Unexpectedly, Ireland offers some of the most magical surf in Europe and while many would not associate the green fields and rough coastline with watersports, Ireland's reputation as a surfing location has been on the rise. The first ever Irish National Surfing Championships were held in Tramore in 1967 and surf clubs started to rise in Bray, Tramore, Rossnowlagh, Lahinch and other seaside locations. After hosting several international surf competitions in the 70's and 80's discussion on the commercialization of the sport has kept things fairly low key, much to the delight of the local surfers. Ireland is, however a favourite among the European locations with visitors such as Kelly Slater calling it a "cold paradise". The great Atlantic swell, beautiful coastal scenery and untouched nature make surfing in Ireland an unforgettable experience - just don't forget to add some millimeters to your wetsuit for extra comfort!
The best surfing locations in Ireland are undoubtedly on the West coast. Donegal up north has some remote locations, like Inishowen, Fanad, Dunfanaghy and Dungloe, all receiving nice swell and sporting spacious beach breaks for different abilities. South Donegal is home to the famous Rossnowlagh and Bundoran both offering accessible and consistent beach breaks with Bundoran (The Peak) and nearby Mullaghmore also known for their reef breaks. Bundoran area is very accessible even for the beginner surfer wanting to rent equipment and take a lesson to get started and has also plenty to offer as you grow in confidence as a surfer.
Sligo, a mere half an hour down from Donegal's favourite surfing spots is home to Strandhill, a small but vibrant surf town. The beach offers nice waves for all abilities and a beautiful sunset. In West Sligo the more experienced surfers can find the world famous Easkey (left and right) reefs.
Mayo coast is scattered with beautiful island scenery, with Achill Island offering Keel beach and other surf locations to enjoy. Lahinch in Claire is another well known surf town hosting all amenities a surfer could need and has neighbouring coastline with many smaller spots if you want more privacy.
Beautiful Kerry coast has a lot to offer. Ballybunion and Banna Beach on the north side with Dingle peninsula hosting Brandon Bay and Inch beaches to the south and reefs with scenery second to none.
Cork and Waterford, with the exception of Tramore, are home to smaller surf locations with often also smaller swell. While neither county would often be on the top of the Irish surfer's list, they are certainly worth a look if you're traveling in that direction. East coast is less surfable, with the odd windswell giving you little to grab on.
Ireland is also home to new and exciting discoveries, such as the mysterious Prowlers on the West Coast. Only few know the exact location of this potentially 50 foot wave and it can only be surfed rarely in the perfect wind and swell conditions but Ireland's top surfers have documented their recent tow ins and proved that the power of the distant Prowler is comparable to that of Mavericks, if not even more explosive.
Safe and clean open south-facing 2.5 km sandy beach. Best on mid tide but works on all and can get hollow. Has a rivermouth on the side that can create strong rips. Lifeguarded in July and August.
Ireland's most famous waves. There are two waves breaking onto flat reef shells in Easkey, namely Easkey Left and Easkey Right. Easkey Left is a popular reef for all tides and swell. This side benefits from the outflow from the river but has currents when...
Blue flagged beautiful beachbreak with rights and lefts. Works best from low to mid tide, light onshore winds and on mid sized W or NW swell. Elly Bay on Belmullet peninsula is a beautiful location with its crystal clear waters. This is a good spot if you are...
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