Dublin's Premier Competitive Swimming Clubs
These established clubs compete in Leinster and National championships, offering professional coaching, structured training programs, and clear pathways from learn-to-swim through to elite performance.
Templeogue Swimming Club
Est. 1968 • Leinster Champions • National Medalists
One of Dublin's most successful swimming clubs with over 50 years of excellence. Based in Templeogue College, TSC has produced numerous national champions and international swimmers. Known for their strong coaching team and comprehensive development programs from beginners to elite level.
Elite Performance
National champions and international swimmers
Age Group Excellence
Strong development from 6 years to senior level
Professional Coaching
Qualified coaches with proven track records
Modern Facilities
25m pool with excellent training environment
🏆 Club Achievements:
Multiple Leinster titles, National championship medals, International representation, Strong Masters program
Training Groups:
- • Tadpoles (6-8 years)
- • Age Group squads (9-16 years)
- • Senior competitive squad
- • Masters swimming (18+)
- • Learn to swim programs
- • Elite performance squad
Location:
Templeogue College
Templeogue, Dublin 6W
Aer Lingus Swimming Club
Est. 1936 • Historic Club • National Pedigree
One of Ireland's oldest and most prestigious swimming clubs with a rich history of producing Olympic and international swimmers. Based at the National Aquatic Centre, ALSC combines tradition with modern training methods to develop swimmers at all levels.
Olympic Heritage
Produced multiple Olympic swimmers
Elite Facilities
Training at National Aquatic Centre
Proven Pathway
Clear development from club to international level
Rich Tradition
85+ years of swimming excellence
🥇 Legacy of Excellence:
Olympic swimmers, World championship representatives, European medalists, National record holders
Programs Available:
- • Learn to swim (all ages)
- • Competitive age groups
- • Senior performance squads
- • Elite development program
- • Masters swimming
- • Water polo section
Training Venue:
National Aquatic Centre
Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Clontarf Swimming Club
North Dublin • Community Focus • Competitive Success
A thriving community-based club serving North Dublin with excellent facilities and coaching. Known for their inclusive approach and strong development programs, CSC has produced numerous provincial and national swimmers while maintaining a welcoming family atmosphere.
Community Spirit
Strong family-oriented club culture
Excellent Coaching
Qualified coaches at all levels
Modern Pool
Well-maintained training facilities
All Abilities
From beginners to competitive swimmers
🏊♀️ Club Strengths:
Strong age group development, Provincial medalists, Inclusive environment, Active parent community
Squad Structure:
- • Beginners (5+ years)
- • Development squads
- • Age group competitive
- • Senior squad
- • Adult fitness swimming
- • Special needs programs
Location:
Clontarf area
North Dublin
Blackrock Swimming Club
South Dublin • Established Excellence • Strong Tradition
A well-established club with a proud tradition of competitive swimming in South Dublin. BSC combines experienced coaching with modern training methods to develop swimmers from grassroots level through to national competition, maintaining strong community ties.
Established Tradition
Decades of competitive swimming excellence
Experienced Coaches
Qualified and dedicated coaching staff
Comprehensive Programs
All levels from beginners to elite
Community Roots
Strong local community connections
🏅 Club Heritage:
Long-standing competitive tradition, Provincial championship success, Strong development pathway, Community-focused approach
Training Programs:
- • Beginner swimming lessons
- • Youth development squads
- • Competitive age groups
- • Senior performance squad
- • Masters swimming
- • Technique improvement
Location:
Blackrock area
South Dublin
Trojan Swimming Club
Blackrock • Elite Performance • National Champions
One of Dublin's most prestigious competitive swimming clubs based in Blackrock. Trojan SC has a distinguished history of producing national champions and international swimmers, with a strong focus on elite performance and technical excellence across all age groups.
Elite Performance
National champions and international representation
Technical Excellence
Focus on stroke technique and racing skills
Comprehensive Program
All age groups from development to senior level
Prestigious Location
Based in Blackrock, South Dublin
🏆 Club Excellence:
National championship titles, International swimmers, Elite coaching standards, Strong competitive tradition
Squad Structure:
- • Development squads
- • Age group competitive
- • Senior performance squad
- • Elite training groups
- • Masters swimming
- • Technical development
Location:
Blackrock
South Dublin
Terenure Swimming Club
South Dublin • International Swimmers • Community Focus
Based in Terenure College, this competitive club serves South Dublin with a strong focus on developing swimmers from grassroots to international level. Known for producing swimmers who represent Ireland at European and World Championships, including recent success at LEN U18 European Championships.
