COPE Galway is calling on people across the city and county to join one of Galway’s most loved Christmas traditions – the COPE Galway Christmas Day Swim, taking place on Christmas morning at Blackrock, Salthill. Discover more here..
First launched in 1989 by a small group of COPE Galway staff and supporters to raise funds for the charity’s Domestic Abuse Service, the swim has grown into an iconic Christmas ritual that embodies Galway’s generosity and community spirit.
Now in its 36th year, it draws hundreds of brave locals and visitors who have made the swim part of their Christmas tradition. Families, friends and individuals of all ages, from seasoned sea swimmers to first-time dippers, gather at Blackrock for the Christmas Day Swim or take part wherever they are over the holidays.
above: Kayte O’Malley, Galway Bay FM
“The atmosphere on Christmas morning is unlike anything else,” said Lynia O’Brien, Fundraising Manager with COPE Galway. “You see people home for the holidays, neighbours greeting one another and even dogs in their Christmas finest – all coming together in solidarity and showing that every small act we make can make a real difference for people in our community.”
The COPE Galway Christmas Swim is more than a festive dip; it is a powerful act of solidarity that helps fund essential services for people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse and isolation. In 2024, over 850 participants raised €45,600, making a real difference for thousands of people across Galway.
Registration is €20 for an adult and €5 for a child, with individuals, families, workplaces and schools all encouraged to get involved. Participants are reminded to always follow water safety advice and never swim alone. Visit copegalway.ie/swim to register, donate or get more information.
COPE Galway is grateful that Galway construction company Stewart Construction is once again a key event sponsor for the Christmas Swim. The iconic Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill, where the Christmas Day Swim takes place, was constructed by James Stewart & Co. in 1954. James started his construction company in Lower Salthill back in 1902.
Quotes from the Community:
"I've never taken part in the COPE Galway Christmas Swim so I'm delighted 2025 is going to be my year. I would encourage anyone who is kind of on the fence about taking part in the COPE Galway Christmas Swim - let’s make this year our year! It’s definitely going to be chilly, it’s definitely going to be wet, it might be a little bit mucky, but it’s for a great cause. COPE Galway do so much good in our community, and it’s a really good opportunity to support them, raise some badly needed funds for them and of course get together with people in your local area. Have a bit of craic, a bit of community and start Christmas with a little bit of giving back which is always nice this time of year."
-Kayte O’Malley, Galway Bay FM.
above: Colm O’Donnellan (O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers) and Eoin O’Donnellan (UBFit Sports)
"It’s something very special to come down here to Salthill on Christmas Day, and meeting old friends that you mightn’t have seen for the last year. Coming down to the COPE Galway Christmas Swim is really the part of Christmas that I love. The vibrancy when you come down to the COPE Galway Christmas Swim, in the most iconic part of Galway, Blackrock." -Colm.
"I do the COPE Galway Christmas Swim because it’s a super local cause and the funds that are raised are vital. Come down to the icon, the beacon of swimming, which is Blackrock, to have a good time, meet people and to fundraise and donate. It’s just a fantastic hour, or hour and a half of your time on Christmas Day and everyone should really make an effort to be here at the COPE Galway Christmas Swim." - Eoin.
-Brothers, Colm O’Donnellan (O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers) and Eoin O’Donnellan (UBFit Sports)
"The connection element of the COPE Galway Christmas Swim is what’s really special about it. When you come down to Salthill, particularly Blackrock, anytime of year, you’re guaranteed a chat, a conversation. It reminds you of community spirit. It’s a really important time to remind us what Christmas is really about, and the sense of community."
-Caitlín Connolly and Paul Keegan, Connexions Run Club
All photos courtesy of COPE Galway.
above: Caitlín Connolly and Paul Keegan, Connexions Run Club
