Sunshine and mild temperatures for Christmas swimmers as thousands take the plunge across the country

"It was very cold when we jumped but the water is actually lovely when you're in it, it's really refreshing and it's such a beautiful morning. I'm doing this for Pieta House, to help them save lives and support people who are struggling and anyone that's been affected by suicide."

"She's Brazilian, so she's being particularly brave getting into the water," Ms Lawlor said of Ms Amaral as the pair came out of the sea.

"The swim at Dollymount Strand is organised every year by the Clontarf Yacht and Boat club to raise money for the RNLI."

"There was a flurry of frantic towelling off as Helen Doogue, a volunteer for the RNLI, explained how the Clontarf fundraising branch started."

Read at Irish Independent