Liffey Swim Is A Unique Event In Dublin’s Life

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EOIN GAFFNEY of Leinster Open Sea Committee talks to Pat Meehan about the next Liffey Swim.

The Dublin City Liffey Swim (Irish: Snámh na Life, Bhaile Átha Cliath) is one of the most famous open sea races throughout the world. It was first run in 1920 when it was devised by Bernard Fagan an engineer in Dublin Corporation to show the citizens the good quality of the water in the Liffey.

The Dublin City Liffey Swim is unique in that Dublin is the only capital country in Europe to have a swimming race through the middle of the city. The Dublin City Liffey Swim is the highlight of the open sea swimming season and in particular for the native Dubliners there is something special about being able to swim down the Liffey in early September. This also provides a great spectacle for the Dublin public who line the quays, boardwalks and bridges along the mile and a quarter course to catch a glimpse of this unique event.

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