Let’s be real: the Irish sea is bitterly cold.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or you just enjoy a splash around in the summer, a dip in the Atlantic always involves a deep breath before you plunge beneath the waves and you’ll probably be gasping with shock for a few seconds when you come up for air.

In fact, new research from Penneys reveals the Irish are still not as hardy as all the sea swimming photos on social media would have you believe; 51% of adults still claim the weather gets in the way, with one in five people saying the water is just too cold and 15% saying they don’t have the right gear.

That said, it looks like sea swimming for most is here to stay – over 75% of those surveyed who took it up during lockdown have said they’re sticking with it.

Now there’s no excuse on the clothes front anymore; Penneys’ much-anticipated Great Outdoors summer collection is about to land in stores and it includes the much-coveted unisex quick-drying Changing Robe with waterproof fabric, priced at €50 and €40 for kids.

Adults’ wetsuits made with 3mm four-way stretch fabric for flexibility and warmth are available at €42 for full length and €35 for the short suit, with kids’ wetsuits for €14.

The full range will be available in-store from next week.

If you’ve got a bigger budget and you want to support local, a Cork entrepreneur has also designed a robe to help you warm up when you emerge from the sea.

Fiona Parfrey from Blackrock first delighted adventurers with her sustainable recycled plastic backpacks, which launched via her company Sundrift.

Their eco-friendly Changing Robe is aimed at Ireland’s many all-weather swimmers – €150 here.

You’ll thank us when the feeling starts to return to your extremities on the beach in June.