← All events
festivals · Saturday 1 August 2026 · Various 
Liffey Swim 2026
At River Liffey · Watling Bridge to Wood Quay, Dublin 1
At River Liffey · Watling Bridge to Wood Quay, Dublin 1
The Liffey Swim is one of the oldest open water races in Ireland, run continuously since 1920 - bar a pandemic year - and still pulling hundreds of swimmers into the River Liffey every summer. It is a serious competition with a handicap format, but also one of those events where watching is as enjoyable as competing. Crowds line the quays from Watling Bridge to Wood Quay as swimmers make their way through the centre of Dublin, passing some of the city’s best-known bridges. Club swimmers chasing a placing and spectators after a lively morning out will both find it worthwhile.
The race covers approximately 2.2 km through the city centre, starting near the Guinness Brewery at Watling Bridge and finishing at Wood Quay. Swimmers pass under several of Dublin’s bridges along the way, including the Ha’penny Bridge and O’Connell Bridge, giving spectators plenty of vantage points along the quays.
The race uses a handicap system, so slower swimmers start first and the fastest go last - the finish often produces a close contest across categories. Wetsuits are not permitted on the traditional course. Entry is restricted to registered swimming club members who have completed at least six qualifying open sea races from the Leinster Open Sea calendar during the season, making this a competition for club swimmers who have put in the qualifying miles. The Liffey Swim is typically the final race of the Leinster Open Sea season - a fitting send-off on one of Ireland’s most famous stretches of water.
The start is at Watling Bridge, close to the Guinness Brewery on the south quays. This is very central Dublin - well served by Luas (Red Line, Fatima or Rialto stops are nearby), Dublin Bus across the quays, and walking from most city centre hotels in under twenty minutes. Car access is straightforward on the quays but parking in central Dublin on a Saturday takes planning: the NCP car park at Jervis Street or the Ilac Centre are reasonable options if you want off-street parking within walking distance of the route.
August in Dublin gives you long evenings and enough dry days to make a full day of it around the race - the Temple Bar area, the Four Courts, and the whole length of the quays make for a good post-swim wander. There is more to see in Dublin and across Co. Dublin.
Heading to River Liffey in Dublin? Dublin has plenty more to see. Read the Dublin area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.
In town for River Liffey? These Dublin tours book out in summer.