Christmas ice bath

At Christmas, the Irish have an astonishing tradition, to say the least! Many people gather on Irish beaches on December 25th, with only one goal: to swim in the icy waters of the Irish Sea! Although December is not the most appropriate month for swimming, it’s part of the game: the Irish like to dive into the icy water once a year: it wakes you up, and it’s good for your health! Some will say they are crazy, but the Irish have a reputation for being adventurous!

Ice bathing in Ireland

A Christmas tradition that awakens the senses!

The Irish have always loved a challenge! And what could be better than having to take a little swim in the Irish Sea on December 25th, when the thermometer is close to 0°C? If the challenge can make people smile, it is taken very seriously by many locals.

More than a tradition, this bath would allow them to start the year off on the right foot. A kind of reset of the counters!

So, it is in bathing suits and wearing a Santa Claus hat that the bravest throw themselves into the water. An intense moment, especially a very short one, which has the merit of invigorating! Many scream in contact with the water, laugh, and reach particularly high sound frequencies! Swimming is done with family or friends, and there is no age to try it! Young and old try it, in a friendly atmosphere, good child, and conducive to self-derision!

Ireland has many spots for ice bathing. Nevertheless, the best known is undoubtedly Forty foot, near Dublin, in the small coastal village of Sandycove. This rocky promontory overlooks the Irish Sea. It is ideal for throwing yourself into the water without thinking!

How about you? Will you try an ice-cold swim for next Christmas? Whether you are tempted or not, don’t hesitate to go on the spot on December 25th: the show is worth the detour! Those Irish are crazy!