Northern Ireland

Brave revellers dive in for New Year's Day swim

Angela McClements joins in the New Year's Day swim in Carnlough. Photo by Hugh Russell
Angela McClements joins in the New Year's Day swim in Carnlough. Photo by Hugh Russell Angela McClements joins in the New Year's Day swim in Carnlough. Photo by Hugh Russell

HUNDREDS of people braved the cool temperatures yesterday to join in the annual tradition of a New Year's Day swim.

Clowns, superheroes and even a few Santas kicked 2018 off in style when they took to the water from the harbour in Carnlough, Co Antrim.

Despite the chilly conditions, spirits remained high as crowds of onlookers cheered those taking part.

Emerging from the water, and quickly wrapping themselves in towels, many were still smiling despite the early January rain showers.

It was one of several New Year swims arranged across Ireland, including at Crawfordsburn, Co Down, where some brave souls took a dip dressed as Where's Wally or pumpkins in aid of Cancer Focus NI.

Angela and Magen McClements. Picture by Hugh Russell
Angela and Magen McClements. Picture by Hugh Russell Angela and Magen McClements. Picture by Hugh Russell
Megan McClements shows her superwoman powers as she jumps off the harbour wall. Picture by Hugh Russell
Megan McClements shows her superwoman powers as she jumps off the harbour wall. Picture by Hugh Russell Megan McClements shows her superwoman powers as she jumps off the harbour wall. Picture by Hugh Russell
In at the deep end at the Carnlough New Year's swim. Picture by Hugh Russell
In at the deep end at the Carnlough New Year's swim. Picture by Hugh Russell In at the deep end at the Carnlough New Year's swim. Picture by Hugh Russell
Reaching for the towel after the New Year's Day swim in Carnlough. Photo by Hugh Russell
Reaching for the towel after the New Year's Day swim in Carnlough. Photo by Hugh Russell Reaching for the towel after the New Year's Day swim in Carnlough. Photo by Hugh Russell