Thousands take to the waters for a cool Christmas plunge for charity

From Lahinch to Inchydoney and Fenit to Garretstown, thousands of people around the country braved the cold winter seas for the traditional Christmas Day swims.

Long a Christmas tradition, the swims attracted those brave enough to don the swimming costumes and others content to cheer on — or laugh at — those taking part.

The weather on land was not as challenging as in past years as people took the plunge around the country for a variety of charitable causes. The Christmas Day swim at Garretstown, Co Cork, was organised by Kilmacsimon Rowing Club, in aid of Kate Flynn, Cobh.