Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland – Video filmed on December 25, 2025, shows a massive turnout for the annual Christmas Day sea dip, known locally as the Christmas Dip, at Portmarnock Beach, also called Velvet Strand.

The footage shows hundreds, possibly more than a thousand people, gathered across the wide, flat sandy beach on Christmas morning beneath a dramatic, partly cloudy sky with sunlight breaking through.

Large crowds line the shoreline and wade into the shallow, calm Irish Sea. Many participants wear swimwear, festive outfits, Santa hats, or bright colors, running into the water, splashing, and cheering as they take part.

Spectators are bundled up on the sand and along a prominent concrete sea wall, with steps and a ramp leading down to the beach, a distinctive feature at the southern end of Portmarnock Beach.

The atmosphere is joyful and energetic, with families, groups of friends, and individuals braving the cold water, estimated at around 8 to 10 degrees Celsius.

Festive music plays over the video, and the caption reads: “The Christmas Dip at Portmarnock Beach”.

The gathering reflects a longstanding informal tradition in Ireland, where thousands of people across the country take part in Christmas Day sea swims for enjoyment, charity, or seasonal celebration. Portmarnock’s event is among the largest and most popular in the Dublin area due to its accessible location and scenic strand.

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