I’ve forgiven him for holding up my last leg back from San Antonio as it comes to my attention that Harry FreeStyles in Dublin.
Hip he may be but Harry Styles, these days as big a singing superstars as there is, doesn’t mind getting in with the Great Unwashed.
Harry, you see, did that most South Dublin of things on his travels, the last time he was in the Irish capital.
He jumped into the Forty Foot at Sandycove with the masses.
Bloomin’ cold
And in so doing joined such luminaries as James Joyce, his great creation, Leopold Bloom and the landlubber that is your Bandanaman.
In my case I was out as quickly as I got in, Dublin Bay being bracing despite it being the sunniest day of the year on shore.
I had resisted the temptation to join my new compatriots for a few years in my 13 years an Irishman.
Memories of swimming off Spital in Co. Galway as a kid acting as a warning.
Trunk call
Well, Harry’s back in Ireland after the UK leg of his world tour.
And his old friends, and ours, at Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, has marked the moment.
They have only commissioned a bespoke pair of swimming shorts for Harry.
So he is primed and ready to take the plunge in style.
And they have even suggested some prime swimming spots for him to have a dip.
Ooh Bettystown
Bettystown Beach, Co. Meath: Now a favourite of my Dear Old Dad who loved a sea swim on holuday
The water here gradually gets deeper, and swimmers can wade in until they find the depth that suits them.
Take a peaceful stroll to the River Boyne at Mornington Beach and watch as ships sail into Drogheda Port.
Best of Brittas
Brittas Bay South Beach, Co. Wicklow: And if Harry likes Sandymount he’ll love Co. Wicklow, maybe as much as we do.
With 5km of powdery white sand dunes, the beach has won and maintained its Blue Flag status for many years.
Carling larger
Carlingford Lough, Louth: Billed as the adventure capital of Louth up the coast from Dublin and Wicklow.
Carlingford is known for its outdoor pursuits and locals love swimming in Carlingford Lough.
At the lake, visitors can take in epic views of Carlingford Castle and Slieve Foye before heading to Sweet Sundaes for their crepes.
Fáilte have flagged up helpful tips to follow before, during and after your swim at www.watersafety.ie which we’re sure Harry will check out.
While for more information, please visit www.discoverireland.ie.
And so keep your eyes peeled.
We know Harry FreeStyles in Dublin and now we could see him in Wicklow and Louth too.