18 Christmas swims taking place around Ireland in 2023, and a bonus winter solstice swim

Hardy sea swimmers and seasonal dunkers — the countdown to the big one is on. The Christmas Day Swim has become a key part of the holiday calendar for so many. So if you like a jolly crowd around for your Christmas dip then check out our list of swims near you

Christmas day swims galore...check out this list.  Racing into the sea for the annual Dunwanway Christmas swim in aid of the Dunmanway cancer unit CUH at Inchydoney beach in West Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Broadstrand Christmas Swim

It’s 48 years since a small group of locals took to the sea at Broadstrand 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. For decades this shared venture between Courtmacsherry and Timoleague has raised much-needed funds for the local branches of COPE and Cystic Fibrosis charities.