A swim at every one of Ireland's Blue Flag beaches

Scenic swims, toasty saunas, and excellent coffee have helped make the Sea Fillies' fundraising mission invigorating, worthwhile, and fun

Hands raised in triumph, Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes lead the charge into the Atlantic at Inchydoney beach for their final swim as part of the Sea Fillies’ RNLI fundraiser. Pictures: Chani Anderson.

Even tiny ripples can turn into waves — and for firm friends Biddy Hughes, 51, and Orla Leahy, 50, a single thought grew into a sea-swimming project that has taken the self-christened Sea Fillies on a 4,000km journey around all of Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches.

They’ve raised a whopping €23,948 (and counting) for charity, and created a community of like-minded folks who thrive on connection and cold water.