Christmas 2025: Are you doing a Christmas swim this year?
Here's hoping there's hot chocolate, mulled wine, dry robes, and hot water bottles at the ready for all the brave folk taking the plunge this Christmas. Picture: John Power
It's the 50th year of this traditional swim which takes place at noon — with a cup of soup or hot toddy after the dip.
Some participants have never missed the occasion regardless of the weather.
Every single contribution is divided between COPE/Horizons in Clonakilty and the Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Unit at CUH. Contribute online at gofundme.com (search Broadstrand Swim, which has been set up by the Courtmacsherry Development Association).
"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. He was last in and last out every Christmas Day. It is great that his entire family and grandchildren partake in the swim every year and his son Dan is on the organising committee."
Donate here.
This is the 46th year that Skibb Rowing Club has organised the annual swim which takes place at noon at Tragumna Beach this year.
All the money raised gets divided equally to three primary schools in Skibbereen with special classes that support children with autism: St Joseph’s GNS, St Patrick’s BNS and Gaelscoil Skibbereen.
Bucket collection on the day, you can also donate on skibbereenrowingclub.ie
The annual Christmas swim in aid of Fr John Kingston's Mission in Mozambique will take place at 11am on Christmas morning at Inchydoney beach. "Fr Kingston has spent a lifetime helping educate young people in Angola and Mozambique. The families they support are very poor and have no government supports — and education is their only way out of the poverty trap."
Sponsorship cards can be collected from O'Donovan's Hotel, Pearse Street or from Mary White on 087 2806063. Updates on Facebook: Inchydoney Christmas Swim and gofundme for donations.
The first Cork Simon White Bay Christmas Swim was more than 30 years ago…and it’s been going ever since. Friends and families from home and abroad have been taking a dip in White Bay every Christmas, taking time out on this special time of year.
The number of swimmers has grown each year. Since then, thousands of Christmas swimmers have raised over €250,000 so that people struggling to survive on the streets have somewhere to turn.
"Join us at noon at White Bay Beach, Glanagow Bay, East Cork on Christmas Day and help make sure no one is left out at Christmas."
Contact Margaret for sponsorship cards: margaret.osullivan@corksimon.ie or 021 4929 415 or donate here.
This one has expanded from Inchydoney Beach to take in Perth, Australia now too!
The Irish side will meet at the lower carpark for Inchydoney beach at 10.30am on Christmas morning and swim at 11am. And one of the regular participants has moved to Australia and has set up a matching swim there as well: "I will be doing it again this year to keep people connected to home being so far away."
This annual dip takes place at 11.15am at the Men's Slip, Tramore.
Funds raised this year will go to Re-A-Suir — a local suicide prevention charity that patrols the quays and rivers in Waterford.
This year's swim takes place as always in Kilmurrin Cove at noon sharp.
The beneficiary of this year's swim is The Pine Grove Day Centre Waterford — a centre that looks after people in the community who have alzheimers and dementia. They provide home care and offer a wide range of services to patients and their carers.
Sponsorship cards are now available from any of the committee members or message them on Facebook and they will get one to you.
The 16th Annual Christmas Day Charity Swim at 12.30pm, organised by Margaret, Joanne and Michelle, returns to Inch Beach, all in aid of the Kerry Cancer Support Group.
"Your contribution can make a huge difference. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Kerry Cancer Support Group’s Healthlink transport services, providing essential assistance to local families and individuals on their cancer journey.
Donate here.
The Ballinskelligs Christmas Charity Swim will take place on Christmas Day at noon.
"This year proceeds raised will go to The Gavin Glynn Foundation in support of our local hero John Dillon. Your support would be appreciated for this wonderful charity supporting families fighting childhood cancer."
Refreshments served afterwards in Cafe Cois Trá. All welcome.
The annual Christmas swim will be at 12:30pm — testing the bravery, holiday spirit, and the durability of Xmas fancy dress costumes. "Whether taking the plunge or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, the swim is a cherished tradition that truly shows the warmth of the community even if the water isn’t so warm!"
Entertainment and refreshments back at the Rescue Centre after the swim. All proceeds go to funding the emergency service. Donations can be made on the day or online at donate.bannarescue.org
This traditional Christmas swim was set up by PJ Crotty and John Fawl in December 1989, to raise money for local charities in Clare. "Sadly, PJ is no longer with us but the Fawl Family and the Crotty Family continue to organise the swim each year."
This year's swim is at noon, Lahinch, main slipway, and is in aid of Little Blue Heroes and Lahinch Development Association.
"We raised €8,000 for Cancer Care West last year and we also gave a donation of €1k to West Coast Surf Club Inclusion programme."
This Christmas Day Swim takes place in Two Mile Gate at 12:30 and proceeds will go to the Brothers Of Charity Services, Killaloe Ballina.
This one's organised in conjunction with Loughrea Lions Club and takes place on Christmas morning at 11.30am at the Long Point Loughrea. Funds raised will go to CASA Loughrea.
Takes place at Blackrock in Salthill between 9am and 1pm — or anytime, anywhere in December.
"Brave the cold winter waters to raise vital funds for COPE Galway. By taking part in the COPE Galway Christmas Swim, you’ll bring hope and support where it is most needed – this Christmas and throughout the year. Register as an individual, family, small group, or a workplace or school team."
Register at copegalway.ie/swim
Registration is €20, or €5 for a child, with all funds raised supporting COPE Galway Homeless, Domestic Abuse and Senior Support Services.
Note the date! 10.30am on Christmas Eve in Myrtleville.
Donate here
Join people from all over Ireland and Dip in for LauraLynn on December 21
"The funds raised from Dip In for LauraLynn 2025 will support children living with life-limiting conditions and their families. LauraLynn supports children from all across Ireland. The service is provided completely free, that includes their overnight stay in our hospice in Dublin, the accommodation for parents and siblings, parking and food."
Last year 201 participants raised €62,743.63. This year's target is €48,000 and there are more than 100 sign-ups so far.
Take part wherever you are from now until January 10, 2026.
"Whether you're braving the chilly sea, gliding through a serene lake, or splashing in your local swimming pool, this fundraiser is all about swimming your way — your location, your pace, your style — all while rocking a jolly Santa hat! So grab your swimsuit and here’s the best part: when you sign up, you’ll receive an official RMHC Santa Hat to wear proudly during your swim."
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