Thousands of people have taken part in the annual traditional Christmas Day swims around the country today.
Swimmers of all ages braved the icy waters in Dublin in bathing areas such as the Forty Foot in Sandycove, as well as in Howth on an otherwise mild and sunny morning.
The annual dip in Bantry Co Cork was also another popular event, while hundreds also turned out for the 39th annual swim in Ballybunion, Co Kerry.
Now THAT is a Christmas Day Plunge!!! Could it be the biggest in the country???? Next year is the 40th plunge……and we hope to make it the biggest yet!
— Ballybunion Sea & Cliff Rescue (@BallybRescue) December 25, 2024
Thanks to everyone who took part or cheered on the swimmers! Merry Christmas to all! #ChristmasDaySwim pic.twitter.com/1LwCQ2CpLA
In Co Galway, huge crowds gathered in Salthill for the 35th annual Christmas Day swim, organised by the homeless charity COPE.
Hundreds braved the cold with the aim of surpassing the total sum of €45,000 raised for the charity last Christmas.
"Christmas morning can't go by without coming down to Blackrock for the swim," said local participant, Eoin O’Donnellan.
"We’ve been doing this for years. If you reach 1pm on the 25th and you haven’t come down to support COPE Galway, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas Day!"
"It’s a great way to start Christmas morning," said Aisling Lynch. "It’s lovely to meet up with people, to do something for COPE, and just be part of the community and the buzz at Blackrock."
