In Pictures: Thousands take to sea for Christmas Day swims in support of good causes
Linehan Cork West Christmas At Picture Inchydoney, Swin Dan The
Thousands of swimmers took to the water for charity swims on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in conditions somewhat milder than in previous years.
Large crowds turned out for a dip at Inchydoney Beach as part of the annual Clonakilty Christmas Swim in aid of the Mission in Mozambique.
Hundreds of people descended on the Warren Beach at Rosscarbery for the annual swim which was organised by Kit Hayes and Eileen Hayes in aid of Rosscarbery Social Services and Cancer Connect West Cork.
In Youghal, scores of people entered the water, including members of the Youghal Sea Swimmers on Wednesday.
Additionally, swimmers took to the water at Garretstown Beach in Cork.
Elsewhere in Munster, over 400 swimmers took part in the Banna Beach Christmas Swim, Co Kerry. The swim took place at 12.30pm, with "traditional back to the boathouse" activities, including refreshments and music.
Money collected at the event was in aid of the Banna Sea Rescue unit.
In Limerick, scores took to the sea to raise money for the Limerick Marine Search and Rescue as part of the Limerick Narwhals Christmas Swim.
In Dublin, hundreds took to the plunge at the Forty Foot for the annual swim.
Elsewhere in Dublin, swimmers braved the cold water on an otherwise mild morning in Clontarf, where a picturesque sunrise featured bursts of gold, pink and red emerging behind the capital’s famous Poolbeg Stacks.
The colourful scene overhead was matched by families arriving in Christmas jumpers, swimming togs and outdoor changing robes.
They were taking part in the annual Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club charity Christmas swim in aid of the RNLI.