Open water swimming has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the benefits to physical and mental health are well known, but finding the perfect spot can be a challenge. There are several great open water swimming locations in and around Cork, and we can help you to find the best places to enjoy your time in the water.
Open water swimming is not without risk, and it’s really important to consider your safety carefully. You should be aware of any potential hazards and acclimatise yourself slowly to prevent cold water shock. Ensure that you are visible to other swimmers and water users with a bright swim hat and use a tow float to improve your visibility further. It’s always a good idea to swim with other people and to have someone on the shore watching as well, and following these safety tips carefully will enable you to make the most of your open water swimming.
Best Open Water Swimming in Cork
Let’s take a look at some of our favourite open water swimming spots in and around Cork:
- Myrtleville. This is one of the most popular spots for open water swimming in the Cork area, with people swimming here most mornings. It’s a great location with swimming buoys, and it’s safer to swim in company, so it’s good to know that there are always likely to be others in the water here.
- Rocky Bay. This is a great spot for open water swimming, a south-facing sandy cove with high-quality water status. The restricted parking and lack of facilities make this a quieter option if you fancy a bit of peace, although it is wise to ensure that you do not enter the water alone. You can swim from here to Robert’s Cove if you fancy an endurance challenge.
- Robert’s Cove. Robert’s Cove is a destination that can be part of a longer open water swim, from Rocky Bay (2km) or Myrtleville (6-7km), or can be a great spot for a dip in itself. The water is usually calm in this fairly sheltered cove, and you can access the water via the rocks on the western side for deeper water or directly from the beach. The free car parking is an added bonus here, and the water is also renowned for snorkelling.
- Fountainstown Beach. If you’re looking for an open water swimming spot for regular open water swimming, Fountainstown is a great option. You can check the live water temperature, wind and wave conditions before you go to ensure it is a good day for it, and the shallow, sandy access makes it ideal for beginners, especially at high tide.
- Ballyhass Lake. Ballyhass Lake offers a wide range of opportunities for open water swimming, including training sessions and swimming lessons. It is a popular choice for triathlon training, and you can purchase an Adventure Pass to make weekly swimming more affordable. You can find information about the different options, including Open Water Swim, for serious distance swimmers, and Lake Swim, for beginners and those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
- Lough Beg Beach. Lough Beg Beach is a quiet coastal spot near Ringaskiddy in Cork, and it is often recommended for open water swimming. However, there are often warnings about the quality of the water and the strong currents in the harbour area, so it is essential to check local guidelines and ensure that you optimise your visibility if you choose to swim here.
- Inniscarra Lake. A lake is often a good choice for beginners to open water swimming, as it is usually a more predictable environment than the sea. Inniscarra Lake is a beautiful spot, but you should be aware of extreme cold temperatures and deep water. You can get involved in events run by the Cork Sports Partnership, which often runs open water programmes accredited by Swim Ireland in the lake.
- Sandycove. Sandycove is a great spot near Kinsale, so you can be tempted by the many culinary delights in the area to replenish your energy after your swim. It’s a popular spot that is loved by open water and marathon swimmers, and the Cork Distance Week is held here every year. The lap around Sandycove Island is a great choice for experienced swimmers, but is not ideal for beginners, as the conditions can be challenging and there are no lifeguards.
There are many open water swimming groups in the area, including the Myrtleville Swimmers, and you can find out more about them and join the community online. If you are keen to get into competitive swimming, you’ll find several open water swimming races in the area throughout the year, mostly in the summer months.
Open Water Swimming Essentials
When you’re starting out with open water swimming, you’ll need a few essentials to ensure you can make the most of the experience:
- Your swim kit. You’ll need a good swimsuit, and we have several options, including high-visibility colour choices that can enhance your safety in the water. In extreme cold water, especially in the winter, you may want to wear a wetsuit, and this will help to prevent cold water shock all year round. You’ll need to consider specialist options for triathlon or competitive swim training, and we can help you to find the best choices for you.
- A towel. A hooded towel or dry robe can be the perfect option for open water swimming, especially in the colder months. When you get out of cold water, it’s very important to warm up as soon as possible, so you will need to dry yourself and get dressed quickly, and a dry robe or towelling robe can make this an easy process, even on a crowded beach!
- Swim buoy or tow float. A tow float can help to keep you safe in the water, especially if it is in a bright or neon colour. Some options allow you to keep your valuables inside so that you do not need to risk leaving them on the shore, and some also enable you to take a rest if you become exhausted while you’re in the water.
- A hot drink. A hot drink can help you to warm up quickly after a swim, and you can pop a flask of tea, coffee or hot chocolate into your kit bag to help prevent the risk of hypothermia and make your swimming experience more luxurious at the same time.
Open Water Swimming Gear in Ireland
At The Edge, we have a great range of equipment for outdoor adventures, and we can help you to find exactly what you need for your open water swimming or triathlon training. We have swimsuits and swim training aids for open water and pool swimming, and we can offer guidance and support to ensure that you are prepared for safe, enjoyable swimming experiences.
Our range includes clothing and equipment for running, cycling and surfing, as well as electric bikes and traditional bikes. Come in and meet our friendly team or discover our extensive range online.
