While the North Channel swim from Donaghadee in Co Down to Portpatrick in Scotland has been more frequently attempted, with 30 successful crossings already this summer, the Dal Riada Channel is less commonly attempted.

The first successful swim of the Dal Riada Channel was achieved in 2012 by South African Wayne Soutter, who took 12 hours and 11 minutes to complete it. The most recent crossing took place last Friday, undertaken by Andrea Judge-Guy (47) from Portadown, Steven Grimley (45) from Newry, Paula Newell (47) from Newtownards, Paul Quinn (48) from Camlough, and Joseph Salisbury (16) from Camlough.

The group gathered in Cushendall before taking a boat with Infinity Channel Swimming to the Mull of Kintyre, where they began their swim at

1:24 pm. Battling strong currents and encountering curious wildlife along the way, the team pushed through.

Ms. Judge-Guy said they didn’t set out to break the record, but wanted to challenge themselves and enjoy the experience. “We knew it would be tough, but we just wanted to go for it,” she said. “At times it was challenging, and at times the water was beautiful. Every one of us encountered dolphins—it was amazing but also a little scary with pods swimming below us.”



Steven, the first swimmer, had a close encounter with a seal, and throughout the swim, the team encountered jellyfish—thankfully, non-stinging moon jellyfish. Despite the swim’s short route—meant to be 20km—currents forced them to cover 30km. A solo swimmer on the same day ended up swimming 39km.

Ms. Judge-Guy explained how the team rotated their swims, with stronger swimmers taking advantage of fast currents. “A relay is great; you feel like part of a team, and it’s even better with friends.”

Having completed relay swims of the North Channel, the English Channel, and Lough Neagh, Ms. Judge-Guy described the Dal Riada Channel as one of the most beautiful swims she’s experienced. After returning to swimming in her early 40s, she credited her brother Chris and the Lough Neagh Monster Dunkers swimming group with reigniting her passion.

The swim was observed for record verification by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association, which will ratify the new record soon.