Female Swimmers Compete in Dún Laoghaire Harbor: A Photographic Portrayal of the Event
Photographers Capture the Excitement of the 95th Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim
The 95th edition of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim, one of Ireland's oldest open-water swimming races, took place over the bank holiday weekend in August 2025. This historic event attracted 250 swimmers across men's and women's races, with the women's race won by Bronagh Carey of Templeogue Swimming Club in a time of 47 minutes and 48 seconds.
Two photographers, Evan Treacy and Conor Ó Mearáin, were present at the event, capturing the excitement and atmosphere for posterity. Their photographs may be available for public viewing but it's unclear if they will be made available for purchase. These images could potentially show the swimmers' performances and offer a unique perspective on the race.
The race is a handicapped 2.2km event held inside the harbour walls. Swimmers start from a slipway at the National Yacht club and follow a clockwise route. The race has a staggered start based on ability, with the best swimmers entering over 20 minutes after the first swimmers. Despite being the fastest swimmer overall, Jessica Purcell, from the Aer Lingus club, finished 25th due to a 23-minute handicap.
The presence of photographers Evan Treacy and Conor Ó Mearáin highlights the media attention given to the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim. The event, organized by Swim Ireland, takes place in Dún Laoghaire Harbour, a significant maritime location featuring two granite piers enclosing a large sheltered area used for various water sports.
The Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim is often mentioned alongside the Liffey Swim, another historic Swim Ireland-organized event. There have been disputes over the rights to operate the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim, highlighting its importance in Irish aquatic sports tradition. Swim Ireland now firmly organizes and promotes this swim, with official announcements and entries managed through their platforms.
The race ends at the same slipway where swimmers start. The photographs taken by Evan Treacy and Conor Ó Mearáin may serve as a lasting memory of the 95th edition of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim. It remains a cornerstone event in the Irish open-water swimming calendar, celebrated for both its challenge and its community spirit.
The photographs taken by Evan Treacy and Conor Ó Mearáin could offer a unique perspective on the 95th edition of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Swim, capturing the excitement and atmosphere of this significant open-water swimming event. The images may potentialy showcase the swimmers' performances, adding another layer to the rich tradition of Irish aquatic sports.
