By Sarah Fahy, Development Officer for Galway
There’s something special about being by the sea, the sound of the waves, the fresh air, the buzz you feel after a windy walk or dip in the water. For me, it’s always been a place to reset, to breathe, and to feel connected again. That’s really what Dips for Health is all about, coming together, spending time in nature, and feeling that lift in your mood that comes from being outdoors and around others.
We’re not about swimming with googles and hats for distance. In fact, you don’t even have to swim at all. It’s simply about showing up, meeting people, and letting the sea (and the company) do its magic.
We meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Yellow Shelter on the Salthill Prom, between Ladies Beach and Crabpool Beach. The Yellow Shelter is easy to spot, and it’s perfect for meeting up, especially if it’s raining (and let’s be honest, it’s Galway, so it often is!). From there, we’ll walk down to the beach together to get changed and start our session.
When everyone’s arrived, we take a few minutes for a relaxed chat about the benefits of being in blue spaces, how simply spending time by the sea can boost our wellbeing. Then we go for a little walk along the beach, get changed, and for those who’d like to, we head into the water.
There’s always a lifeguard on duty, and the beach has a gentle, shallow gradient, so it’s really safe. You’ll never be asked to go out of your depth. And remember, there’s absolutely no pressure to get in at all. Some people dip a toe, some go all in, and some prefer to just enjoy the atmosphere. Whatever you’re comfortable with is perfect.
You really don’t need much to join in.
- Swimwear – whatever that looks like for you. That might be togs, swim trunks, shorts and a t-shirt, or leggings and a top.
- A towel
- A warm hat for afterwards
- Loose, easy-to-change-into clothes something like a tracksuit and cosy socks.
- A flask of something hot – tea, coffee, or even just warm water, it’s a lovely comfort after your dip.
- Some people bring dry robes or swimming hats, but they’re totally optional. The main thing is that you feel comfortable and warm afterwards.
Anyone over 18 is welcome at Dips for Health. There’s no cost, this is a free community event, not a fundraiser. You don’t need any experience, and you don’t need to come with a group. In fact, we encourage people to come on their own. That’s one of the reasons we started this, to create a friendly space for people to meet and connect. When I moved back to Galway after years away, I didn’t know many people. I’d been dipping for ages, but I didn’t always know where to go or who to go with. It can be hard to find your people sometimes, so Dips for Health is about creating that sense of community, a tribe of sea-lovers, whether you’re dipping for the first time or the fiftieth.
We’ll usually go ahead, rain or shine, unless it’s genuinely unsafe. If we ever have to cancel, we’ll let everyone know well in advance. We ask that you don’t bring dogs (except for trained support service dogs), and we do ask that you register through our Eventbrite page so we can plan for numbers and ensure lifeguard cover. Salthill is easy to reach by public transport from Galway city and beyond, and there’s plenty of parking along the prom if you’re driving.
We’ve had two sessions so far, and it’s been incredible to see the energy and connection that comes from a group of people simply showing up for themselves and each other, laughing, chatting, breathing in the sea air, and feeling that shared sense of joy.
Whether you dip your toe or dive right in, you’ll leave feeling lighter. We’d love for you to join us. And if you’d like to chat before coming along, I’d be more than happy to talk it through with you.
See you by the Yellow Shelter!
