In Pictures: Hundreds brave cold water at the Forty Foot for Christmas swim

Hundreds have taken part in a Christmas Day swim at the Forty Foot bathing spot in Co Dublin.

Despite some heavy rain showers, spirits were high as locals and visitors plunged into the cold sea.

Some people wore Santa and elf costumes into the Irish Sea, while visitors from countries as far away as Japan, Canada and the United States attended to watch and even take part.

Here is a selection of photos from the day.

Patrick Corkery, dressed as Santa, taking part in the Christmas Day swim at the Forty Foot. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Patricia Morgan, Mary Mannix, Saffron Earls and Gareth Morgan enjoying a Christmas swim at the Forty Foot, Co Dublin. Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Zoe, Katie and Catriona at the Forty Foot. Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Patrick Corkery, dressed as Santa, and his son Matthew (12), dressed as an elf, pose for a photo with other swimmers at the Forty Foot bathing spot. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Swimmers dressed as Santa at the Forty Foot. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Photo: Niall Carson/PA

Bathers join Patrick Corkery (left) dressed as Santa. Photo: Niall Carson/PA