Wild swimming one of life’s simplest pleasures

WINTER bathing, or swimming as it is better known has become something of a fad in more recent times.

Yet for some stripping off in midwinter to plunge into icy waters might seem the actions of an eccentric or a fool.

Yet wild swimming, as it is now called, is becoming increasingly popular, with some citing health reasons for this questionable show of bradado for jumping into freezing waters, while others are engaged in a mad fitness regime.

This of course may have something to do with the fact that indoor pools are closed because of COVID restrictions and swimmers are seeking other locations to indulge in their favourite sport.

This trend led recently to a popular Sunday newspaper listing 25 locations throughout the Republic that swimmers should seek out for a cooling dip.

They 25 included what they termed as ‘secluded beaches’ to ‘serene lakes’, and are dotted throughout the country.

Included in the 24 is ‘ the magnificent Carlingford Lough, a glacial fjord’, where ‘some cracking wild swimming spots’ can be found.

The report also makes the point that the Lough area also includes ‘ the pretty town of Carlingford which has become known for its popularity with stag and hen parties in recent years’.

However, the writer adds that ‘newbies’ should not be put off by that for the pier in the town centre is the best bet for newcomers to this sport.

They suggest jumping off the end of the pier, a feat regularly favoured by swimmers jumping

ONE UP OF THESE DREADFUL COVID TIMES IS SEEING A RETURN TO SUCH SIMPLER PLEASURES AND ACTIVITIES

off the Forty Foot in Dublin.

It will therefore be interesting to see if this publicity for Carlingford Lough adds another attraction to the area’s growing reputation for tourists.

Meanwhile much closer to town, the Priests’ Beach in Blackrock is presently proving more popular than a warm summer’s evening, with swimmers regularly in the sea, along with kaykers, young children paddling, while on Sunday morning a young sports team completed a training session on the sands.

One up of these dreadful COVID times is seeing a return to such simpler pleasures and activities.