It started with a shared love for sea swimming and a chat at a trade show in San Francisco. Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes, both seasoned professionals in Irish tourism, quickly bonded over their passion for the sea – and soon after, an ambitious idea was born: swim at every single blue flag beach in Ireland.

That’s 98 beaches across the island, from wide Atlantic strands to tiny coves. And they wouldn’t just be doing it for fun; they’d use the project, dubbed Seafillies, to raise money for the RNLI, Ireland’s volunteer-led lifeboat service.

This article is based on podcast episode 286 featuring Orla Leahy and Biddy Hughes.
Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links.

If you’ve spent any time near the Irish coast, you’ve likely seen the RNLI in action, either training or responding to emergencies. In 2024 alone, the service launched 881 lifeboats, rescued over 1,000 people, and saved 22 lives, all with volunteers who balance full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

For Orla and Biddy, the RNLI was a clear choice when it came to fundraising. It’s a national organization with deep community roots, offering safety and support not just to locals, but to visitors who may find themselves in trouble on the cliffs or in the water.

Blue flag beaches meet high standards for water quality, accessibility, and safety. That includes the presence of lifeguards during the summer season, something Orla and Biddy emphasize heavily. While Ireland boasts many stunning beaches that don’t hold blue flag status, the designation offers a layer of reassurance, especially for families or first-time visitors.

From vast sands like Curracloe (made famous in Saving Private Ryan) to smaller, lesser-known stretches, Ireland’s beaches vary wildly in landscape and atmosphere. And yes, the water is always refreshing – no matter the season. As the Seafillies quickly discovered, sea temperatures don’t fluctuate as dramatically as you might expect. While it’s chilly in March, by late summer the Atlantic and Irish Sea have had time to warm, making dips a bit more inviting.

One surprise? The west coast tends to be warmer than the east, a tip worth tucking away if you’re planning a swim.

Beyond the swims themselves, the Seafillies have found incredible support from the communities they visit. Local businesses have embraced the project, showing up with everything from skincare samples and hand massages to breathwork sessions and hot drinks. Mobile saunas have even become a fixture at many beaches, offering post-swim warmth and relaxation.

Seaweed baths, coastal picnics, seafood feasts, these are the experiences that turn a swim into a memory. For Orla and Biddy, the joy of discovering new communities and sharing their favorite finds is an unexpected bonus, one that’s already enriching their work in tourism.

To raise funds for the RNLI, the Seafillies launched a donation page and designed a clever t-shirt featuring their branding and a list of all 98 beaches. The first batch sold out quickly, with proceeds going directly to the RNLI. The link to donate or grab a shirt is on their Instagram (@seafillies)—and yes, shipping is available.

As of now, they’ve completed over 50 beaches, aiming to finish by October. They’re calling in favors for transport (anyone with a helicopter?) and using every free weekend to tick more off the list. With each swim, they’re raising both awareness and funds – proving that you can combine fun, purpose, and a bit of cold water courage.

Asked to share their top picks, both women had standout memories.

Biddy’s Top 3:

Orla’s Top 3:

No matter the location, each beach has offered something special—and every swim brings them closer to their fundraising goal.

You can follow the Seafillies on Instagram, where they share highlights from their swims, local finds, and community stories. You’ll find the donation link there too, if you’d like to support the RNLI through their effort. Whether you dip a toe or dive right in, Ireland’s beaches – and its people – have something unforgettable to offer.

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