Hundreds of people across Cork brave the elements for Christmas Day dips 

Hundreds gathered across beaches and piers in Cork across the festive season to brave the annual tradition of a Christmas Day swim.

Adrian, Karen and Audrey Kelleher taking part in the Christmas Day swim at Fountainstown. Picture: David Creedon.

Speaking to The Echo at Harbour View Beach, friends Matt Ahern and Fionn Twomey from Bandon, who take part in the event every year, said this year was particularly cold.

Mark, Sophie, Richard and Ruth Sullivan at the Christmas swim at Myrtleville, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

“We do this every year as a family,” said Mr Ahern.

“The water temperature was actually okay, but coming out of it this year was very cold — there was a wind chill there”

All wrapped up following their swim in Youghal on Christmas day were Ava Collins, Roisin, Fiona and Danny Tonge with Sam and Sarah Collins from Youghal and Cork. Picture: Howard Crowdy

“I had a cappuccino afterwards and that warmed me up a bit. I’m looking forward to my dinner of course, but there’s a Rory McIlroy 2025 review on Sky Sports that I’d like to watch as well.”

Paddy, Yvonne, Isla, Daithi and Oisin Ryan from Conna seen taking part in the annual Christmas day swim at Youghal. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Mr Twomey said: “We do this swim every year — I know it’s cliche but there really is no place like home.

“I’m a seasoned swimmer but it was very cold today — the run in was a bit far — but it was lovely.

“I had a hot whiskey with cloves after and it hit the spot.

“I’m looking forward to my turkey dinner now and a sleep.”

Nicole O’Leary, Danú Ní Thuama and Lauren Deasy from Carrigaline at the Christmas day swim at Fountainstown. Picture: David Creedon

Meanwhile, Ciara Gannon from Belgooly, who took part in the event for the first time this year at the Dock Beach in Kinsale, said she looks forward to enlisting her sister in the tradition in 2026.

Matt Potts & Alanna Curtin, Leap & Carrigaline, at the Roberts Cove Christmas Day Swim, 25th December 2025. Photo Siobhán Russell

“The swim was refreshing but extremely cold — I got a major shock when I went under,” said Ms Gannon.

Bobby Thornhill, Chrissie O’Connor, Jenny De Saulles and Eddie Hourigan at the Christmas day swim at Fountainstown. Picture: David Creedon

“This was my first year taking part but I’d like to do it every year — I always wanted to do it, so I said this year was the year. I’m going to make my sister come with me next year — she promised she would.

“I’m very cold now, so I can’t wait for a nice hot shower.”