Are you a seasoned wild swimmer looking for a gorgeous new location to explore? Or maybe you’ve yet to dip your toe (both literally and figuratively) in the water but are keen to try out this exhilarating experience. Either way, Ireland is ripe for aquatic adventure this summer! The country is home to a whole host of hidden beaches and lakes, perfect for a refreshing dip. What’s more, many of them are hub-adjacent... meaning you can get some work done in a picturesque waterside location, before stepping out and reconnecting with nature. Here’s some of the top spots we recommend...  

Be Enchanted by Lough Hyne  

Fancy a splash in beautiful Lough Hyne (Ireland’s only salt-water lake)? Located in Skibbereen, West Cork (a region famed for its haunting beauty), the lake is a mere 11-minute drive from the town’s bustling Ludgate Hub. In fact, some of its members opt for a dip in the lake every Wednesday! It’s also known for its fabulous bioluminescence – why not book in a romantic night kayak with that special someone to witness this magical phenomenon? 

[Moonlight kayaking on Lough Hyne, via Ireland’s Content Pool] 

Try Sea Swimming in Sligo 

If you prefer your swimming environment a tad more... invigorating, you should check out the wild waves of Easkey in Sligo! This famous surf spot is known for its impressive swells, with adventurers coming from all around the country to ride its waves. Again, should you need to get some work done, you can easily book a desk at Easkey Wild Atlantic Hub.There’s always lots of reasons to visit Sligo, but music fans will be especially drawn to the annual Sligo County Fleadh, set to take place this year between May 31st and June 3rd.  

 [Swimming at Easkey, Sligo, via Ireland’s Content Pool] 

Join the Masters in Wexford 

The coastal county of Wexford is also home to lots of avid swimmers. Members of the Wexford Masters Seaswimming Club come together for swims several times a week at various locations, with the Tracie Lawlor Memorial Cup (featuring a men’s and women’s race) taking place on Curracloe Beach on July 27th. Need to hop on a call or send some mails while you’re exploring the sunny south-east? No problem – check out 61 North or New Work Junction.  

[Bagenalstown Swimming Pool, via Carlow Tourism] 

 Warm Up in Carlow 

Finally, if you prefer a little bit of heat – Carlow may have the answer! While you can enjoy wild swimming in the River Barrow, there’s a fabulous 25m outdoor heated pool nearby, at Bagenalstown. Open from early June to late August, it’s a perfect family activity, with a paddling pool available for kids. Mums and dads can pop into Ballon Business Hub or the Carlow Community Enterprise Centre if they fancy extending that staycation.   

 Those are just four of literally hundreds of swimming options around the country. But regardless of where adventure takes you, you can be sure there’s a hub nearby! Check out our handy online booking system to browse our almost 350 locations.  

Of course, it’s important to prioritise safety when paddling, swimming or surfing in any open body of water. Take note of safety information displayed at the location and stay between flags if you see them on the beach. Avoid entering the water alone if you’re not a confident swimmer (even if the current looks calm). The Sea is a handy app to keep an eye on tides around the country and be sure to check out watersafety.ie for simple and straightforward safe swimming guidelines before you dip your toe as well. 
 

Happy swimming!