10 Cork beaches and harbours where you can join a Christmas Day swim
The weather outside may be frightful.
But that won’t stop Cork’s sea swimmers from telling you that the water this year is actually quite delightful.
Every Christmas morning, swimmers and adventure seekers hit the beaches across the county to take part in a big Christmas Day swim to raise money for charity and mark the day with a community event before heading home to finish off the turkey and test out the morning’s gifts.
Each year the numbers on the beaches grow and 2023 is expected to see the biggest turnout yet.
Here are 10 spots where you can brave the elements and join in the famous Irish tradition:
1. Myrtleville
Over the past decade, relatives and friends of Carrigaline teenager Danny Crowley have consistently assembled at Myrtleville Beach.
They courageously plunge into the chilly waters of the Atlantic every December 25th for the traditional Danny Crowley Christmas Swim, commencing at 10:30 am on Christmas morning.
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2. Courtmacsherry
Forty-seven years have passed since a small group of locals initiated a tradition on Christmas morning by venturing into the sea at Broadstrand. This annual event has endured without interruption ever since.
Over the decades, this collaborative effort between Courtmacsherry and Timoleague has consistently generated essential funds for local charities, specifically benefiting COPE and Cystic Fibrosis. To find check the times and how to donate, head to their Facebook page here.
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3. Inchydoney
The Dunmanway Christmas Swim raised over €22,000 last year for The Dunmanway Day Unit in CUH. Swimmers are asked to join the group at 10.30am sharp with the swim commencing at 11am.
The GoFundMe for this year’s swim has already been launched and you can find more details here.
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4. Rosscarbery
The Rosscarbery Christmas Day Swim takes place at the Warren Beach each year from 11am. Last year the community raised a massive €5,730 for Cancer Connect & Rosscarbery Social Services Centre Ltd.
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5. Fountainstown
The Fountainstown beach swim usually takes place at 10am. All are welcome so grab your togs and dive in.
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6. Kinsale
Locals will gather for the Kinsale Lions Club Christmas Day Swim at Kinsale Harbour, kicking off at 1:15 pm.
There’s hot chocolate and mulled wine for when you get out of the water, and the event promises festive fun for the entire family.
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7. White Bay
Since its inception in 1993, the Cork Simon White Bay Christmas Swim near Trabolgan has become an enduring tradition. Each passing year sees a growing number of participants, and the event has raised approximately €250,000 to aid those experiencing homelessness.
The swim begins at 12 pm and concludes at 2 pm. If you’d like to contribute, you can donate to the fundraiser online at corksimon.ie.
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8. Tragumna
Locals turn out in their droves for the Annual Christmas Day Swim in Tragumna, organised by the Skibbereen Rowing Club. The Annual Christmas Day Swim is traditionally scheduled for 12 pm on Christmas Day.
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9. Schull
Celebrating its 43rd year, this annual fundraiser has become a highly anticipated event that everyone looks forward to. The Schull Christmas Day Swim takes place at 12:00 pm at Schull Pier and is organised in support of the Cope Foundation.
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10. Garrylucas Beach
The Kilmacsimon Rowing Club dip at Garrylucas Beach raises funds every year for a different cause. The swim kicks off at 11.30am from Garrylucas Beach in Garretstown.
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