Take a Dip at Dawn this Summer Solstice to help tackle homelessness

Galway Simon Community is calling on supporters across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to rise with the sun on Sunday, 21st June, and come together in solidarity at our Summer Solstice Dip at Dawn. Discover all about it below...

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Beginning at 4.20am on Salthill Beach, this special sunrise gathering will raise vital awareness and funds for people facing homelessness across the West.

Before taking the invigorating dip, participants will be guided through gentle warm‑up exercises and a grounding yoga session led by Laragh Cunningham and Sarah Thornton of SoulMoves. Their practice focuses on mindful, accessible movement suitable for beginners and for people of all ages and abilities, creating a calm and connected start to the morning.

After the dip, everyone will be welcomed back to shore with a well‑earned treat. Galway Simon’s own coffee van 79G will provide warm tea / coffee along with refreshing smoothies from Innocent. There will also be a lucky dip draw for some wonderful spot prizes.

This meaningful community event invites people to come together at first light, celebrate the turning of the season and stand with those who need our support most. Laragh from SoulMoves said, "Dip at Dawn is one of those mornings that stays with you. There's something really special about coming together in Salthill as the sun rises on the summer solstice - moving together, going into the sea and doing it all in service of such an important cause. Galway Simon does vital work in our community, and we're honoured to support them once again this year.”

Sarah adds that, "Every year, Dip at Dawn delivers something truly magical. The early start, the sea, the sun coming up over Galway Bay - by the time you're standing on that beach you feel completely alive. The community spirit on the morning is incredible, and knowing it all goes towards the work Galway Simon does makes it even more special. We'd love to see as many people as possible out there with us on June 21st.”

Fintan Maher of Galway Simon Community highlighted the meaningful impact that taking part in the Dip at Dawn can have for people experiencing homelessness locally. “By joining us at sunrise for the Dip at Dawn, you are helping to raise vital funds for individuals and families in our community who may have no place to call home, or who are living with the daily fear of losing theirs. We are asking people to take some time out of their morning to come together for a simple, uplifting event that can make a real difference to others. The number of people turning to Galway Simon for support continues to rise, and far too many in our community are facing the trauma of homelessness. We can only continue to be there for those who need us with the support of the wider community. The Dip at Dawn is a powerful and positive way for people to stand with us and support our work.”

Grab your yoga mat, swimsuit and your friends and share a moment of tranquility this summer solstice with Galway Simon Community, supporting those facing homelessness. Registration for the event is €30. To register or for more information visit galwaysimon.ie/dip.

All photos courtesy of Galway Simon Community.