Updated at 1.30pm

CONDITIONS WERE FAR from ideal – but that didn’t stop thousands of people from braving the elements and taking their annual Christmas Day plunge yesterday.

More charity swims and runs are scheduled for this afternoon – but unfortunately, the weather’s showing no sign of improving: it’s set to be rainy all day, and there’s a weather warning in place for south and east of the country.

If you’ve taken the plunge already – at least that’s it finished for another year.

And if you’re heading out today – don’t forget to send us your photos: pictures@thejournal.ie.

The full moon - on Christmas Day night. Swimmers were warned that the moon would cause strong tidal streams. Sam Boal Sam Boal

Cavan

The annual Cavan Icebreakers swim. Brian Daly / Youtube Brian Daly / Youtube / Youtube

Dublin

Swimmers brave the elements at the Forty Foot in Sandycove. Niall Carson Niall Carson

There they are - actually queueing up to jump in the sea. Niall Carson Niall Carson

Some of them are wearing hats - which will undoubtedly help guard against the cold. Niall Carson Niall Carson

Looks lovely doesn't it? Niall Carson Niall Carson

Almost tropical. Niall Carson Niall Carson

Maija Alhanko and Laura Krohn from Finland get into the Irish Christmas spirit in south Dublin. Sasko Lazarov Sasko Lazarov

As does Santa. Sasko Lazarov Sasko Lazarov

And his elves. Sasko Lazarov Sasko Lazarov

Kerry

Locals in Cromane in Co Kerry take part in a diabetes charity swim.

Galway

In Galway hundreds braved the elements for the Cope Christmas Day swim. RTÉ Screengrab RTÉ Screengrab

And this was the scene at Traught Beach, Kinvara. Peter Reid Peter Reid

Traught Beach Peter Reid Peter Reid

Down Under

And there are probably a few Irish people in the background here... This isn't Ireland though, as you may have guessed. It's Bondi Beach in Sydney. Associated Press Associated Press

Read: Swimmers warned that full moon will make Christmas Day swims more hazardous

Read: Retailers expect bumper Christmas sales as people queued outside BT from 6am