It’s become an increasingly popular wellness activity amongst travelers worldwide: Wild swimming immerses you in a more rustic, rural setting where lapping loughs and ocean waves carry you away from your stresses and troubles. In Ireland, a country totally surrounded by water with countless lakes and loughs interspersed throughout, there’s no shortage of wild swimming locations to reconnect with your surroundings.

Here are nine great locations across Ireland welcoming wild swimmers to dip their heads beneath the cold waters and emerge restored:

1. Ballintoy Harbour, Co. Antrim

While there’s many great wild swimming places along Causeway Coast, Ballintoy Harbour is a favorite among the local wild swimming community thanks to its secluded nature and clear waters sheltered by the basalt islands. The harbor was also a filming location in Game of Thrones, featured as the Iron Islands.

Keem Bay © Debra Reschoff Ahearn | Dreamstime.com

2. Keem Bay, Achill Island, Co. Mayo

Also up north, Keem Bay features golden sandy beaches and rugged terrain. The location was named the No. 1 wild swimming spot in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and was also a filming location in The Banshees of Inisherin.

3. Poll Gorm, Co. Sligo

This natural saltwater swimming pool was formed by rocks and a manmade wall. The perfect way to sample a swim without actually getting into the Atlantic Ocean, swimmers love the clear waters protected by the wall and rocks.

Killary Fjord © Kevin George | Dreamstime.com

4. Killary Fjord, Co. Galway

Take in dramatic mountain scenery in this hidden fjord where the waters are calm. Swimmers sometimes also spot dolphins and seals and, for those up for a challenge, can try the Gaelforce Great Fjord Swim.

5. Mountshannon, Lough Derg, Co. Clare

The sparkling and still waters of ancient Lough Derg invite swimmers to enjoy a peaceful experience. Accessible from Mountshannon Beach, the lough comprises part of Blueways Ireland, a network of trails alongside the lakes, canals and rivers of the scenic Hidden Heartlands.

Carlingford Lough © Anne24111968 | Dreamstime.com

6. Carlingford Lough, Co. Louth

The ultimate icy dip, this glacial fjord spoils swimmers with views of Mourne Mountains, the inspiration behind C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. A wetsuit is encouraged for this swim, and swimmers often warm up after at a nearby café in the medieval town of Carlingford.

7. Portsalon Beach, Co. Donegal

Located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, this secluded, mile-long stretch of golden beach is only one of several swimming spots in the county. After taking a dip at this beautiful beach, why not stop by other swimming spots like Portnoo and Carrickfinn?

Lough Erne © Jim Hamilton | Dreamstime.com

8. Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh

There’s plenty of wild swimming opportunities in Lough Erne in the Fermanagh Lakelands. Look for a gentle shoreline to step into the water or, if you’re more adventurous, find one of many jetties to climb down or dive into deeper waters.

9. Helen’s Bay, Co. Down

On the edge of Belfast Lough, this popular wild swimming spot is a short drive from Belfast. The area is also near Crawfordsburn Country Park, where meadows and wooded glens await for a post-swim walk.