When Ross Edgley (@rossedgley) is underway on The Great Icelandic Swim, his unprecedented assisted 1,600 km stage swim around Iceland, Daragh Morgan (@swimeire) will concurrently be attempting Swim Éire, a similar 1,600 km stage swim around the entire coast of Ireland.
Edgley is planning on a 100-day expedition around Iceland. Morgan is planning a similar 4-month expedition around Ireland.
Both men plan on swimming day by day by day, anywhere from 10-20 km per session whatever difficulties may occur as long as the ocean is swimmable.
These stage swims can be incredible when the sun is out and the swimming conditions are ideal. But these swims can just as easily be frightening and risky for swimmer and support team alike. There is inherent danger every time they jump into the water. And, without doubt, there will be times when they will have to take safe haven in port.
The only aspect that is predictable is the unpredictability of these circumnavigational coastal swims. The only thing they can expect is the unexpected, whether it is winds blowing across the seas or dangerous marine life or rocky ledges under the surface.
Morgan plans to start on May 31st and will continue through the summer 2025. He is aiming to inspire people to connect with, respect, and protect Ireland’s coastal waters — ensuring they remain a vital resource for future generations.
Both swims will push Edgley and Morgan physiologically and psychologically, more than they can ever imagine on dryland.
Edgley understands and has had to accept not finishing his swims for various reasons from hyperthermia to hypothermia. “Failure is never nice, but they are necessary,” he says.
Morgan similarly understands he is about to take on the biggest challenge of his life. He explains his dream, “This is not just about adventure, it is about curiosity and a homage to the beauty of Ireland. This journey is also about Ireland itself, the people, the culture, the cuisine, and the stunning oceans and seas that surround us.
Ireland has always fascinated me. I grew up here and lived in various parts of the country, mainly by the sea. It was here that my love of sea swimming was born at an early age. I was a beach lifeguard and later head beach lifeguard at Dunmore East Beach, County Waterford. My love for the water came from being so close to it and swimming in it every day.
This curiosity to explore Ireland has led me on many adventures, including running the length of Ireland self supported while researching holy wells along the way. Now I want to experience Ireland’s most powerful natural resource, the water that surrounds us, in the most immersive way possible by swimming it.
This journey will test me mentally and physically, but it is also about sharing the spirit of adventure. I will be documenting the highs and lows, the stunning coastal landscapes, and the incredible people I meet along the way. Most importantly, I will be delving into the history of our coastline and the country we call home.“
His support team includes Dara Bailey (skipper and navigator), Jack O Dowd (videographer), Joe Joyce (first mate and navigator), Barry Martin (safety officer), Peter Connolly (support boat coordinator), Ed Davis (feeder and support crew), Emma Nestor (marketing and communications), Geard Morgan (land support), and Ger Kennedy (advisor).
For more information on Edgley, visit #greaticelandicswim. For more information on Morgan, visit Swim Éire and his fundraising page here.
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