International Success
Swimmers representing Ireland at European level
NAC Training
Elite squads train at National Aquatic Centre
Community Club
Strong local community connections
Development Focus
Clear pathway from beginners to elite
🥇 Recent Achievements:
LEN U18 European Championships representation, National championship medals, Strong masters program, Community awards
Training Programs:
- • Learn to swim classes
- • Development squads
- • Junior competitive
- • Intermediate squads
- • Senior performance
- • Masters & triathletes
Location:
Terenure College
Dublin 6W
Glenalbyn Swimming Club
Dublin • Competitive Excellence • Strong Tradition
A well-established competitive swimming club in Dublin with a strong tradition of developing swimmers across all age groups. Glenalbyn SC focuses on technical excellence and competitive success while maintaining a supportive club environment for swimmers and families.
Technical Excellence
Focus on stroke technique and efficiency
Competitive Success
Regular success at regional competitions
All Age Groups
Programs from young swimmers to seniors
Supportive Environment
Family-friendly club atmosphere
🏊♂️ Club Focus:
Technical development, Competitive swimming, Age group progression, Supportive community
Squad Levels:
- • Beginner development
- • Age group squads
- • Competitive training
- • Senior squads
- • Technical coaching
- • Competition preparation
Location:
Dublin area
Contact for details
NAC Masters Swimming Club
National Aquatic Centre • Masters Excellence • Open Water
One of Ireland's largest and most successful masters swimming clubs, founded in 1988. Based at the National Aquatic Centre, NAC Masters welcomes swimmers of all abilities with emphasis on training and competing in a fun, friendly environment. Strong record in both pool and open water competitions.
Elite Facilities
Training at National Aquatic Centre
Masters Champions
World and European Masters success
Open Water Excellence
Liffey Swim and sea race champions
All Abilities Welcome
Friendly environment for all levels
🏆 Club Achievements:
World Masters championships, European Masters medals, Leinster Open Sea Race Team of the Year, Liffey Swim winners
Training Schedule:
- • Monday 9pm (NAC)
- • Tuesday 9pm (Westwood 50m)
- • Thursday 9pm (NAC)
- • Pool and open water training
- • Competition preparation
- • Social events
Venues:
National Aquatic Centre
Westwood Clontarf
Sandycove Swimming & Waterpolo Club
Est. 1882 • Ireland's Oldest • Swimming & Waterpolo
One of Ireland's oldest swimming and waterpolo clubs, founded in 1882. Based in the famous Sandycove area, the club has a rich history in competitive swimming, waterpolo, and diving. Strong community ethos with junior, senior, and masters teams competing at national level.
Historic Club
Founded 1882 - Ireland's oldest
Dual Sport
Swimming and waterpolo excellence
Sea Swimming
Open sea race swimming teams
Famous Location
Iconic Sandycove area
🌊 Club Heritage:
140+ years of tradition, Swimming and waterpolo, Sea swimming heritage, Famous diving history
Club Sections:
- • Junior waterpolo (U10, U14, U19)
- • Senior waterpolo (Division 1)
- • Masters waterpolo (Division 3)
- • Open sea race swimming
- • Competitive swimming
- • Social events & trips
Location:
Sandycove
South Dublin Bay
Otter Swimming Club
Historic Dublin Club • Swimming & Waterpolo • Competitive Excellence
A historic Dublin swimming club with a distinguished tradition in competitive swimming and waterpolo. Otter SC has been a cornerstone of Dublin's aquatic sports scene, developing swimmers and water polo players across all age groups with a focus on technical excellence and competitive success.
Historic Tradition
Long-standing Dublin swimming heritage
Dual Disciplines
Swimming and waterpolo programs
Competitive Focus
Strong competitive swimming program
Technical Development
Focus on stroke technique and racing
🏊♀️ Club Excellence:
Historic Dublin tradition, Swimming and waterpolo, Competitive success, Technical coaching
Programs Available:
- • Competitive swimming
- • Ladies waterpolo
- • Mens waterpolo
- • Training camps
- • Open water events
- • Club championships
Location:
Dublin area
Contact for details
ESB Swimming Club
Multi-Location • 300+ Swimmers • City-Wide Coverage
With over 300 swimmers, ESB SC is one of Dublin's largest competitive swimming clubs. Training at multiple premier locations including UCD, Sportsco, Sean McDermott Pool, and Terenure College, the club provides comprehensive coverage across Dublin South, North, and City Centre, making it accessible to swimmers throughout the metropolitan area.
