Looking for a refreshing dip around the Mournes? Here is our local guide!
First off, the good old stable Newcastle Harbour. Accessible at most times during the day, although quite a walk to get in at low tide. Perfect for your SUPs and a great jump off the pier at high tide. Plus grab a poke, pint or hot chocolate after your swim in the nearby Harbour Bar or Olive Bizaar. Who even have a hot water bottle at the ready in winter time. Hard to beat!
For a beachier vibe head to Murlough Beach. The sand dunes lead you to long stretch of beach, great at high tide but shallow otherwise. Good for kids who can play in the shallow water. A big plus is the amazing views of the Mournes. Perfect for a sunrise swim!
If you are looking for some serious freshness, head to the Bloody Bridge. There are few different rock pools along the river. Some of them are actually quite deep. Brace yourself for the cold, but the feeling afterwards is gold. Plus, a wee coffee truck is parked there on the weekend for that after swim treat.
One on our bucket list for this summer is Janet’s Rock a bit further South from Newcastle. This spot is also featured in the book Wild Swimming in Ireland alongside some other gorgeous spots on the Emerald Ilse. Janet’s Rock with its intimate sandy cove is situated in Ballymartin just between Annalong and Kilkeel. We’ll have to go for dander there soon. Have you been?
Check out our sea swimming collection for the perfect reminder to top on your Vitamin Sea regularly!