Northern Ireland, with its rich landscapes and hidden corners, is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of this invigorating activity.
From the quaint harbour of Donaghadee to the peaceful Murlough Bay these 14 hidden swimming spots are perfect for those seeking solace away from the crowds or an intimate moment with nature.
![Located on the southeastern shore of Lough Neagh, north of Lurgan and west of Lisburn you can find Gawley’s Gate, the most beautiful location for a sunset and sunrise swim.Popular for water sports, the lake is suitable for open-water swimming all year round.To find out more go to https://discovernorthernireland.com](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjNiZTFjMmIyLWQxNzMtNDZmNy04MmUwLTk2ZWVlZmFlYzQ4YTplZWE3ODlhZS1lN2M2LTRiZDgtOTE4Ny1hYWM4OWNjNTYwN2I=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
9. Gawley’s Gate, Lough Neagh
Located on the southeastern shore of Lough Neagh, north of Lurgan and west of Lisburn you can find Gawley’s Gate, the most beautiful location for a sunset and sunrise swim.Popular for water sports, the lake is suitable for open-water swimming all year round.To find out more go to https://discovernorthernireland.com Photo: discover n
![Nestled between Omagh and Gortin, this spectacular lake is an absolute must for wild swimmers in Northern Ireland. A collection of freshwater lakes, Gortin Glen Lakes allow for a varied wild swimming experience.The lakes can be found quite easily by following tourist signs from the main road, and there is a car park close by.To find out more go to https://discovernorthernireland.com](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmZlZGM0OTdmLTQ1MTQtNDNmZC05NzYyLWViZDljMzkzNjE0YTowNWJjODc0Yy04ZGNhLTQzNDgtOTdmOC1mM2RlZmNiYjhmOWU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
10. Gortin Glen Lakes, Co Tyrone
Nestled between Omagh and Gortin, this spectacular lake is an absolute must for wild swimmers in Northern Ireland. A collection of freshwater lakes, Gortin Glen Lakes allow for a varied wild swimming experience.The lakes can be found quite easily by following tourist signs from the main road, and there is a car park close by.To find out more go to https://discovernorthernireland.com Photo: discoverni
![The Herring Pond is tucked away behind Harbour Hill and is an ideal spot for wild swimming. Enclosed by the rocks and accompanied by a ladder it offers a safe spot to enjoy a small swim avoiding the dangers of the north coast. For safety, it is best to avoid swimming here at high tide as the north coast can be particularly rough.To find out more go to https://wildopenwater.com](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjlkNTQzMDIyLWUwYzUtNGE3Yi1iZDY5LWMzZmYwZTFmOTZjYzpmNTllODViYi1jZjZiLTRhZTYtYTU1Yi0wMDExYmZjNDljY2I=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
11. Herring Pond, Portstewart
The Herring Pond is tucked away behind Harbour Hill and is an ideal spot for wild swimming. Enclosed by the rocks and accompanied by a ladder it offers a safe spot to enjoy a small swim avoiding the dangers of the north coast. For safety, it is best to avoid swimming here at high tide as the north coast can be particularly rough.To find out more go to https://wildopenwater.com Photo: unsplash
![Used during the filming of Game of Thrones for its stunning beauty, Murlough Bay offers a breathtaking coastal landscape. The locals have worked hard to preserve the area making this a safe and beautiful spot so now it’s a perfect hidden swim spot.To find more information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk](https://www.northernirelandworld.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmY1MjAzZDhiLTIwNWUtNDBjYi04ZWYzLTJmNjg0NGFjYzYyNjo3NTI2YWRjNi1jMmQzLTQ1NzctOTdkMS1mNjM1YzFhZTg1ZGM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
12. Murlough Bay, Co Antrim
Used during the filming of Game of Thrones for its stunning beauty, Murlough Bay offers a breathtaking coastal landscape. The locals have worked hard to preserve the area making this a safe and beautiful spot so now it’s a perfect hidden swim spot.To find more information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk Photo: discoverni