Gartan Open Water Swimmers

23/09/2026

Rea Doherty and Garvan McCann complete epic 2-way Rathlin swim!

Starting from the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge they swam to Rathlin Harbour and then back to the North Coast again. Both swam independently with their own boats and crew and a gap of 15 minutes at the start.
After landing at Rathlin harbour, a quick stretch and off they went again heading to land on the North Coast.
We think they may be the first female and first male to have completed this very challenging swim. Along the route, they encountered changing currents, jellyfish, water temperatures of 14-15 degrees.

Straight line distance: 21km
Distance swam: 23.9km
Subject to ratification by the Irish Long Distance Swimming Association

Thanks to Richard Lafferty of Aquaholics for their boats and expertise of this stretch of water, couldn’t have done it without them.

Please support Rea and Garvan as they raise funds for Cancer Care West and the Foyle Hospice, 2 charities very close to their hearts.

Rea and Garvan's Rathlin Island 2-Way Swim https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/rathlinisland2wayswim

21/09/2026

Rea on her way back to Carrick a Rede

21/09/2026

21/09/2026

Rea getting closer to Rathlin, we can see the harbour!

Keep your donations coming, thank you

https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/rathlinisland2wayswim

20/09/2026

Rea and Garvan are heading to Rathlin!
Swim start is this Monday 12 noon from Carrick-a-Rede.
This swim often gets title of Ireland’s toughest 10k with its unusual swimming conditions, changeable seas and unpredictable weather.
And they’re aiming to swim back also!
Please support them on their journey as they raise funds for Cancer Care West and the Foyle Hospice.

Rea and Garvan's Rathlin Island 2-Way Swim

Rea and Garvan's Rathlin Island 2-Way Swim from iDonate, the online fundraising people.

26/08/2026

Portnablagh Crab Crawl results Wednesday 26th August. Winner of the Handicap swim 1st Sharon Gildea,2nd Olivia Galbraith,3rd Isabel Galbraith. Closest to their predicted times in a mad selection method.1st Patrick Dunnion 2nd,Ruauri Gill,3rd Macha Dunn Donnelly. Fastest Daniel Smith 32 swimmers on a beautiful evening. Thank you to everyone for their patience this evening, it was hectic working out the times and I'm sure there is mistakes galore,but hopefully enjoyable as well. Thanks to Rea and Reate for the help with registration and finishing times. To Hulio and Matthew on kayak support,always appreciated by everyone swimming. Thanks to Brian Gormley for the extra prizes and Kathy Dunn Revive Dunfanaghy for sponsoring the coffee vouchers, could not be done without you all.

23/08/2026

Portnablagh Crab Crawl. Wednesday 26th August. The final one of the summer series. And it's going to be a Handicap event. The slowest swimmers go first and the fastest swimmer goes last and hopefully everyone will finish at the same time. I have a good data base of times built up over the summer(s) so should be able to give everyone a start time. Anyone new can still do the predicted swim section. All I ask is that anyone planning on swimming on Wednesday evening, comments with their name in the comments below. ON THE Gartan swimmers page. # # # # # usual story otherwise. Registration from 6.15pm Swim starts at 7pm sharp. ( for the slowest swimmer.) Tow floats are compulsory and a disclaimer waiver must be signed. Wetsuits or skins it's your choice but EVERYONE SWIMS ENTIRELY AT THEIR OWN RISK. 20euro to enter family groups 20e as well. 300mts/500mts 10euro. All proceeds raised from the swim will be shared between the RNLI lifeboats and the Donegal Sheephaven Subaqua Search and recovery unit. Coffee vouchers from Revive Dunfanaghy for the three closest times plus the fastest 1K swim. Might be able to organise a few extra prizes for the Handicap section plus our coveted Perpetual Trophy 🏆 for the winner. Additionally kayak support always appreciated if anyone is available on the night.

22/08/2026

Sheephaven Bay Swim Results and Category Results - well done everyone!