Swim Ireland and Dublin City Council are delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 106th Dublin City Council Dublin City Liffey Swim, one of Ireland’s most iconic and historic sporting events. The swim is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 12 September 2026, bringing hundreds of swimmers to the heart of Dublin City for a unique challenge through the capital’s famous waterway.
This year’s race will have added significance as, for the first time in its 106-year history, the Dublin City Council Dublin City Liffey Swim forms part of the inaugural Dublin City Council Liffey Festival. The new two-day festival will celebrate the River Liffey through a vibrant programme of sporting, cultural and maritime activities along the city’s quays and waterways – Dublin City Council Liffey Festival | Dublin City Council
As the centrepiece sporting event of the festival, the 106th Dublin City Council Dublin City Liffey Swim will open the celebrations on Saturday 12 September, showcasing one of Dublin’s most treasured sporting traditions as hundreds of swimmers make their way through the heart of the capital. Spectators can enjoy the excitement of the race before exploring the wider festival programme, which includes water-based activities, live entertainment, maritime attractions and family-friendly experiences
The race covers approximately 2.2 kilometres, taking swimmers on a spectacular journey beneath many of Dublin’s most famous bridges, from Rory O’Moore Bridge to the finish at Custom House Quay. Competitors experience a truly unique urban open water event as they navigate the tidal waters of the River Liffey through the centre of the city.
This year’s event is expected to attract approximately 300 competitors, ranging from seasoned open water swimmers and previous champions to first-time participants who have successfully completed the qualifying process. The Dublin City Liffey Swim continues to be the pinnacle event of the Irish open water swimming season and a highlight of the National Open Water Calendar.
Speaking about the opening of entries, Adam Cox, Swim Ireland Director of Aquatic Sports said:
“The Dublin City Liffey Swim is one of Ireland’s most historic and celebrated sporting events. This year is particularly special as the 106th race will open the inaugural Dublin City Council Liffey Festival, providing an opportunity to showcase both this iconic sporting tradition and the River Liffey itself to an even wider audience. We look forward to welcoming swimmers and spectators to what promises to be a landmark weekend for Dublin and for Irish open water swimming.”
The inclusion of the Dublin City Council Dublin City Liffey Swim in the inaugural Dublin City Council Liffey Festival marks an exciting new chapter in the event’s history, further cementing its place at the heart of Dublin’s sporting and cultural calendar
The continued partnership between Swim Ireland and Dublin City Council, reflects a shared commitment to promoting participation in sport and celebrating Dublin’s unique sporting heritage.
Swimmers wishing to participate are encouraged to enter early. Full event information, qualifying requirements and entry details are available below:
Event Details
Event: 106th Dublin City Council Dublin City Liffey Swim
Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Distance: Approximately 2.2km
Location: River Liffey, Dublin City
Timings for the Day:
- Female Registration (Collection of timing chips and hats) – 10.00am
- Female Swim – 12.00 noon
- Open/Male Registration (Collection of timing chips and hats) – 11.30am
- Open/Male Swim – 13.30pm
*Safety Briefings to take place before each race
Categories and Prizes
Skins only (No Tech Suits, Race Suits or Jammers)
- Fastest time Female and Open/Male
- 1st 10 Female Swimmers
- 1st 10 Open/Male Swimmers
- Team Prize Female and Open/Male
- Overseas Winner
Acceptable Swimwear Female and Open/Male can be found at the end of the document
*Team Prize will be awarded to the first four swimmers home from the same club.
Eligibility
To be eligible to take part in the 2026 Swim Ireland Dublin City Liffey Swim:
- Swimmers must hold a competitive Swim Ireland club members or Special Membership (This includes joint Triathlon Swim Plus Membership)
- Swimmers must have competed in 4 open water events hosted by Swim Ireland and/or a Swim Ireland affiliated club nationwide as listed on the Swim Ireland National Open Water Swim Series Calendar.
- A past winner
- Minimum age of swimmers must be aged 14 or born in 2012
Swim Ireland may contact clubs to verify eligibility criteria.
Overseas swimmers or entry queries relating to qualification swims please contact openwater@swimireland.ie
There is a cut off time of 1 hour to complete the race as this is a competitive event
Entry Fees
Under 18 – €40
Over 18 Female and Open/Male – €60
Overseas – €60
Entry Includes
Each participant will receive:
- Special edition T shirt sponsored by Aqualine
- Swim Ireland silicone swim hat
- Finishers medal
- Goodie Bag
Before You Book
- You must be able to swim the distance of the event that you have registered for. The race distance for the Dublin City Liffey Swim is 2200m.
- Due to the nature of Open Water Events, timings on event day are subject to change.
- Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event (except when in the water).
Click here to view acceptable/unacceptable swimsuits.
