"OPEN WATER"
SWIMMING SPECIALISTS
"Walking and Hiking"
High Tide Galway, founded by Joe Kennelly, is an innovative Open Water Swimming Company based in Galway, Ireland. It also promotes physical and emotional well-being by organising a number of iconic swims, walks and hikes (particularly during the Summer months) in the West of Ireland. However, High Tide Galway specialises primarily in Open Water Swimming instruction and advice, (Level 2 Open Water Instruction qualifications), safety guidance (fully qualified lifeguard) and swimming apparel. It also hosts swimming events and related swimming activities and recently started to include guided walks and hikes. During the Winter season, it offers indoor swimming lessons in Kilcornan Pool, Clarenbridge. (Beginners and Improvers)
See details of our Summer Program below,
"Guided Iconic Swims Locations and Guided Walks"
Joe Kennelly, the founding member of this company is passionate, not just about the thrill and excitement of Open Water Swimming, but also about the proven benefits, both physical and mental of Cold Water Immersion. It is his belief that the sea, and indeed all forms of natural water immersion, nourishes the body, soul and mind. As a school Principal, Joe is also very aware of the need to encourage all individuals, young and old, to leave behind the habitual practices of T.V, mobile phones, social media and the many distractions which deny us the heavenly experiences of exploring both land and sea. It is his belief that interacting physically with any form of natural activity connects like minded people, creates friendships, community, appreciation, excitement, joy and love.
Joe has spent most of his adult life competing and participating in long distance Open Water Swimming events, ( He recently completed his 12th solo Galway Bay crossing in support of Cancer Care West). He is also an Ice Miler, a qualified PADI diver, a boating enthusiast, a member of Galway Lifeboat and the joint founder of Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit. In addition, some years ago Joe, along with his good friend Dermot O Neill established Gentle Swimming', a concept whereby one benefits greatly from simply immersing oneself and moving gently in this unique environment. This activity caters for all, young and old, beginners, novice and even experienced. In addition, for the much more experienced and eager swimmer, who may wish to increase their distance and participate in Open Water events, Joe, a professionally trained and fully qualified Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coach, invites interested people to join the High Tide Galway Olympics, every Friday afternoon at 4.30pm and Sunday morning at 10am, Blackrock Diving Tower. Joe, a recent recipient of Galway Person of the Year is also available for both private and group Open Water Swimming lessons, safety advice, use of proper equipment, training programmes and instruction. During the Summer, he also organises walks and hikes with his great friend Des Broders, an experienced ultra athlete, swimmer, cyclist, hiker and runner with a passion for the outdoors. Contact 087-9651498
Would you like to try Open Water Sea Swimming?
Join us for 'Gentle Swimming' Saturday's at 10am (all year round)
Wednesday's at 6.30pm (May - October)
It's Free
There are lots of people who don't Sea Swim but who are very curious about what it's all about and would like to give it a go. The benefits of Sea Swimming and Cold Water Immersion are well documented and terms / phrases such as Open Water Swimming, Wild Swimming, Snamhaà Sásta, SeaVite, VitaminSea, etc. are part of daily discussion. While some of us are fortunate to have experienced the benefits, (mental, physical, social and emotional), there are several who would love to give it a go and see if it would work for them. Our Gentle Swim includes a safety brief (tides, currents, swells and rips), suitable clothing and equipment, warm up exercises, safe entrance and exit from the sea, acclimatising, gentle movement and breathing. However, much more importantly, it also includes fun, friendship and community
For the love of Swimming
Meeting Point: The Big Beach Salthill, every Saturday morning throughout the year at 10am and Wednesday at 6.30pm (May to October)
All are welcome....and it's FREE.
Come along...don't be shy.
.
High Tide Olympics
High Tide Olympics welcomes the more experienced swimmers who may wish to improve their distance, increase their fitness levels, familiarise themselves with ever changing sea conditions or simply join a wonderful community. It is an all year round activity encouraging participants to swim the Salthill buoys, ranging in distance from 110m to 3km Again this is a free every, so just drop down to Blackrock, Salthill and join in.
