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The 2026 Galway Bay Swim took place on Saturday, July 18th, 2026.  

For the 2026 swim, 149 swimmers crossed Galway Bay (35 solo swimmers, 34 relay teams – 114 relay team swimmers).  Swimmers entered the water at Aughinish, Co. Clare on a clear morning with moderate to fresh northerly winds and choppy sea conditions. The blue skies, sunshine, and calm water around the finish at Blackrock Tower, which is sheltered from a northerly wind, stood in stark contrast to the conditions swimmers and support crews experienced throughout the crossing. Huge congratulations to every swimmer who took part and completed the crossing in 2026.

For the final 100 metres into Blackrock diving tower, paddle boards and kayaks guided the swimmers home. Waiting for the swimmers were their family and friends, along with many more supporters and volunteers on the land. A team of local boat captains, sailors, fishermen, Civil Defence, and Oranmore-Maree Coastal Rescue provided the swimmers’ safety on the crossing.

To date, over €2 million has been raised for Cancer Care West by this swim that first took place in 2006 and celebrated its 21st anniversary in 2026.

• 2020 / 2021 Virtual Galway Bay Swim video: https://youtu.be/Aj4Ku6dNGBQ
• Highlights Video of the 2015 Galway Bay Swim (3 Mins): https://youtu.be/YBy4b4iuxg4
• Full Documentary Video of the 2015 Galway Bay Swim (20 Mins): https://youtu.be/yL1N7eN59y0