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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Some of last year's swimmers were very creative, bringing much colour and joy to the event. These ducks were created by Amy Hegarty (pictured right). PHOTO: Christina J Irwin Photography
With the huge increase in year-round sea swimming, Christmas and New Year's Day swims are more popular than ever.
Among the most long running is the New Year's Day swim at Mountcharles Pier, and it is also a successful fundraiser for the RNLI raising more than €2,000 in a bucket collection on the day.
For those braving the chilly waters, New Year's Day swims are a literal and metaphorical way to get off to a fresh start in the New Year.
Participants at the Mountcharles Pier swim generally enjoy plenty of support from those who gather at the pier to watch and to cheer on family and friends. And with nearby Salthill Cabin open for hot drinks and tasty treats, it is a great day out for the whole family.
This year's event gets underway at 11am on Monday, January 1. Participants and spectators are reminded that they are there at their own risk.
As always, the New Year's Day swim is a fundraiser for the RNLI, a charity which is close to the hearts of all coastal communities.
Indeed, this annaul event has its origins in appreciation for a rescue by the RNLI during World War One.
Elizabeth Temple of Salthill House first did the swim with her husband Lynn on Christmas Day almost 40 years ago. She has every reason to be grateful to the RNLI. Her grandfather Captain Thomas Noel was rescued by the lifeboats after being torpedoed off the Donegal Coast during the World War One.
The Temple family decided to mark Christmas with a donation to the RNLI in appreciation of their link to the organisation.
Over the years, the Temple family were joined by members of the local community, with the desire to support the RNLI always to the fore. The event moved to New Year’s Day and the number of participants increased year on year.
Nowadays people come from all across south Donegal to take part or to simply enjoy the spirit of courage and cameraderie.
Those coming along are advised to arrive early and to park in such away that allows free flow of traffic on the shore road.
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