Huge crowds have taken part in the annual Christmas Day swim at the Forty Foot bathing spot in Dublin.

Roads were thronged on the way towards the well-known promontory in Sandycove as punters pulled on Santa hats to take part in the festive dip.

Despite some heavy showers of rain, spirits were high as people plunged into the cold sea.

As well as local Dubliners, people from countries as far away as Japan, Canada and America attended to watch and even take part.

Regular Christmas swimmer Patrick Corkery, who was dressed in a full Santa suit and beard, brought his 12-year-old son Matthew along on Monday morning, who was dressed as an elf.