GIRL ABOUT TOWN
EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN
Nuala Meenehan works in the media and is a leading model.
C O M E IN T H E , W A TE R I S L O VE L Y!
I
remember taking a walk along the coastline at Crawfordsburn last year, in and out of various lockdowns and spotting a group of swimmers bobbing about in the bay! I also remember thinking, are these people crazy? This is the Irish Sea. Well it appears not! There’s a growing trend across Northern Ireland for daring dippers who are taking the plunge. People of all ages are donning their togs and dipping their toes in our waters in increasing numbers. Sales of wet suits, dry bags, buoys, water shoes and Dryrobes (fleece-lined, tent-like coats to change under) are all on the increase. Rafts of swimming groups have been formed, from the Ballyhalbert Bathers, the Millisle Dippers, Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers, the Portrush Menopausal Mermaids and the Portstewart Seabirds. Last month, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council announced they are to explore the possibility of creating open air, safe swimming areas at Lough Neagh and the benefits of bathing are bountiful; better sleep, better circulation, increased metabolism and glowing skin! Join a group, don’t swim on your own, otherwise come on in, the waters lovely (apparently). Queen of the sea Eva Wilkinson set up the Crawfordsburn Lobsters in October last year, since then the group has amassed over 300 members on their Facebook group alone. You’ll find them in the water as soon as Government restrictions relax and their regular swim ups resume.
Kyla Phillips and Ruth Irvine from the Crawfordsburn Lobsters enjoying the winter sunshine in the sea at Crawfordsburn.
Kristine Cooke and Sarah Harvey.
TO INSANITY AND BEYOND! Kyla Phillips and Eva Wilkinson.
Kyla Phillips keeping warm.
Lukas Wilkinson and Colin McCard (Swell Swimmers Open Water Swim Coach).
Apparently the next big holiday destination for the worlds 1% is outer space! Plans are underway for Voyage Station, the first ever luxury hotel in space. The company behind the project plan to build the hotel with all the amenities you would expect from a luxury property – guests can even take a space walk! Right now I’d be happy with a tent overnight in my neighbour’s garden, but I guess i’m not in the 1%.
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