Dublin City Liffey Swim 2026 (2.2Km) from Rory O’More Bridge 12 Sep – by St James Gate Victoria Quay, to The Custom House & North Wall Quay @ Custom House Quay Dublin
12/09/2026
12/09/2026
Saturday 12th September 2026
11:00 – 14:00
Entry is by qualification only through the Leinster Open Sea calendar, making it one of the hardest open water entries to secure in the country.
For over a century, The Dublin City Liffey Swim has been the pinnacle of the open sea season.
This historic event provides an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators. The swim starts at Rory O’More Bridge near Guinness Brewery gate and ends at North Wall Quay famously standing before The Custom House, passing under eleven bridges along the route, including landmarks like the Four Courts.
The Liffey is a tidal river, and the swim is timed to coincide with the incoming tide to give swimmers an assist. Water temperature in September is typically 13–15°C.
Swim Ireland are delighted to once again be hosting this historical event on Saturday 12th September 2026 with a prize giving at Custom House Quay afterwards.
*Safety Briefings to take place before each race
The start and finish are in Dublin city centre along the River Liffey quays. The exact start point varies year to year but is typically near the Matt Talbot Bridge area. The finish is downstream, usually at the Custom House or George’s Dock area. No parking is needed — the venue is Dublin city centre, accessible by DART, Luas, Dublin Bus, and on foot. Spectators can walk along the quay walls following the swimmers.
There will be traffic restrictions or diversions in place,
Expect delays at Victoria Quay by St James’s Gate and Custom’s House Quay
The following road closures:
Road closures for the Liffey Swim Dublin 2026 – are to be confirmed
Possibly as follows (from 2025) Rory O’Moore Bridge, Victoria Quay and Custom House Quay
See more information on Dublin Bus.
We wish to advise customers that due to the Liffey Swim, a section of Custom House Quay will be closed on Saturday 13 September between 08.00hrs and 19.00hrs. As a result, the following diversions will be in place:
Routes 60, 151, G1 and G2
Towards John Rogerson’s Quay/Docklands/Spencer Dock
Normal route to Eden Quay, divert via Beresford Place, Memorial Road, Custom House Quay and back on to normal route.
Towards Red Cow Luas/Foxborough/Liffey Valley
Norma route to Custom House Quay, divert via Talbot Bridge, George’s Quay, Eden Quay and back on to normal route.
Bus Éireann
For information on Bus Éireann services visit the Bus Éireann website.
The Luas Red Line connects the start of the race – Heuston stop (near St James Gate Victoria Quay – Pontoon – The Rory O’Moore Bridge) to George’s Dock and Mayor’s Square stops, a few minutes walk from the CHQ.
For more information visit the Luas website.
