Dive right in!
As the days grow longer, it’s time to celebrate the arrival of summer in all its glory. What better way to embrace the season than by indulging in the exhilarating and refreshing experience of sea swimming? Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a novice seeking a new adventure, the sparkling waters beckon, promising a blissful escape from the everyday routine. Let’s get ready to dive into something new!
Swim for health
As Dublin residents we are so lucky to have some top-notch sea swimming spots on our doorstep. Although arguably chilly, the health benefits are proven worth the splash. Sea swimmers report improved sleep, increased energy levels, reduced stress, and a heightened sense of well-being. What better an activity to embrace this year?
Wim who?
We looked to Dutch extreme athlete, ‘Wim Hof’ for some tips in helping acclimatise our bodies to the cold water and learn to love the sea. He has set numerous world records for prolonged full-body contact with ice and cold-water immersion and has even climbed Mount Everest in just shorts and sandals
(we won’t be going that far!). Hof teaches a three-pillar method which looks at breathing, commitment, and exposure to cold.
Sea swimmers report improved sleep, increased energy levels, reduced stress, and a heightened sense of well-being.
As easy as 1, 2, 3!
The first step involves a type of deep breathing, which he calls ‘The Wim Hof Method’. It involves taking 30 deep breaths in a row, filling the lungs as much as possible, and then holding the breath for as long as possible before exhaling. This process is repeated three times, and is said to increase the amount of oxygen in the body, lower carbon dioxide levels, and activate the sympathetic nervous system.
The second part of his method is cold therapy, which involves gradually exposing the body to colder and colder temperatures, starting with introducing cold water towards the end of your shower and eventually progressing to ice baths.
Finally, Hof emphasises the importance of commitment and consistency in his method, encouraging practitioners to stick with it for at least 10 weeks to see the full benefits. Thousands of people from all over the world already benefit from ‘The Wim Hof Method’, and report improved circulation, reduced inflammation and an increase in resilience to stress.
Slow and steady
Let’s give it a go together and look forward to discovering all the stunning swim spots in Dublin and beyond. We can start small, let’s practice 5–10 minutes of Hof’s guided breathing technique daily, and end our showers with 15 seconds of cold water. We can build up the seconds as the weeks pass, and in no time, we will be revitalised and ready to dive into the fresh Irish Sea.
Where to start?
Here are some of the top swim spots in Dublin and Wicklow. Grab a YUKÕ and get exploring!
1. Bull Island
This sandbank island is located in Dublin Bay and is a protected nature reserve. It’s a popular destination for sea swimming, bird watching, and beachcombing. (40 minute drive)
2. Killiney
This small beach offers a peaceful and secluded spot for sea swimming, with stunning views of the surrounding hills. (8 minute drive)
3. Bray Head
This picturesque spot is located just south of Bray and offers panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding hills. It offers a safe and sheltered area for swimming. (12 minute drive)
4. Seapoint
This small beach is located in the suburb of Blackrock and offers calm waters and stunning views of Dublin Bay. (14 minute drive)
5. Greystones
This charming coastal town is home to a long and sandy beach. It is sheltered and offers excellent swimming conditions, especially on calm days. (20 minute drive)
6. Forty Foot
This famous swim spot is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It was listed as one of the best spots in the world for a sea swim by the New York Times in 2017. (16 minute drive)
7. Sandycove
This small beach is a popular spot for sea swimmers, with calm waters and a protected bay. It is just around the corner from the Forty Foot. (14 minute drive)
Stay safe. Always swim with a partner and check for any warning signs before entering the water. The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We strongly advise that you seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
Dive right in!
As the days grow longer, it’s time to celebrate the arrival of summer in all its glory. What better way to embrace the season than by indulging in the exhilarating and refreshing experience of sea swimming? Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a novice seeking a new adventure, the sparkling waters beckon, promising a blissful escape from the everyday routine. Let’s get ready to dive into something new!
Swim for health
As Dublin residents we are so lucky to have some top-notch sea swimming spots on our doorstep. Although arguably chilly, the health benefits are proven worth the splash. Sea swimmers report improved sleep, increased energy levels, reduced stress, and a heightened sense of well-being. What better an activity to embrace this year?
Sea swimmers report improved sleep, increased energy levels, reduced stress, and a heightened sense of well-being.
Wim who?
We looked to Dutch extreme athlete, ‘Wim Hof’ for some tips in helping acclimatise our bodies to the cold water and learn to love the sea. He has set numerous world records for prolonged full-body contact with ice and cold-water immersion and has even climbed Mount Everest in just shorts and sandals
(we won’t be going that far!). Hof teaches a three-pillar method which looks at breathing, commitment, and exposure to cold.
As easy as 1, 2, 3!
The first step involves a type of deep breathing, which he calls ‘The Wim Hof Method’. It involves taking 30 deep breaths in a row, filling the lungs as much as possible, and then holding the breath for as long as possible before exhaling. This process is repeated three times, and is said to increase the amount of oxygen in the body, lower carbon dioxide levels, and activate the sympathetic nervous system.
The second part of his method is cold therapy, which involves gradually exposing the body to colder and colder temperatures, starting with introducing cold water towards the end of your shower and eventually progressing to ice baths.
Finally, Hof emphasises the importance of commitment and consistency in his method, encouraging practitioners to stick with it for at least 10 weeks to see the full benefits. Thousands of people from all over the world already benefit from ‘The Wim Hof Method’, and report improved circulation, reduced inflammation and an increase in resilience to stress.
Slow and steady
Let’s give it a go together and look forward to discovering all the stunning swim spots in Dublin and beyond. We can start small, let’s practice 5–10 minutes of Hof’s guided breathing technique daily, and end our showers with 15 seconds of cold water. We can build up the seconds as the weeks pass, and in no time, we will be revitalised and ready to dive into the fresh Irish Sea.
Where to start?
Here are some of the top swim spots in Dublin and Wicklow. Grab a YUKÕ and get exploring!
1. Bull Island
This sandbank island is located in Dublin Bay and is a protected nature reserve. It’s a popular destination for sea swimming, bird watching, and beachcombing. (40 minute drive)
2. Killiney
This small beach offers a peaceful and secluded spot for sea swimming, with stunning views of the surrounding hills. (8 minute drive)
3. Bray Head
This picturesque spot is located just south of Bray and offers panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding hills. It offers a safe and sheltered area for swimming. (12 minute drive)
4. Seapoint
This small beach is located in the suburb of Blackrock and offers calm waters and stunning views of Dublin Bay. (14 minute drive)
5. Greystones
This charming coastal town is home to a long and sandy beach. It is sheltered and offers excellent swimming conditions, especially on calm days. (20 minute drive)
6. Forty Foot
This famous swim spot is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It was listed as one of the best spots in the world for a sea swim by the New York Times in 2017. (16 minute drive)
7. Sandycove
This small beach is a popular spot for sea swimmers, with calm waters and a protected bay. It is just around the corner from the Forty Foot. (14 minute drive)
Stay safe. Always swim with a partner and check for any warning signs before entering the water. The information in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We strongly advise that you seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