Large Membership
Over 300 active competitive swimmers
Multiple Venues
Training at 4+ premium locations
City-Wide Access
Covering Dublin South, North, and Centre
Premier Facilities
Access to top-tier swimming pools
⚡ Club Advantages:
Multiple training locations, Large active membership, City-wide accessibility, Premier pool facilities
Training Locations:
- • UCD Swimming Pool
- • Sportsco Facility
- • Sean McDermott Pool
- • Terenure College
- • Multiple squad levels
- • Competitive programs
Coverage:
Dublin South, North & City Centre
Multiple convenient locations
UCD Swimming Club
University College Dublin • World-Class 50m Pool • Varsity to International
One of the oldest clubs at University College Dublin, UCD Swimming Club provides competitive level swimming from varsity through to national and international levels. Based at their world-class 50m pool facility, the club combines academic excellence with elite swimming performance, serving both students and the wider community.
World-Class Facility
50m pool with international standards
Historic Club
One of UCD's oldest sporting clubs
Elite Performance
Varsity to international competition
Academic Integration
Combining education with elite sport
🎓 University Excellence:
Historic university club, World-class 50m pool, Varsity competitions, National and international pathways
Competition Levels:
- • University varsity teams
- • Intervarsity competitions
- • National championships
- • International representation
- • Student and community
- • Elite training programs
Location:
University College Dublin
Belfield, Dublin 4
Why Join a Competitive Swimming Club?
Competitive Excellence
Train with purpose and compete at local, provincial, and national levels with structured programs.
Team Environment
Build lifelong friendships and learn teamwork while pursuing individual excellence.
Structured Development
Clear progression pathways from learn-to-swim through to elite performance levels.
Professional Coaching
Learn from qualified coaches with proven track records in competitive swimming.
Lifelong Skills
Develop discipline, goal-setting, and perseverance that benefit all areas of life.
Personal Achievement
Set and achieve personal goals while being part of a supportive swimming community.
Competition Pathway
Club Level
Internal club competitions and time trials for all swimmers
Regional Galas
Dublin and Leinster regional competitions and championships
National Level
Irish Age Group and Senior National Championships
International
European and World Championships, Olympic Games
How to Choose the Right Swimming Club
Consider Location
Choose a club that's accessible for regular training sessions, considering travel time and convenience.
Assess Swimming Level
Ensure the club has appropriate squads for your current ability and future development goals.
Meet the Coaches
Speak with coaching staff about their philosophy, qualifications, and approach to swimmer development.
Visit Training Sessions
Observe training sessions to understand the club culture, training intensity, and coaching style.
Understand Commitment
Be clear about training schedules, competition expectations, and financial commitments involved.
Trial Period
Most clubs offer trial periods to ensure the club is the right fit for swimmer and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start competitive swimming?
Most clubs accept swimmers from age 6-8 who can swim 25m confidently. However, some clubs have development squads for younger children (4-6 years) focusing on technique and water confidence. The key is that your child can follow instructions and swim basic strokes independently.
How much does it cost to join a swimming club?
Club fees vary but typically range from €40-80 per month for training, plus annual membership (€50-150), competition fees (€10-25 per gala), and equipment costs. Many clubs offer family discounts and payment plans. Elite squads may have higher fees due to increased coaching hours.
How many training sessions per week are required?
This depends on the squad level. Beginners typically train 1-2 times per week, age group swimmers 3-4 times, and competitive swimmers 4-6 times weekly. Most clubs are flexible initially, allowing swimmers to build up gradually as their commitment and ability develop.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to join a club?
Not necessarily! Many clubs have development squads for swimmers who can manage basic strokes but need technique improvement. The minimum requirement is usually being able to swim 25m independently. Clubs focus on developing proper technique from the beginning, regardless of current speed.
What equipment do I need for competitive swimming?
Essential equipment includes: racing goggles, training goggles, kickboard, pull buoy, fins, and appropriate swimwear (racing suits for competitions). Most clubs provide training equipment initially. Expect to spend €100-200 on basic kit, with racing suits being an additional investment for competitions.
How do swimming competitions work?
Competitions are organised by age groups and ability levels. Swimmers compete in their strongest strokes and distances, aiming for personal best times. Club galas are friendly introductions, whilst regional and national championships are more competitive. Coaches guide swimmers on appropriate competitions for their level.
Ready to Join Dublin's Swimming Community?
Take the first step towards competitive swimming excellence. Dublin's clubs offer world-class coaching, fantastic facilities, and a pathway to achieve your swimming dreams.