About
Part of Shorelife Celebration
The Shorelife Celebration event has been cancelled due to the forecasted high winds and heavy rain expected.
Al Mennie has spent a lifetime pushing the limits of what is possible in the ocean. In his new book, Night Swimming, he explores the extraordinary world of swimming through wild seas under the cover of darkness. In this special event, Al joins award-winning nature advocate Ruby Free to share the psychology, oceanography, and raw adventure behind his night swims — and to reflect on what they reveal about courage, risk, and our relationship with the vast unknown.
Book signing will follow.
Talk will last approximately 45 mins + Q&A.
About Al Mennie
Big Wave Pioneer
- Al is one of Europe’s first big wave surfers, known for tackling monstrous swells at places like Mullaghmore Head, Nazare, Mavericks, and Aileens.
- He was the first European to compete at the World Tow-In Surfing Championships in Chile.
- His daring exploits include surfing 60-foot waves off the Sligo coast and paddling from Ireland to Scotland to raise money for charity.
Author & Motivator
- Al has written several books, including Surfing Mennie Waves, which chronicles his extreme surf adventures and personal battles.
- He also writes about overcoming fear, anxiety, and grief, blending physical endurance with emotional insight.
Mental Health Advocate
- In 2023, he surfed 154 waves at night to raise awareness for suicide prevention, symbolizing the 154 daily suicides reported across Europe.
- That challenge raised thousands for Darkness Into Light and other mental health charities.
Renaissance Man
- Beyond surfing, Al is a 3rd-degree black belt in Krav Maga, a motivational speaker, and has worked as a model and stunt performer, including for Game of Thrones.
- His gear—including a broken helmet from a record-breaking wave—is displayed at the Ulster Museum, and his name is etched on the Surfer Wall in Nazaré.
He’s not just chasing waves—he’s chasing meaning. Whether it’s through adrenaline, activism, or art, Al Mennie embodies the spirit of pushing boundaries.
About Ruby Free
Ruby Free is a passionate and award-winning campaigner, writer, and conservation biologist from Poole, UK. Her work centres around reconnecting people with nature and advocating for environmental protection.
Here’s a snapshot of her journey and impact:
Career & Advocacy
- She’s been active in environmental conservation since age 16, working with organisations like Surfers Against Sewage, where she’s helped organise beach cleans and protests to improve water quality.
- Ruby is deeply involved in marine conservation, having worked on seabird reserves and served as a wildlife medic, often rescuing animals affected by plastic pollution.
Author & Storyteller
- Her debut book, Rathlin: A Wild Life, is a heartfelt tribute to Rathlin Island, a Special Area of Conservation off the coast of County Antrim. The book blends ecological insight with poetic storytelling, capturing the island’s wildlife and the urgency of protecting it.
- She describes it as a “love letter to the island and the wildlife,” but also a call to action—a reminder of what we risk losing if we don’t change our relationship with nature.
Personal Philosophy
- Ruby’s approach is both scientific and soulful—she knows the ecological function of species but also connects emotionally with the natural world.
- She’s been recognised as one of the 100 most influential Environmental Professionals in the UK.
She’s one of those rare voices who blends activism, science, and storytelling to inspire
Curated by Northern Ireland Science Festival
This ticketed activiy is one element of the wider Shorelife Celebration. Overall the event runs from 10am to 5pm with lots of free and pre-bookable activities to enjoy.
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | £10.00 per ticket |
Online booking fees apply. Avoid the booking fee and buy direct through our Visitor Information Centres, by phone or in person.
