Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

HUNDREDS OF SWIMMERS took part in the 98th Dublin City Liffey Swim today.

Braving the cold waters, over 500 swimmers took to the river to swim more than two kilometres from Watling Street Bridge to the finishing line at the Custom House.

The Liffey Swim is one of the most famous open sea races in the world. Dublin is the only capital in Europe to have a swimming race through the middle of the city.

One swimmer had quite a walk to the Liffey today. (www.donalmoloney.com) Donal Moloney Donal Moloney

Bernard Fagan, an engineer in Dublin Corporation, came up with the idea in a bid to show the citizens the good quality of the water in the Liffey, according to Leinster Open Sea group.

The first race took place in 1920.

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Swimmers bracing themselves before entering the water. Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Colin Monaghan from Dublin Swimming Club was the first to pass the finishing line after 36 minutes this afternoon.

Winner of the men's race, Colin Monaghan, of the Dublin Swimming Club accepting his medal from Tiffiny Quinn of the Dublin Swimming Club. Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Swimmers getting ready to take the plunge. Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

The winner of the women’s race was Anne Marie Bourke who finished the swim in 33 minutes and 48 seconds.

Well done to all who took part!

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