2026 New Year's Day Dips: where and when are they happening?

Hundreds set to take a chilly plunge into the Irish Sea 

A number of towns are set to celebrate entering 2026 with an annual tradition today (1 January) - The New Years Day Dip.

The event sees hundreds of hardy souls around the Island take the cold plunge into the Irish Sea.

But where and when are they happening?

Douglas 

The capital's dip is due to start at 12pm at the Promenade Pavilion opposite the Queen's Pub.

Breast Cancer Now and Beach Buddies will be raising money for their causes. 

Participants in the capital must sign up online here or by taking a paper form to the dip. 

Peel

Peel's event is set to take place at the Peel Sailing Club and will begin at 12pm. 

Sign-on will begin at 11am, and there will be a fancy dress competition at 11:45am. 

Any money raised will go towards the MS Society Isle of Man, RNLI and ManxSPCA.

One person taking the plunge in the west of the Island is Housing Matters Chairman, Bill Mummery in support of the charity. 

He says homelessness is a bigger issue than people realise on the Island:

Castletown 

Hosting its 62nd New Years Day Dip, the Castletown Ale Drinkers Society will be holding the event at the town's harbour.

The event will begin at 10am. 

Ramsey

The Northern dip will take place at Ramsey South Beach at 11am and funds will go towards RNLI and the Bunscoill Rhumsaa. 

Participants can sign up from 10am at the lifeboat station.

Laxey

Taking place in Laxey Bay at 12pm, dippers are due to set off from the promenade. 

Port St Mary & Port Erin 

The 25th anniversary of the Southern Dips will feature four plunges. 

Starting at 10am, swimmers will begin at Chapel Beach, before heading to Port St Mary Inner Harbour at 10:45, and then reaching Gansey Beach at 11:30am. 

The final dip will then take place at Port Erin Beach at 12:45pm. 

Fancy dress is encouraged and any funds raised will go towards the Children's Centre.

How did the dips first start?

Manx Radio reporter John Moss has taken a look at how the annual tradition first started in Peel: