Call it what you may, wild swimming, cold water swimming, open water swimming, or lake swimming, plunging into the fresh waters of Fermanagh is about so much more than just swimming. It’s about connection; to nature, to yourself, and to the people you meet along the way.
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending an evening with the Wild Water Witches, a vibrant community of open-water swimmers who gather throughout the year to immerse themselves, literally, in the beauty of Fermanagh’s lakes. From my very first moments with them, I was struck by how warm, welcoming, and inclusive this group is. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or nervously dipping your toes for the first time, you’re met with open arms, big smiles, and an invitation to join in.
I chatted with several members about their experiences, and what emerged was a powerful story of friendship, healing, resilience, and joy. Here’s what they shared with me.
Charlene: “It’s the community, everyone is just so friendly”
For Charlene, swimming is part of daily life.
Favourite spot: “Trory - the water is always good all year round and I love swimming into that view.”
Favourite time: “Sunset.”
How often: “Almost every day.”
Best part: “The swimming community. Everyone is just so friendly, and it’s lovely to be out swimming in nature.”
Charlene swims all year round in just a swimsuit. Her advice for winter dips?
“Know your limits. Be in the water for a maximum of one minute per degree, go by how you feel, and get out before you’re too cold. Always wear a tow float for visibility and rest.”
She admits the hardest part is “getting changed if it starts to rain,” but the post-swim glow makes it all worthwhile:
“In winter, it’s a lovely warm feeling, you’re energised.”
Trish: “The water is the only place I’m pain-free”
Trish’s journey into cold water swimming began after a period of serious illness.
“I had a domino effect of health problems after Covid, and the water was the only place I felt supported without straining my body. I never looked back.”
Now three years in, the benefits are undeniable:
“I have lymphoedema in my left leg, arthritis in my right, and sleep apnoea, but in the water, I’m pain-free. It sets me up for the day or helps me sleep at night.”
For Trish, the mental clarity and community are just as important as the physical benefits:
“Even if you’ve had a rough day, when you hit the water the only thing you can focus on is being in the water. You come out refreshed, head clear, and the craic on the shoreline is always mighty afterwards.”
The friendships built through swimming have been life-changing:
“I call them my swim family. We’ve been to plays, birthday celebrations, it’s a real community.”
Amy: “I came off all my antidepressants, it’s been fantastic”
For Amy, wild swimming has been transformative for her mental health.
How it started: “I used to swim on my own for my mental health, then joined the group two years ago.”
Result: “It’s been brilliant, I came off all my antidepressants. I used to be very antisocial, but now I talk to everyone. Even my family noticed the difference.”
She swims two to three times a week, always in a swimsuit, and loves the simple joys the water brings, like the evening two ducks swam alongside her at Carrybridge.
“The colder it gets, the harder it is to get in,” she admits, “but sunset swims make it worth it.”
Jill: “I’d never have had the courage without them”
For Jill, a nurse with a demanding job, cold water swimming is her therapy.
“You can literally feel the stress melt away as you drive down to Trory. Once you’re in the water, the stress is gone in minutes.”
Her journey wasn’t straightforward, an accident on her paddleboard left her nervous about returning to the water. But a message of encouragement from Trish got her back in.
“Without the group, I’d never have plucked up the courage. Now my husband swims too, we’re a team.”
John: “771 days and counting”
John has been open water swimming for over a decade and is a testament to dedication.
“Today is my 771st consecutive day swimming.”
He swims daily, always in a swimsuit, and loves the mental clarity it brings.
“It clears your head, it really does.”
And though the group began as a female-led initiative, he says it’s always been welcoming:
“It’s for everyone. They welcomed us in right from the start.”
Ciarra: “We just wanted to bring people together, body, mind, and soul”
Ciarra Cusack is one of the founding members of the Wild Water Witches and the heart of the group’s story. It all began in the quiet, uncertain days during the Covid lockdowns, when she and her friend Amanda started exploring the Wim Hof Method, a practice combining cold water exposure, breathwork, and mental discipline.
“It was the middle or end of lockdown, and we were both fascinated by the benefits of cold water, the idea of mind over matter, and how the cold can strengthen you physically and mentally. We started meeting every Saturday morning at Cammagh Bay, just the two of us, to get into the water.”
They posted a few photos online, and something beautiful started to happen.
“People began messaging, saying they’d always wanted to try it, asking how we started, and if they could join. The next Saturday, there were two more. Then three. Then five. So I decided to start a wee group where people could message and share info, and I called it Wild Water Witches.”
