As the Grey River Swimmer, I have renewed a connection with the river that began when I was a young girl. Nature has always been an important part of my life, and I’ve found a deep sense of belonging and peace in the rhythms of the river.

Each year, as the weather turned colder and I was forced to retreat from the water, I would feel a touch of regret. But four winters ago, a friend's suggestion inspired me to continue my river swims - even as the temperature dropped below freezing. The exhilaration I felt was unparalleled, and I expereinced a growing sense of fulfillment. A persistent ache in my back began to ease, allowing me to reclaim a vitality I thought I had lost forever.

And so, a ritual had began. Every day, I immersed myself in the water. I began to cycle instead of driving. The steep hills on my journey tested my commitment as I pedaled hard, pushing both myself and the boundaries of my endurance.

When I’m not at home in the countryside, I swim in my favorite spots around Dublin, places like Vico or the Half Moon. No matter where in the world I land, finding water to swim in gives me a deep sense of freedom and connection. In 2024, I visited Chicago in the dead of winter, and one of the first things I did was dive into Lake Michigan. It was bitterly cold, but the experience was incredible - without question, the highlight of my time in the city. Over the years, I’ve dipped into Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s largest and most active glacial lake; jumped into the Danube; and swum in the North Atlantic, off the Scottish coast - in February, no less. Wherever I go, I seek out a place to swim. There’s always a spot.

At home, chance meetings with neighbours along the road on my way to the river add a strong sense of community - these are small moments that breathe life into the connection I feel with the world around me. Once I’m in the water, I become attuned to its nuances: the shifting currents, the slow drift of wandering rocks, and the inquisitive fish circling my legs. It’s never boring, it’s always alive and changing.

In the beginning, recording my swims was an afterthought. The pure sensation of being in the water came first. But eventually, an instinct to document - and perhaps to share - led me to create an Instagram page. At the heart of it is a deep connection to place, and to the person who first encouraged me to swim wild. Without their support, I might never have dared to push my limits or remain so committed.

In the digital realm, I discovered I was far from alone. A vibrant community of kindred spirits shares my love for cold water swimming - proof that meaningful connections can be forged across both miles and screens.

With an unflinching tolerance for the cold, I’ve embarked on a journey that has reshaped me - physically, mentally, and emotionally. The transformation has been gradual. With every stroke, every plunge, and every icy shiver, a new version of myself has emerged.

Fitter, healthier, and happier, the Grey River Swimmer is more than a moniker - it’s a testament to the boundless potential for growth that resides in us all. I feel the story is only just beginning.