"How do you know if someone is a sea swimmer ? ..... They'll tell you .... " - Thanks for the quote Niall Meehan, it is both funny and spot on, and thanks too for the gorgeous photo for the event page!

Swimming Shorts is a free outdoor short film screening event produced by Happenings and supported by the DLR Arts Office, taking place at Newtownsmith, Sandycove on 28th December 2025 at 2pm. ( Close to the outdoor fitness machines called - " Community Gym " ). We will be screening three short films as seen below, screened twice in a row at 2pm and 2.30pm. Take your pick or watch them twice. Bring what you need to sit on, or you can stand. At Happenings we like to offer choices !!!

Set against the backdrop of Dublin Bay, this winter gathering celebrates the deep swimming culture woven into the identity of Sandycove, Dún Laoghaire, and the surrounding coastal community.

Across the hour, you can drop in and enjoy the cycle of three beautifully crafted short films.

"Forty Foot "captures the humour, grit, and spirit of the iconic local swimmers who brave the elements daily, reflecting on ageing, resilience and camaraderie.

"Becoming Men" offers a poetic black-and-white portrait of Dublin youth diving into the Grand Canal, blending memory, folklore and urban life.

"SWIMirl" invites viewers into a meditative, immersive and sensory journey across Dublin’s most beloved swim spots — the Vico, High Rock and Bull Wall — created as an ode to resilience and connection.

Open to all, Swimming Shorts is an uplifting festive-season experience designed to bring people together, honour our shared coastal heritage, and animate one of the county’s most cherished public spaces.

This is an inclusive, sensory and neurodivergent friendly event. Its also a leave no trace event.