We’re now well into July and at this point there are social swims and races on most weekends (in addition to our regular Sandycove swims). For those of you who are interested in taking part and who haven’t signed up for a swim yet, here’s a brief description of what’s on over the next few weeks. Some swims are closed for entry already but you might want to keep them in mind for next year (when you’ll make sure to book early!). Contact details for the swim organisers can be found here.

Saturday, July 16th – Beginish Island – Closed
Distance: 6 km
Cost: €50
Entry to this swim is closed for 2011 but it’s a great swim so keep it in mind for next year! It is a beautiful and very popular swim around the island of Beginish near Valentia. It is a reasonably challenging swim, and for this year’s swim entrants must have done a 5km in open water in either 2010 or 2011 to qualify , so if you are thinking of doing the swim next year, it would be worth getting a 5km swim in sometime this season. More information can be found on the website: http://www.valentiaislandtriathlonclub.com.

Sunday, July 17th – Martin Duggan Memorial Swim, Fermoy – Open
Distance: 2 km
Cost: €25 for Under 18s, €35 for 18s and over
Entry for this swim will remain open until the 14th of July so you still have time to enter! It takes place on the Blackwater River in Fermoy.The swim starts from Fermoy Rowing Club, in the town. From there, participants will swim 1,000m upstream and into the countryside. A buoy will mark the turning point and they will then swim the same route back down on the other side of the river. There is a slight current so it will take a little longer to swim upstream than downstream. Fortunately for swimmers, temperatures should be much better than the sea at this time of year! Afterwards there will be lots of refreshments available upstairs in the Rowing Club. There are also some prizes on offer, including the Martin Duggan Memorial Shield for the youngest swimmer. More information can be found on the website: http://www.blackwaterswim.blogspot.com.

Saturday, July 23rd – Courtmacsherry – Open
Distance: 1.5 km or 3 km
Cost: €15
This will be the first year that this swim is run, and it promises to be a great event. Entries will be open until July 20th. The swim will take place in Blind Strand (Coolbawn), Courtmacsherry, County Cork. It will start at Blind Strand and will precede anti-clockwise around 2 markers and back to the beach.  There will be a 1.5K option (1 lap) and a 3K option (2 laps). The swim is open to experienced non-wetsuit and wetsuit swimmers. Prize-giving will take place in the Lifeboat Inn directly after the swim. All excess monies from entry fees will go to the Courtmacsherry lifeboat. For more information and entry details, click here and download the form.

Sunday, July 24th – Kenmare – Open
Distance: 6 km
Cost: €40
Entry for this swim closes on July 13th. The swim starts in the river and ends at the Star Sailing Club. While the 6k distance will be tide assisted, the swimmers must be expereinced open water swimmers. Entry details can be found here.

Saturday, July 30th – ‘Vibes and Scribes’ Lee Swim – Open
Distance: 2 km
Cost: €25 for Under 18s, €35 for 18s and over
The Lee Swim is one of the two biggest events on the Sandycove calendar (the other being the Sandycove Island Challenge), with up to 400 swimmers expected. Entries are still open but close this Friday, July 15th. The swim runs through Cork City, folowing the course shown here. The first 1,700m of the swim are downstream, with the swimmers turning at the Port of Cork to swim the final 300m upstream to finish at the Clarion Hotel. Following the swim a very social atmosphere continues on the boardwalk outside the Clarion Hotel, with a prizegiving ceremony and various festivities into the night. More information about the swim, including details for entry, can be found on the Cork Masters website here.