Hundreds expected for Liffey swim

Hundreds of men and women are taking to the waters in the capital today for the 86th Annual River Liffey swim.

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the river as the men’s race kicks off at 1pm from Watling Street Bridge, and the women’s race gets underway at 2pm.

More than 230 men and 100 women are taking part in the event. In the 86th race, the ages of the competitors range from the late 70s down to teenagers.

Last year some of Ireland’s international swimmers and Olympic hopefuls were among the 300 competitors, including around 186 men and over 100 women, who took the plunge.

Jack B Yeats’ painting The Liffey Swim has immortalised the event that has been part of the sporting calendar for more than 80 years.