised planned and executed an incredible effort to bring Brian home. They have been an incredible support and the family and friends of Brian will never be able to repay the tireless dedication that the Waterford Marine Search and Rescue continue to put into the search effort, but we want to help in anyway we can."
They have organised a Christmas morning swim to bring together those that know Brian and raise as much money as possible for Waterford Marine SAR.
At Youghal Quay, Lough Derg near Nenagh on Christmas Day from 11-noon.
The proceeds of this year’s swim will be split between the Nenagh Unit of the Order of Malta; Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit at Limerick University Maternity Hospital (NICU) and The A-Team — Youth Club for Autistic Community.
This is the 33rd annual event and a sum will also be presented to the Newtown-Youghalarra Senior Citizens. Since the swims began here they have raised more than €0.5million. "We'll have hot punch, soup, music, and sweets — it's a huge social occasion and we'd expect more than 150 people here on the day."
At The Two Mile Gate in Killaloe at 12.30pm
Funds raised will go to the Community First Responders and Killaloe Tidy Towns: "Two amazing groups working hard to keep our community safe and beautiful. Come out, show your support, and take part in this fun and meaningful holiday tradition. Your splash can make a big impact."
Takes place at noon at Tragumna Beach on December 25
Bucket collections on the day — money raised goes to the special classes of St Joseph's NS, St Patrick's NS and the Gaelscoil, Skibbereen. Fancy dress optional.
Donations can also be made through PayPal on skibbereenrowingclub.ie
Meet at Blackrock Pier, Salthill from 9am-1pm on Christmas Day — or swim wherever you are over the holidays and donate online.
This is the 35th year of this fun seasonal event. Join hundreds of Galwegians and supporters elsewhere in the country and abroad braving the winter waters to raise vital funds for COPE Galway's services.
Registration costs €20 and all funds raised will go towards supporting COPE Galway's Homeless, Domestic Abuse and Senior Support Services.
A festive dip at Schull Pier at noon on the big day.
"This is a great challenge for families or groups of friends to get together and make a splash. Bring along plenty of warm clothing and make sure to have a hot drink afterwards to warm up."
Register for this challenge at idonate.ie
However, there will be limited registration from 11.30am on the morning of the swim for latecomers.
Noon at Ballinskelligs Beach.
Funds raised will support local charity Ballinskelligs Inshore Rescue and The Alzheimers Society ( Kerry Branch).
Sponsorship cards available from Browne's Shop. Refreshments after in Café Cois Trá.
On Inch Beach at 12.30pm — this is the 15th annual Christmas Day Charity Swim and it's in aid of the Kerry Cancer Support Group.
"This Christmas Day come together to make a splash for a cause that makes a real difference. Come and sing along to the Christmas carols, swim, or support the brave swimmers. There is something for everyone on Inch beach on Christmas Day!"
More information available from Margaret Foley (087)7578980 and Michelle Long (087) 3942096
Takes place at 12.15pm on Ardmore Beach. Registration opens at 11.15am on Christmas morning.
It's the 28th year of this popular event — all funds raised are in aid of the local lifeboat Station in Youghal.
"Last year was a resounding success raising over €7,000, our largest donation to date to Youghal RNLI with a huge thanks to all of our supporters.
"We saw some lovely new faces last year but we would love to see even more this year. All are welcome, so come on and join us for a great cause. Be brave!"
Sponsorship Cards available on Facebook and Instagram pages (@ardmorechristmasswim) or from Siobhan on 086 2145833. Donations can also be made on the day at their bucket collection.
December 22 at 10am at Fountainstown Beach, Cork
Take the plunge to help Cormac Hogan in Kolkata, India in 2025.
Cormac will engage in vital educational and community development projects with The Hope Foundation which is dedicated to providing education, healthcare, and life skills training to underprivileged children, offering them the chance of a brighter future.
All donations will go directly to Hope Foundation, flights & accommodation will be covered by Cormac's family.
idonate.ie/fundraiser/CormacHogan1
This icy challenge is to help to raise funds for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
It's actually only a suggested date and participants can choose a different day if that suits better.
As part of this challenge, you will be asked to set up a ‘Dip In for LauraLynn’ fundraising page where you can post photos of your dip.
And there's a special facebook group too: Dip In for LauraLynn '24 - #TeamLauraLynn
Organisers say you can wear togs, bikini, wetsuit, Santa Suit...whatever you wish!
Like previous years, this one's actually taking place on Christmas Eve so be sure you don't miss it! It's at Myrtleville at 11am and is open to members, friends and family.
The goal is to raise some well needed funds to improve club facilities.
- And if you have a Christmas swim you'd like us to include, click here