The Sea Fillies on 'life-changing' fundraising mission to swim at every Blue Flag beach in Ireland

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

Smiles and hugs on the shore as friends reunite to celebrate the Sea Fillies’ achievement at Inchydoney Beach. Picture 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.