Donaghadee
April 24th 2022

Sunday 24th April, 2022

An event in Donaghadee to commemorate Mercedes Gleitze’s perseverance, the history of the town as the centre of North Channel swimming, and the experiences of swimmers today.

Link to the Donaghadee Event Programme PDF

Mercedes at Robbie's Point, Donaghadee at the start of her first attempt to conquer the North Channel on 23 June 1928. Northern Whig & Belfast Post/British Library/Gleitze Archives.

Donaghadee is a very important part of Mercedes Gleitze’s story. Between 1928-1929, Mercedes attempted to swim across the North Channel eight times, aided by many people from the local area: as boat pilots, navigators, hosts and supporters cheering her on. Mercedes was the first person to ever attempt this swim. Local swimmer Martin Strain has described the North Channel as “Mercedes’ Nemesis” – today the North Channel is still known as the most difficult channel to swim, due to the freezing temperatures and lion’s mane jellyfish. Although Mercedes never completed the swim, her many attempts are a testament to her perseverance and tenacity.

Marking Mercedes’ eight attempts to cross the North Channel, the event took place at eight locations around the town connected to Mercedes’ story and Donaghadee’s swimming history. Sites included the harbour, Robbie’s Point, where Mercedes’ set out from on her swims, and Pier 36, where she stayed during one of her swim attempts. Each location was animated through a pop-up intervention - artworks, performance, talks and music – unfolding across the afternoon and into the evening, on land and in the water. The event was free and open to all.

Locations and timings:

1. The Commons/ Robbie’s Point (from 5pm)
2. Green by Donaghadee Community Centre (5.30pm)
3. Pier 36 (from 5pm)
4. Kelly’s Steps (6pm)
5. Grass area outside Donaghadee Sailing Club (6.30pm)
6. Community Centre (7.15pm)
7. Harbour (8.15pm)
8. Lighthouse (9pm)

*Doloranda Pember (2019), In the Wake of Mercedes Gleitze, The History Press, p.85.