The top spot for breathtaking views as you swim would be Lough Doon, also known as Pedlar’s Lake, found in Dingle, Co Kerry. It’s tucked away, hidden from prying eyes, only 10 minutes away from Dingle town by car, off the Conor Pass, an iconic stretch of the Dingle Peninsula. The lake, nestled in a small valley amid towering glacial peaks, is visible after a swift hike from the car park off the main road. Witness the awe-inspiring waterfall as you make your climb along the unmarked trail, maneuvering over rocks and enormous granite slabs. The lake, with its swift underwater depth and about 200 meters in width, promises a splendid dip in the mountainous scenery.
For a family-friendly experience, consider Dunseverick Harbour and The Slough in Co Antrim. Roughly 80 minutes’ journey by car away from Belfast, The Slough offers a calm inlet ideal for spending lazy summer days, filled with diving, jumping, and picnicking. If you are a skilled and experienced swimmer, you might enjoy the challenge of swimming from the tiny Dunseverick Harbour along the rugged shoreline, ending up in the protection of The Slough. Note that the swimming conditions are demanding due to the strong tides, hence only evolved swimmers should attempt. However, the Slough caters for different swimming abilities. Remember that the North Atlantic can be chilly with powerful swells, so ensure to swim within your competence level to maintain safety.
For adventure lovers and wild campers, the beaches of Dog’s Bay and Gurteen in Co Galway are pure bliss. They boast of pristine white sand and are just split by a narrow grassland strip. From Galway city, a car journey of 90 minutes will get you there. There are also bus services provided by Bus Éireann, offering routes from Clifden to Galway throughout the week during summer and thrice a week during the colder months. From Roundstone town, Dog’s Bay is a mere 4km away. You also have the chance to discover two more secluded beaches after traversing the island’s bulging nose.
Remember, only strong swimmers are advised to dive in at Dog’s Bay and Gurteen.
Located near Kinsale, the enticing Sandycove Island lies just about 200 metres from the coast of Co Cork. It houses a group of feral goats and offers a splendid spot for marathon swimmers aiming to better their skills or enthusiasts just happy to bask in the peaceful waters separating the island from the mainland. The distance around the island measures around 1,800 metres, thereby making it an ideal locale for those training to swim long distances. But be forewarned – it’s a destination only recommended for advanced swimmers due to the chance of encountering rough waters and strong currents on the island’s other side. Be sure to acquire local knowledge on tides and current conditions, and it’s crucial not to swim solo. If you’re driving from Cork city, you’ll reach Sandycove Island in approximately 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, tucked away in the heart of Ireland is the aged Lough Ree, the border separating Leinster and Connacht. The county of Longford is home to the charming, rustic stone pier known as Barley Harbour. This serene location, with views of Inchcleraun Island 2.5 kilometres away across the calm lake, wasn’t always peaceful. Inchcleraun Island is where Queen Maeve sought solace after the Táin wars and Cú Chulainn’s demise, only to be tragically killed by a slingshot wielded by an Ulster king’s son while she bathed in the refreshing water. To reach the site by car from Dublin, you’ll need to plan for a journey of two hours and 25 minutes.
Lastly, Blackrock Diving Tower in Co Galway is another recommendable destination with a tested and proven reputation.
Venturing half an hour away from the town centre, you’ll discover the renowned Salthill’s diving boards in the Galway’s Blackrock Tower. Regularly frequented by local residents, this renowned spot for swimming has appeared in several movies, including The Guard that starred Brendan Gleeson. The walls of this construction are angled in such a manner as to offer wind protection when changing, and a broad seating bench has been fitted. Behind the diving boards, there are some wide stair-steps leading down to the bathing area. To reach the highest diving platform, where the divers congregate before diving, one can take a narrow staircase that ascends the middle of the structure. Salient features: Suitable for families; careful jumping is advised; it is well-liked.
The best spot for surfing
Thrupenny Pool and Bundoran Beach, Co Donegal
Named so because of the swim cost in the older currency times, Thrupenny Pool is a sea pool with low walls, providing refuge on unsettled days. There is a small cave at one side that serves as a shielded place for changing. The sand-filled shallow pool is perfect for paddling and fun activities. For adult swimmers to find deeper water for finishing their laps, they need to be near the external wall.
The primary beach is enclosed by rock reefs revealing fossils that resemble tailored metallic materials. Nestled behind the rocks to the town beach’s right is a secluded cove with a lengthy ladder climbing up the rocky surface to an old diving board base, ideal for a high water plunge. It takes 26 minutes by car from Donegal town to reach Thrupenny Pool. Salient features: Town beach; presence of a lifeguard during the summer season.
This information is taken from the book Wild Swimming in Ireland, authored by Maureen McCoy and Paul McCambridge, and published by Gill.