With over 200 kilometres of diverse coastline to explore, Northern Ireland is a great destination for your wild swimming adventure.
The popularity of wild swimming continues to grow, with links being drawn to the long-term benefits of cold-water immersion. These include better sleep, helping to lower and manage stress and anxiety levels, and reducing blood pressure.
If you are considering taking to the open water, either for exercise or the cold water benefits, we strongly recommend doing your own research ahead of time, and especially if this will be your first swim, be vigilant of your limits and your ability level. One common top tip is not to attempt to jump straight in to cold water; if you are not acclimatised, the low temperature of the water can astound you and lead to shock. Instead, pace yourself. walk/dip yourself in slowly and control your breathing. This is an activity where a little preparation makes all the difference.
>>> For tips and advice on how to enjoy the open water safely please visit RNLI <<<
Things to bring when going wild swimming
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A changing towel or robe
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Pre-filled hot water bottle, to heat you up after getting out of the water
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Flask of tea or a hot beverage
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Warm socks and gloves
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Warm coat
Where to go wild swimming in Northern Ireland
We reached out to local members of the wild swimming community for their favourite swimming spots in Northern Ireland, and these were the most recommended.
Ballygally Beach, Ballygally, County Antrim
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Along the Causeway Coastal Route, you will find this captivating beach - and once you visit you will see why it is award-winning.
Bloody Bridge, Ballahbeg, Newcastle, County Down
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Just outside Newcastle at the foot of the Mourne Mountains lies the moody, lagoon-like waters of Bloody Bridge.
Brompton Beach, Bangor, County Down
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Located along the North Down coastal path between Holywood and Bangor, lies this hidden gem. Whether you wade in or jump in, it’s worth a visit.
Browns Bay Beach, Islandmagee, County Antrim
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A small sandy bay in the shape of a horse show, nestled between Skenaghan Point and Barrs Point on the northern tip of Islandmagee peninsula.
Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy, County Antrim
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This place needs no introduction but this time why not try a swim and a different view of the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?
Cushendun Beach, Cushendun, Ballymena, County Antrim
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This rural beach with its crystal clear waters and sheltered bay make it a beautiful place to swim.
Gawley’s Gate, Lough Neagh, County Antrim
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Located on the south-eastern shore of Lough Neagh, north of Lurgan and west of Lisburn. Go for a dip and then sit and enjoy a picnic whilst enjoying the view.
Photo courtesy of Michael McCafferty Photography
Gortin Glen Lakes, Gortin, County Tyrone
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Located between Omagh and Gortin, this spectacular lake is underrated and is a must see.
Herring Pond, Portstewart, County Londonderry
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A little piece of heaven hidden in plain sight, Herring Pond has been around for many years, just beyond the promenade, tucked behind Harbour Hill. Top tip: bring swimming shoes or flip flops to walk across the stones.
Kilclief Beach, Strangford, County Down
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Complete with a castle dating back to 1413, on the narrows of Strangford Lough this beach should be on your to-do list. On a clear day it’s possible to see the Isle of Man.
Crawfordsburn Country Park, County Down
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This scenic and tranquil beach is situated on the coast between Bangor and Holywood. Witness the spectacular scenery and views across Belfast Lough.
Loughmacrory Lough, County Tyrone
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A hidden gem in the middle of County Tyrone, Loughmacrory Lake. Enjoy the flora and fauna of this beautiful, unspoilt freshwater environment.
Muckross Bay, Kesh, County Fermanagh
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Situated just outside the village of Kesh, this freshwater jetty is part of Lough Erne and a beautiful spot to stop on your travels.
Orlock Point, Donaghadee, County Down
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A hidden cove along the North Down coastal path, this stunner offers clear waters and a sheltered swim.
Oxford Island, Lough Neagh, Craigavon, County Armagh
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A National Nature Reserve on the southern shores of Lough Neagh whether you are stopping by for a dip or just a day dream, it’s worth it.
River Bann, Coleraine, County Londonderry
The River Bann as the largest in Northern Ireland is divided into two parts. The lower Bann flows northward and carries the waters of Lough Neagh to the sea.
Waterfoot Beach, Glenariff, Antrim Glens, County Antrim
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Located on the Causeway Coastal Route at the foot of Glenariff Glen, this popular haven is surrounded by wildflower meadows and backed by dunes.
Whitehead, County Antrim
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Enjoy a walk along the coast and a swim at this small but beautiful bay between the limestone cliffs of Whitehead and the black volcanic cliff of Blackhead.
If you enjoy wild swimming in any of these locations or others, why not share your experience online and join the conversation on social using #EmbraceAGiantSpirit
This award winning beach is located in Ballygally, 10km north of Larne town on the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route and is perfect for a short walk to blow the cobwebs away or to build sand castles with the kids or to even enjoy a quick swim!
This scenic walk leads from the Bloody Bridge car park along the edge of the Bloody Bridge River and back again.
Popular award winning rural beach positioned in a delightful sandy bay, at the northern tip of Islandmagee, just off the Causeway Coastal Route. Perfect for picnics, walking, swimming, windsurfing or just enjoying the great outdoors.
Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for ever, for everyone.
Cushendun is a beautiful seaside village on the North Coast alive with small shops and pubs. A series of scenic paths wind through the village, beach front, harbour, and Glendun river.
There are over 10km of walking trails, a 6km scenic drive, wildfowl enclosure and deer enclosure and a new children's playpark to enjoy and explore.
Kilclief Castle was built between 1413 and 1441, reputedly by John Sely, bishop of Down. This makes it the earliest datable tower-house in County Down and is often used to date other tower-houses in the County.
This walk ambles through a hay meadow, which is full of wild flowers in the summer months. The route then leads along sandy beaches, including Crawfordsburn Beach and Helen's Bay. Grey Point Fort is a restored coastal battery.
Oxford Island National Nature Reserve is a peninsula created by successive lowering of Lough Neagh. Four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas.
