The deep blue Atlantic rolls here, right on the border between Eire and Ulster, and beauty abounds everywhere the eyes look.

A stiff breeze streaks across the pale golden strand, and the crystal waters break with little violence on the flat sandy surface, which we also can drive onto. The skies change very quickly and a wedge of sparkling blue shines through the grey, billowing clouds.

As I wander into the shallows, it feels good- no chill that pinches toes and creeps silently up the limbs, deadening feeling. It seems easy, balmy and therapeutic and as I continue to walk in, a growing sensation of cold catches hold. I become less sure about this swim, when I transfer the feeling in my legs to my torso.

I walk for about 10 minutes- the wind chill increases, but my legs submerged in the water, are fine.

Suddenly, the clouds break and a dazzling shaft of sunlight beams down and I get an instantaneous urge to just get into the sea. It feels so good – never as cold as I think it is, and I manage a short swim, mainly in 20cms of water, knowing that when I stand up, the wind will skin my skin, and it is cold…

It’s so worth it, and setting dressed feels warm and comfortable. Strong coffee and breakfast on the beach is so Biblical…