Unlocking the Lough

Lauren O’Malley USA swims Carlingford Lough Victoria Lock to Helly Hunter

Through many of my adventures and sporting challenges I have been privileged to see rare and wild landscapes and striking natural beauty but few have been as spectacular as my latest feat, swimming the length of the historic Carlingford Lough. With the amazing support and guidance of infinity Channel Swimming, I was able to navigate through the breathtaking scenery from Victoria Lock Gates in Newry to The Helly Hunter Buoy in the Irish Sea.  Each stroke brought new and varied sights from the round towers near Omeath to Narrow Water Castle on the opposite banks, to all the passing mussel fishing boats sailing down the Clanrye River and into medieval Carlingford with the majestic Slieve Foy towering in the background, it was a magical swim! The water changed as I passed each landmark, small whirlpools and a fast flowing tide made the water dance around me and despite the cold flow beneath me, the sun shone on my back the entire time, heating me from within! When I crossed towards Greenore and turned out to the Haulbowline Lighthouse I could feel the pull of the open Irish Sea around me. When the winds picked up and the water started to crash into me from every direction, I knew my journey was almost complete!  The final stretch took the most dedication and all the while my Inifinty boat  was there to guide me and the crew kept me strong and determined.  When the Helly Hunter Buoy finally came into sight, it was a sprint for the finish and the sea gave me one final push, right to the firm concrete base of the marker! I was overwhelmed to complete the swim and honestly can’t thank the crew of infinity Channel Swimming Pádraig Milo and Jacqueline enough for their support and expertise in making this historic swim a reality!