In Pictures: Dozens of hardy dippers at Mountcharles New Year's Day swim

Around 80 swimmers and dippers braved the chilly water of Donegal Bay for the annual New Year's Day swim in Mountcharles. The swim took place at 11am on January 1, and those taking part had plenty of support on the Big Pier from family, friends and those who come along to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere of this annual event.

Mountcharles New Year's Day swim is a fundraiser for the RNLI, and there was a bucket collection on the day.

Swimmers and supporters enjoyed hot drinks and tasty treats in Salthill Cabin afterwards, making it a lovely family day out and a great way to kick off the new year.

The RNLI is a charity which is close to the hearts of all coastal communities, and is closely connected to this annual event which has its origins in appreciation for a rescue by the lifeboat organisation.

Elizabeth Temple of Salthill House first did the swim with her husband Lynn on Christmas Day almost 40 years ago. She has every reason to be grateful to the RNLI. Her grandfather Captain Thomas Noel was rescued by the lifeboats after being torpedoed off the Donegal Coast during World War One.

The Temple family decided to mark Christmas with a swim and a donation to the RNLI in appreciation of their link to the organisation.

Over the years, the Temple family were joined by members of the local community, with the desire to support the RNLI always to the fore. The event became a more formal fundraiser, being organised by the local RNLI committee as it moved to New Year’s Day.

Nowadays, with year-round sea swimming having seen a huge increase in popularity, people come from all across south Donegal to take part. Many more come along to simply enjoy the spirit of courage, camaraderie and a deep rooted connection to the sea that is shared by so many people.