At first, it was entirely women, not by design, but simply because those were the people who showed up. And soon, the group’s purpose grew beyond swimming.
“I do alternative therapies and sound healing, and I knew that during lockdown so many people were struggling, they felt isolated, lonely, anxious. I wanted to create a space where they could come together, reconnect with nature, and reconnect with themselves.”
The group started incorporating elements like gratitude practices, affirmations, and even sound baths alongside their swims.
“We’d talk about letting the water cleanse you, not just physically, but emotionally. It’s about release, renewal, and being present. Some nights we still do a sound bath after a swim, like tonight, because it complements the experience so beautifully.”
Word spread quickly, and what began as two friends dipping in a quiet bay became a thriving community that now celebrates its fifth birthday this Halloween.
“It’s been five years now, and the growth has been incredible. Charlene runs the Instagram, Avril looks after Facebook, and I’ve stepped back from the day-to-day organisation, but the spirit of it is still exactly the same: inclusivity, connection, and joy.”
Ciarra believes the true magic of the Wild Water Witches is how it brings people together from all walks of life.
“We’ve had people join us who were struggling with loneliness, with grief, with chronic pain. Others come for fitness, or because they love nature. But once you’re here, none of that matters, we’re all just people in the water, laughing and supporting each other.”
Her advice for anyone who’s curious but hesitant is reassuring and full of warmth:
“Start with breathwork, there are great free resources online, and Wim Hof even has a free app. Then come down and talk to us. We’ve always got spare gloves, boots, and tow floats. Nobody is thrown in the deep end, literally or figuratively! Once you’re here, you’ll feel the encouragement, and you will get in. Everyone is welcome.”
For Ciarra, the cold water is more than just a physical experience, it’s deeply spiritual, too.
“It’s euphoric. It gives you a buzz that lasts for hours. And it’s right here on our doorstep, free, abundant, and part of who we are. Fermanagh is water. Using it this way, together, is something really special.”
A Swim Family, Not Just a Swim Group
Spending time with the Wild Water Witches reminded me that wild swimming is about so much more than water temperature or distance. It’s about the people you meet on the shore, the laughter shared over a steaming mug of tea, the quiet moments of reflection as the sun sets over Lough Erne.
Whether you’re dipping your toes for the first time or counting your 771st consecutive swim, there’s a place for you here. The Wild Water Witches aren’t just a group — they’re a family. And in the waters of Fermanagh, they’ve found something truly magical.
A huge thank you to the incredible Wild Water Witches for the wonderfully warm welcome during our visit, for taking the time to share their stories and insights with us, and for the inspiring and important community they’ve created. We wish them every success as they continue to make a real difference - one swim at a time.
Why Swim in Fermanagh?
From sandy shallows to dramatic island backdrops, the Lough Erne system offers endless variety. Here, you can swim with a view of ancient castles, paddle beneath wide open skies, or float among water lilies in peaceful coves. And with water quality in many areas rated excellent, you’ll feel the freshness with every stroke.
Cold water swimming isn’t just about scenery – it’s about wellbeing. Regular dips can boost mood, improve circulation, and build resilience. The cool shock of the water, followed by that glowing post-swim warmth, is addictive in the best way.
Hints & Tips for Wild Swimming in Fermanagh
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Start slow – Let your body adapt to the temperature, especially in colder months.
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Wear the right kit – In summer, a swimsuit may be enough; in winter, consider a wetsuit, neoprene gloves, and booties.
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Buddy up – Never swim alone.
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Know your exit points – Always make sure you have an easy way out before you get in.
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Time it right – Early mornings and evenings can be the most peaceful (and often the most beautiful).
Safety First
Wild swimming is joyful, but the water demands respect. Keep these in mind:
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Use a tow float – It makes you visible to boats and provides a little extra support if you need to rest.
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Check boat traffic – Lough Erne is busy in summer; avoid swimming in main navigation channels.
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Watch the weather – Strong winds can make swimming dangerous.
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Acclimatise carefully – Sudden immersion in cold water can shock your system – ease in gradually.
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Know your limits – Cold water saps energy faster than you think.
The Joy of the Dip
Whether you’re dipping for 2 minutes in January or swimming for half an hour in August, the real reward is how it makes you feel afterwards – alive, refreshed, and connected to nature.
So, grab your swimsuit, your tow float, and a friend – and discover the cold, clear magic of wild swimming in Fermanagh. Just remember: safety first, smiles always.
