Surfing
Surfing
8 of the best surf spots in Ireland
With perfect peeling waves, long stretches of golden sand and epic scenery, Ireland is a paradise for surfers.
Blessed with 900 miles of coastline, Ireland is a mecca for surfers. With everything from gentle Atlantic rollers to barrelling reef breaks available, there’s a wave to suit all abilities. And with the dramatic Irish scenery to boot, you’ll be hard-pressed not to enjoy yourself on the paddle out, too. If you’re looking to learn the ropes or hire boards, most beaches have a number of surf schools to choose from, while pros can park up and head out to the gnarlier sections.
From Co. Antrim in the north to the southern beaches of Kerry and Cork, here are eight of the best surf spots in Ireland.
Inch Beach, Co. Kerry
There's no shortage of waves on Inch beach
© Tadhg Hayes
Known for being the place where an inch is actually three miles, Inch is home to a long sand spit stretching into the Dingle Peninsula. It has long been a hit with surfers, with one of the longest waves in Europe for those who have the experience and the fitness to ride it all the way to shore. Pros can catch the reef break far out to sea, while those with a little less experience are also well catered for along the long stretch of sandy beach. Beginners can book a lesson with Kingdom Waves, who offer single group lessons, private lessons and weekend courses for those wishing to try their hand in the surf.
Best for: Longboarders on the beach break, and shortboarders on the right-hand reef break.
Strandhill, Co. Sligo
Strandhill Surfer Sligo.jpg
© Ireland's Content Pool
Strandhill is popular with surfers for good reason – this beach break has an easy paddle-out and delivers a reliable stream of waves in both summer and winter. Southern, offshore winds promise clean conditions, though the beach is usually surfable even when the wind isn’t playing ball. And while you paddle in top-notch surfing conditions, you can also take in unrivalled views of Knocknarea and Benbulben which loom above the beach. Beginners can book lessons with iSurf Ireland, located at Strandhill, while experts can make the most of barrelling right and left-handers in bigger swell.
Best for: Intermediates wanting an easy paddle-out in summer, and pros looking for barrel action in winter.
Whiterocks, Co. Antrim
This long, golden sand beach is one of the best that the Causeway coast has to offer. Home to consistent surf conditions throughout the year, Whiterocks lends itself to experienced surfers and beginners alike, offering multiple lefts and rights on the sandbars at the northern end of the beach. For those looking to learn the ropes, Troggs Surf School at the east end of the strand offers a range of lesson options, from single lessons to surf and spa packages. When you’ve dried off, don’t miss a trip to the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, which are just a 15 minute drive from the beach.
Best for: Beginners and intermediates.
Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo
One for pros only, Mullaghmore is one of the best big wave surfing locations in the world. The biggest recorded waves here notched up to an eye-watering 15 metres (49 ft) high off Mullaghmore Head in 2012, when surfers and windsurfers from all over the world came to ride them. When it’s pumping, it’s a dangerous left-hander which comes in seriously heavy around the headland and pounds down on a rocky bottom. Paddling out is exceptionally tough, with tow-ins by jetski becoming increasingly common.
Best for: Big wave surfers.
Brandon Bay, Co. Kerry
At Brandon Bay you’ll find the longest beach in the country – Castlegregory, which stretches for almost 20km, with gentle beach break surfing that's perfect for novices. Brandon Bay itself is a 6km-long crescent of sand, with numerous different peaks scattered along its shoreline. There’s usually a pretty consistent swell, especially in summer. Kilcummin is a great beginner wave that breaks just to the right of the small river inlet. For the more advanced surfer, Dumps has hollow sections – but it lives up to its name at high tide so watch you’re not dumped onto the stones (go at low to mid tide instead). Mossies is a mellow reef that breaks in both directions. Jamie Knox Watersports offer surf lessons for all abilities during summer.
Best for: A variety of wave options, from beginner-friendly beach breaks to a mellow left and right reef.
Easkey, Co. Sligo
On the bottom dip of the Donegal Bay, Easkey is one of Ireland's most raved-about surf spots. But its two reef breaks, which crash over rocks, are fast and hollow, so only appropriate for advanced surfers. There’s a left and right break, which are usually pretty big (around 10-15 feet). The right-hander is bigger and more legendary, but you need the perfect conditions and need to be able to dodge the rocky bottom. Warm up with a pint afterwards in McGowan's pub in the village.
Best for: Reef break pros.
Inchydoney, Co. Cork
It’s easy to see why people call this Ireland’s most beautiful beach – and it’s a great option for novice surfers, too. A small island off West Cork, a few miles from Clonakilty, it’s connected to the mainland by two causeways and features silver sand, turquoise water and grassy dunes. The gently shelving, shallow water and sandy bottom is ideal for beginners and Inchydoney Surf School is well regarded and offers a wide range of lessons and surf camps throughout the year. There’s also a faster left-hander out by the sandbar, plus long rides if you paddle off the headland to the right.
Best for: Longboarders and novices.
Lahinch, Co. Clare
Tucked away on Liscannor Bay, on the northwest coast of County Clare, Lahinch is often labelled the surfing gem along the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way. The wide, crescent-shaped stretch of sand offers conditions for most abilities – locals paddle out in front of the surf shop while beginners can head to the gentler peaks to the north. At high tide, the beach is covered so it’s best to head out at mid to low tide. Lahinch Surf School offers group and private surf lessons. When the wind blows, it also attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Best for: Beginners.
This is how pros surf in Ireland in winter:
7 min
Memories of Riley's
Conor Maguire and fellow surfers in Ireland share memories of swells at Riley's on the coast of County Clare.
