Go on, jump right in – water you waiting for?

Bloody Bridge, Co Down

Bloody Bridge, located outside Newcastle in Co Down, is a rugged wild swimming spot with an even rougher history. Its namesake harks back to the 1641 massacre when slain prisoners were violently thrown off the bridge into the water, turning it blood red.

Nearly 400 years later, pristine rock pools and rock slides bejewel the river rushing down from the Mournes to the Irish Sea. This spot is unique in fusing both sea and mountains, and its proximity to walking trails makes it a fitting adventure spot for nature enthusiasts and boulderers as well as swimmers.

Curracloe Beach, Co Wexford

Curracloe Beach is a fine stretch of golden sand and blue water enveloped by rolling sand dunes and forest. Having provided the backdrop for some scenes for the 2015 film, Brooklyn which starred Saoirse Ronan, you might also say the beach and its features possess a cinematic charm.

The beach is not just for casual dippers, its expansive shoreline caters for a plethora of activities besides swimming, including beach volleyball, cricket or building sandcastles – making it a top pick for family day trips. Running parallel to the beach is the Raven Nature Reserve, filled with pine trees and evergreens.

Guillamene and Newtown Coves, Co Waterford

Once a mens-only bathing area, all visitors are now welcome to enjoy the dipping spot at Guillamene and Newtown Coves; the signage ‘Men Only’ remains only as a gesture to a bygone era. Nestled among rocky cliffs, a path guides you down to the platforms where ladders allow for easy descent into the waters, and there are diving boards for the more adventurous.

The water here can be choppy making this blue spot more fitting for stronger and confident swimmers. The Guillamene Coves are famous for Tramore’s Christmas Day Swim, when locals get together for a festive plunge followed by a quick nip of brandy to heat up.

Silver Strand, Co Mayo

Silver Strand has somehow managed to maintain its hidden gem status despite its outstanding beauty and turquoise waters. This beach provides stunning views out into the Atlantic, and as you swim out, you can see the islands of Inishturk and Inishbofin in the distance.

Silver Strand was awarded the Green Coast Award in recognition of its clean environment and excellent water quality. The beach is sheltered by rocky headlands and the clear turquoise waters makes you feel like you’re somewhere far more exotic than Ireland – that is, until the cold waters of the Atlantic reminds you.

Murlough Bay, Co Antrim

The name Murlough, derived from the Irish for ‘sea inlet’, is a mesmerising part of the Northern Irish coastline, with views encompassing Rathlin Island and Fair Head. Situated between Ballycastle and Torr Head, Murlough Bay provided a dramatic backdrop in Game

of Thrones, and was used as a filming location for several scenes.

With its rugged rock formation and gently sloping green hills, a swim here feels special and secluded. You can follow your dip with a visit to one of the local restaurants in Portrush or Portstewart, or with a long walk along Causeway Coastal Route.

Derrynane Beach, Co Kerry

Derrynane Beach along the Ring of Kerry is one of the most beautiful in the county, its waters sheltered by grassy dunes. The beach is part of the Derrynane National Historic Park and is also a blue flag beach.

As well as swimming, the beach is popular for stargazing and is reputed to be a unique spot where you can marvel at views of constellations and stars, especially on a clear evening. Why not pair a dip during the day with a picnic and stargazing session at night?

Keem Bay, Co Mayo

Keem Bay, at the western side of Achill Island, is one of the most picturesque (and most photographed) bays in Ireland. According to folklore, Keem Beach even caught the attention of Ireland’s patron saint – St Patrick.

Legend has it that during his time on Croagh Patrick, St Patrick was astounded by the beauty of Keem’s golden sands in the distance and blessed it. Overlooked by the cliffs of Croaghaun mountain, Keem Bay feels like refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Its clear blue waters are a delight to swim in.

Carlingford Lough, Co Louth

Carlingford Lough is a shallow sea lough, which forms part of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Overlooked by the Cooley mountains in Co Louth and the Mourne mountains in Co Down, it is the perfect swim spot for young families, with gently sloping entry points into the water.

As well as swimming, you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing. The lough is also protected as a site of international and national importance for breeding seabirds and waders, and is a top spot for birdwatchers.

Inchydoney Beach, Co Cork

Frequently ranked one of the best beaches in Ireland, Inchydoney Beach is everything you could wish for on a sunny summer’s day. This beach is one where you could easily spend a day lazily dipping (and re-dipping) in lapping waves, building sandcastles or taking gentle walks. If you want to try something different, book yourself a lesson at Inchydoney’s Surf School.

There are also some other fantastic beaches close by including Duneen Beach, where the waters are calm compared to the waves of Inchydoney. Afterwards, enjoy a pizza or a bowl of chowder at Dunmore House.

Carrickfinn Beach and Boat Strand, Co Donegal

Carrickfinn Beach is a secluded beach tucked away in northwest Donegal. A dip in the blue flag certified waters, followed by an amble along the shore or an exploration in the nearby rockpools, will certainly blow the cobwebs away.

Part of the beauty is its calm surroundings –the quiet dunes and sands. At the end of the beach lies Boatstrand, its namesake derived from the pier where small boats dock. With easy access to the water, it’s perfect for quick dips on a summer evening.