Every Sunday morning all year round 10.30am
Every Friday afternoon at 4.30pm.
Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill
Every Wednesday evening at 6pm in Renville, Oranmore.
(in association with Atlantic Masters SC)
High Tide Classes
Pool Lessons for Adults.
Commence. Friday. January 10th 2025 @ 7.30pm
Kilcornan Pool, Clarenbridge.
Beginners and Improvers.
Call 087-9651498
Swimming Lessons & Advice
Summer Schedule 2025
Guided Iconic Swimming locations and guided walks
This Summer 2025, we are continuing our Guided Iconic Swim Locations and Guided Walks. This concept will take place twice weekly, at various amazing locations.(weather dependant). Interested participants meet at the proposed locations at an agreed time and bring the required gear, including bathing costume, (wetsuit if you wish), goggles, swimming cap, towel, packed lunch, warm clothing, walking shoes /boots and waterproof equipment.
More details to follow
Call or Text Joe on 0879651498 to be included on the WhatsApp group.
Our Products
If you wish to purchase any of these products, simply call Joe on 087-9651498 for sales and delivery or visit Colm's Life Pharmacy. Salthill.....(approved stockists)
About Us
Joe Kennelly
Joe, a Clare native grew up on the shores of the wild Atlantic close to Spanish Point and White Strand beaches. His earliest childhood memory is that of his father Mick supporting him in the water with his strong hand under his chin and uttering words of encouragement, "move your hands and kick" He has been swimming ever since and spent several Summers working as Lifeguard in Spanish Point. However, Joe's love affair with Open Water Swimming commenced in September 1983 after he moved from West Clare to Dalkey, Co. Dublin. He soon became a regular in the famous Forty Foot and started competing regularly in Open Water Swimming events. He has been a daily swimmer since. Joe now resides in Galway City where he is very much immersed in the Sea Swimming community. He still competes in several Open Water Swimming events annually, including the Galway Bay Swim, (recently completing his 10th solo crossing) the Lough Derg Swim, Warrior of the Sea, the Slyne Head 10km, The Lahinch to Liscannor challenge and The Killary Fjord Swim to name but a few. He has also gained much respect as an Open Water Swimming instructor having recently obtained a Level 2 Swimming Instructor qualification with Swim Ireland. He is also a fully qualified lifeguard. He was also instrumental in the publication of 'Open Water Swimming, your guide to enjoying it safely', published by Water Safety Ireland. He is now available to share his expertise upon request.
In addition to Swimming lessons, both sea and pool, Joe is well adept to public speaking and provides both safety and wellbeing talks to groups and organisations.
In recent years he has logged well over fifty beautiful swimming locations throughout Ireland many of which are detailed on his Instagram account hightide_galway
While Joe has participated in numerous Open Water Swimming events since childhood, it is still his belief that he is happiest when "Gently Swimming", particularly with friends, in some of his favourite bathing spots, to include Blackrock Salthill, White Strand Miltown Malbay, Tra Chaoil Ballyconneely and Dublin's Forty Foot.
Joe's other passion is Water Safety. He was recently involved with the production of 'Open Water Swimming, your guide to enjoying it safely', as initiated by Water Safety Ireland and is a very strong advocate of proper safety procedures for those who participate in this sport. He recently qualified as a Level 2 Open Water Swimming Instructor with Swim Ireland; has pool lifesaving and swimming instruction qualifications with Swim Ireland and is a qualified Open Water Diver (PADI). Joe has had a lifetime involvement in search, rescue and recovery with Galway Lifeboat and Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit.
Our Gallery
Contact Us
Phone: +353 87 965 1498
Email: joekennelly@yahoo.co.uk
Instagram: High Tide Galway
Facebook: High Tide Galway