Christmas Day, a time of big dinners and unwrapping presents.

Here in Ireland there is a popular tradition of taking to the water, the icy-cold waters of the Irish Sea, Atlantic Ocean or many inland lakes and rivers.

People swim in these locations year round, but on Christmas Day many, many more turn up to swim just for fun or as part of a charity fundraising initiative.

On Christmas Day 2014, I took a swim for the first time at this famous location.

After having photographed along the coast many times over the years I wanted to come back and do the right thing. Many times I have been challenged by swimmers at some of these spots to take to the icy waves. 

2014 on Christmas Day was to be my day, not for any reason other than it was a day with a lot of people swimming.

As it turns out the weather was good and the famous Forty Foot south of Dublin was the place to go. Swimming here is possible even when the tide is out.

Have a look at this first person video captured on a Garmin Virb that I uploaded on to YouTube.

It was cold, the worst part was the tingle in the feet afterwards but it was a fun morning and would help anyone to work up an appetite for a big lunch.

By the way, this is the very place where they go swimming in Bad Sisters.

Happy New Year!