Little Flower Charity Swim - February 2024

A big thank you to the avid sea swimmer Ken McAndrew who reached out to us last year regarding a fundraiser for the Little Flower that involves swimming in the sea 29 times throughout February. This means that Ken will swim in the Irish sea in and around forty-foot in Sandycove for 29 separate swims (since this year is a leap year). 

Charity Swim Event

To help support the fundraiser organised by Ken, we will host a specific fundraising event on Sunday the 25th February between 9.30am - 10.30am in Forty Foot. We would like to invite people to join us for the charity swim, this is open to everyone - whether you are a seasoned sea swimmer, trying it out for the first time or simply want to come by to show your support, anyone is welcome. 

If you would like more information about this charity swimming challenge or if you have any questions about the swim or fundraiser, please contact us on [email protected] or 01 453 6621.

We hope to see you there!

If you would like to support Ken's fundraiser, you can make a donation on his iDonate page: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/KenMcAndrew 

How to get to Forty Foot:  

• By DART: The nearest station is Sandycove & Glasthule which is about a 15 minute walk or alternatively you can get off in Dun Laoghaire which is about a 20 minute walk. 
  
  
• By bus: Routes 111, 59 and 7
  
  
• By Car: There is unfortunately not a lot of parking around the Forty Foot, you can find some parking in Windsor Terrace or Eden Park but it is still a 20 - 25 minute walk. We would recommend people that are driving to park in Dun Laoghaire and walk up to the shore. 

Water Temperature in Forty Foot:

The Irish sea can even feel quite cold in the summers but in February it is definitely a chilly dip with the average temperature in February being 8.25 celsius (47F). 

You can find the current temperature of the water in Forty Foot by clicking the link: https://seatemperatures.net/europe/ireland/forty-foot/ 

Tide Times at Forty Foot

It is worth keeping an eye on the tide times before preparing a swim, you can stay up-to-date by clicking this link: https://seatemperature.info/forty-foot-tides.html 

Is Sea Swimming Safe? 

Sea swimming can be a thrilling experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Before taking the plunge, it's crucial to assess the conditions carefully. If the water seems too rough or conditions are unsafe, it's best to stay out.

Always know your limits and adjust your swim accordingly. Depending on conditions, consider swimming closer to the shore or opting for a shorter swim. Additionally, it's essential to enter the water gradually, allowing your body time to acclimatize to the cold temperatures. Stay safe and enjoy your sea swimming adventure responsibly! 

Here's a video with some tips on sea swimming: