Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Sisters Patricia Cowan and Mandy Clark at the Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Hundreds of people celebrated the New Year with a bracing tradition, as hardy swimmers braved the icy waters in Carnlough.
It comes as scores of people have taken part in sea swims right across the island of Ireland to start off 2026.
Around the Irish coastline from Co Antrim to Co Cork dozens of events took place ranging from larger scale charity fundraisers to smaller social groups.
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
The Carnlough event was in support of a worthy cause at the annual Co Antrim charity swim organised by the Ballymena branch of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association.
The popular event marked its 54th year in 2026, drawing a large turnout of participants and spectators to the harbour.
Sisters Patricia Cowan and Mandy Clark were among those taking part as they dived into the water wearing matching Minions-themed outfits.
Sisters Patricia Cowan and Mandy Clark at the Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Following the swim, certificates and trophies were presented at a reception in The Harbourview Hotel.
Cold water swimming has become a popular event on New Year’s Day across Northern Ireland, with people braving the plunge at Benone Beach as well, and Camlough Lake.
Carnlough New Years Day swim on 1st January 2026 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
Watch: New Year’s Day swim in Carnlough
Many people even dress up for the occasion, with Patricia Cowan and Mandy Clarke jumping in their ‘minion’ costumes.
There were also a number of dips around Northern Ireland’s coastline, although some were cancelled on the morning because of concern over conditions.
However, a number went ahead including a gathering at Benone Beach for a dip which raised money for the Community Rescue Service.
Meanwhile in Bray, Co Wicklow, the “Grinch” led hardy crowds into the chilly Irish Sea waters to raise money for local causes.