Swim Procession

Join in the fun and cheer on local swimmers as they take part in ‘Swim Procession’, swimming from Ladies Beach to Blackrock in Salthill, on Saturday 11th June 2022.

In 1931, on Sunday 3rd August, Mercedes Gleitze swam from Inis Meáin to Awleen Bay in Spiddal. The 20 mile (as the crow flies) swim took her 19 hours and she was the first swimmer to make this crossing. The intended destination was Salthill 22km away and a large crowd had gathered to wait for her to swim in. To make amends for not finishing in Salthill and disappointing the crowds Mercedes gave a Demonstration Swim at Salthill the following Tuesday.

Inspired by Mercedes’ demonstration swim in the area, and the importance of music in all her swimming feats, Vanessa Daws is creating, ‘Swim Procession’ a new promenade performance in Salthill. So come cheer on local swimmers as they start out from Ladies Beach, following the procession from land, along the prom to Blackrock, along with live performances from Big Jelly, Landless, Adhoc Choir, Órla McGovern and Laurie Link-Gordon.

More info: www.swimmingalongwaytogether.com/galway