With the warm sea water and the sunny weather there’s no better time for a dip in the sea! And if you’re looking for a fun challenge Portrane beach is where you want to be this Saturday. Swim Ireland is hosting an Open Sea Race on Portrane Beach – open to all ages and abilities – and it’s taking place as part of the Donabate/Portrane Festival which runs from this Thursday to Sunday.
This is a great opportunity for people to get a taste of a sea swimming event and the fantastic atmosphere that goes with it!

Portrane Beach Swim Ireland event open to all ages and abilities (Credit Sinead McCarthy)
It’s all kicking off at 2.30pm on Saturday with a 1,600 metre swim suitable for experienced swimmers (wetsuits welcome). Entry for the race is €10 which can be paid on the day. This will be followed by a 200 metre Children’s Splash ‘n’ Dash and a 500 metre swim open to all ages. Both of these events are free to enter.
If you want to stay dry but still catch all the action, Seaview Road will host a grandstand view of the events.
The Open Sea Race is part of a wider four-day Donabate/ Portrane Summer Festival. The festival will feature a number of great family fun events and you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy. See the full list of events below.
Some of the events include the Citizen of the Year Awards, hosted by Anton Savage, a special needs fun morning, teddy bears picnic, live music, family entertainment and a craft market. The festival will close in style with a fantastic fireworks grand finale.