Swimming in the Liffey

 

 
 
 
 

Champlain students cheer on competitors in the 91st annual Liffey Swim

This past weekend our students had the opportunity to watch the Liffey Swim, a famous and long standing tradition in Dublin.  Each year hundreds of swimmers jump into the Liffey River just a few blocks down from the Guinness Brewery and swim the 2.4km (1.5 miles) to the Dublin Docklands. Luckily our students live less than a block from the river and were able to view the festivities from the Church St. Bridge.

Beginning in 1920, the 91stannual swim was started by Lord Mayor Andrew Montague at just before 3:00pm. The men’s race started first followed by the women’s after.  Swimmers start based on their skill level, those that swim faster start later. The Lord Mayor pointed out at the beginning of the race that this event is “unique to Dublin.  No European cities run an open race through their city centre.” Champlain students cheered swimmers on from the quays as they crossed under the bridge and headed towards the Four Courts.

Annie Grantham

Champlain College Dublin Head Resident

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