People gathered in front of the Martello Hotel — some still wrapped in their coats, one in a Grinch costume and a few dressed in onesies with tigers painted across their faces.
Swimmers wore their best costumes for this year’s dip. (Photo by: Hannah Daygo)
As the countdown ticked toward zero, the crowd surged toward the cold.
I joined the masses and braced myself for the icy shock of the waves. Cheers erupted around me as I plunged into the water.
The biting cold had people shouting “Happy New Year!” and exclaiming just how freezing the water was. It was like fireworks going off all at once.
Cheers and laughter as swimmers take the plunge into 2026. (Photo by: Hannah Daygo)
Bray local Stephen Charters said he returned this year with his family, not just for the plunge but to support local charities. “We come back every year to support local charities and generally kind of wish in the new year, but I’m freezing cold,” he said.
Bray local, Stephen Charters (Photo by: Hannah Daygo)
Among the crowd, Jess Friestch and Fabio Helpenstein from Germany, wrapped in the Irish flag plunged into the cold waters. Fabio explained that Jess had been especially eager to take part in Bray’s 42nd annual New Year’s dip.
Jess Friestch and Fabio Helpenstein from Germany. (Photo by: Hannah Daygo)
“This one is just just a nice experience to start the new year. Getting some fresh water for the new year, so this is just an awesome and exciting event,” he said.
As everyone finished their dip and began warming up, I caught sight of twins Shane and Niall Scully, wearing their elf stripe hats. They were among the last to take the plunge.
The family members were celebrating their 40th birthday with cake.
Twins Shane and Niall Scully celebrated their 40th birthday together with a splash at the New Year’s sea swim. (Photo by: Hannah Daygo)
After leaving the waves behind, Many of the crowd warmed up inside the Martello Hotel — a continuation of the buzz outside, but now mingled with the warmth of shared stories from the plunge. Inside, soups, coffees, and teas were served to everyone, keeping spirits high as people recounted their New Year’s dip.
Irene Milner, President of the Bray Lions Club, looked relieved that the high tides earlier in the week hadn’t forced a cancellation.
“There’s a great buzz about the place as volunteers, as swimmers, there’s Lions, there’s people from Ark housing, there’s people from Cabhair Mental Health Services, and there’s people from Wicklow Dementia support,” she said.
Before leaving the Martello, Jess and Fabio offered me some of their Marzipan pig—a New Year’s tradition they said brings “luck”.
“I can give you half of the pig’s head — it’s very sweet,” Jess said.
After tasting a bit of marzipan and witnessing the new year’s dip traditions this year, I felt like I was carrying a little luck into the year ahead. It’s a sweet reminder that community and a touch of icy adventure can set the tone for the months to come.
A moment of icy bravery as swimmers plunge into the cold sea, diving into the New Year with excitement. (Photo by: Hannah Daygo)