The popular bathing spot was thronged with swimmers and spectators, many of whom were decked out in Christmas regalia — jumpers, dressing gowns and Santa hats as crimes against fashion went unpunished here. “There’s a fella cooking sausages over here, lads,” called one woman to her friends as she climbed the concourse from the sea back to the main road. “I hope there’s an Irish coffee waiting for me when I get out,” said another man.
There was also mulled wine on offer, while many people stood around holding steaming hot mugs of tea and coffee. Nicholas Byrne (35) from Sallynoggin, who was having a shower following his swim, described the water as “freezing”. “Anyone who says it isn’t cold is lying,” he said.
“It’s all about the atmosphere. The people, the little charity vans, the people selling coffee. You get in, do your little dip, dry off, stay around for 20 minutes, soak in the spirit, get a little tea or a hot chocolate, and then you’re back home for your breakfast.
” Sisters Lola (18) and Issy Jordan (17) were selling mulled wine and Rice Krispie buns by the side of the road in aid of the Galway Rape Crisis Centre and the Galway Autism Partnership. “Something for the kids and something for the grown-ups,” said Issy Jordan, who said they got the idea after their school organised a fundraiser for Uganda last year. “The atmosphere down here is just great,” said Lola.
“The community is wonderful. Maybe it’s the sea air that is dri.
