Ireland is home to some of the most dramatic and beautiful outdoor swimming spots in the world. Whether you are an experienced swimmer or just starting to discover the life-affirming joy of wild dips, this province-by-province guide will inspire you to escape the crowds and discover new locations for swimming, diving and snorkelling. Explore dramatic bays, magical waterfalls and secret coves, as well as serene rivers and lakes.
Maureen McCoy is a swimming coach and an award-winning open-water swimmer. As a coach she has been involved with training and mentoring the new wave of swim teachers and coaches. She was Irish 17km champion and in 2009 achieved her childhood dream of swimming the English Channel.
Having swum in the sea, loughs and rock pools with her brothers since she was a small child, she also competed in swim events in Ireland, the UK and Alaska. She no longer competes but still enjoys outdoor swimming throughout the year and always keeps a swimsuit in her car – just in case.
Paul McCambridge has been a multi award-winning photojournalist and features photographer for over 35 years. His work has been exhibited nationally and published internationally. Paul received the Simon Cumbers Media Fund in 2012 and 2015 for his photojournalism on human trafficking in the Bay of Bengal.
Representing Ulster as a swimmer in his youth, Paul kept his hand in as a voluntary coach and kept swimming for fitness. In the open water, he has medalled in several races and completed a North Channel relay in 2011. He is now expanding his skills to filmmaking and has recently produced the film Man of Arran.
