Swimmers around the country have been braving icy waters for a traditional New Year's Day dip.

Dozens of volunteers got into the sea at Bray in Co Wicklow earlier as part of a charity event organised by the local Lions Club.

Among them was Junior Finance Minister, Simon Harris who has posted his freezing photos on Facebook.

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In Donegal, meanwhile, there was a surprise marriage proposal at the swim at Culdaff beach in Inishowen.

The Derry Journal reports that Gregory McGuinness produced an engagement ring while he was in the water, and popped the question to his girlfriend Fiona Rooney, who replied 'of course!'.

Gregory told The Derry Journal “everyone was hugging us while we were still in the water. It was great.”