With a genius name and an unshakeable sense of sisterhood, the Dollymount Dames are unstoppable in their pursuit of community and pure joy when enthusiastically plunging into Dublin Bay at Clontarf.
The Dollymount Dames formed in October 2020, a time that presented unique struggles for everyone in Dublin. In a time when most of us were experiencing some form of loneliness and isolation, a group of women took to the water to find that sense of community and sisterhood they needed to get through the pandemic.
The meaningful connection formed between these women was so infectious that it has been compiled into a book, celebrating the dames in all their glory. Compiled by Anne Marie Foley with stunning photographs by Elaine Barker, the book is a compilation of stories, reflections and ditties by members of the swimming group.
Each member brings their own unique richness to the group, forming a tribe with a strong sense of resilience, hope and empowerment.
Dame Anna puts it perfectly when she says: "We are all connected in one body of water that tosses you in a frenzy one day and envelops you in silk on another."
Dublin Live spent an afternoon with the dames on Bull Island and took the plunge as the ladies eagerly cheered each other on. Member Anne Marie Foley explained to Dublin Live:
"We formed our group in October 2020. [There were] three of us and now there are 85 and growing, a tribe.
"Most us us swim five times a week. We're all addicted.
"It's the comradery really. We started in the middle of Covid when we were all just missing family and friends which was just counter intuitive for human beings. Out of that came a little book."
Giving us a glimpse at the book, which is launching in Clontarf Yacht Club this Thursday, November 11th with all proceeds going to Irish Lifeboats, Anne Marie said:
"I had this crazy idea on a cold January morning. I thought there was a story in this, so about 20 of the dames contributed with connections, ditties and stories about their experience of being in the dames and in the water.
"All of the proceeds are going to the lifeboats and our launch is on Thursday, so it's a great Christmas present.
"It's a commemoration of time and place but it's also a piece of social history because you have all the iconic buildings around Clontarf. There's the shelter, the Poolbeg Chimneys, and then we have a picture of the dames in all their glory on the slipway opposite Clontarf Yacht Club."
For a cold November afternoon, it was surprising to see just how many people were dotted along the the Bull Wall preparing to take the plunge. Describing the joy in swimming, Anne Marie said:
"When you get in, you have a moment of being breathless, but the exhilaration and the euphoria afterwards is unbelievable. It's like a legal high."
In the true spirit of sisterhood, the dames revealed that they also occasionally enjoy a cheeky cocktail together.
The Dollymount Dames' brand new book of the same name is launching this Thursday, November 11th and can be purchased on their website.
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