Ulster is the home of arguably the three most challenging swims in Irish waters.

The North Channel (nowadays most often undertaken as a swim from Donaghadee in Northern Ireland to Portpatrick in Scotland), the Dál Riata Channel (between the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and Ireland) and the Rathlin Sound swim (between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle) all challenge swimmers with cold waters, fierce currents and marine wildlife from jellyfish to orca.

The table below shows notable swims in Ulster waters.

Note: North Channel swims are not listed on this page. Click here for solo North Channel swims or here for relay swims.