Surf Spots

Achill Island

West Ireland, Ireland

Annestown Bay

Southern Ireland, Ireland

Ballybunion

South West, Ireland

Ballybunion features both a sandy beach break and a left-hand reef break, with waves peeling in multiple directions across the point. The beach break works at all tidal stages, and conditions are cleanest when west swells arrive on offshore east winds. The break accommodates beginners and intermediates on the sandy sections, while the reef offers more demanding terrain for experienced surfers. Rocks are a significant hazard across the breaks. For roughly the past two decades, Ballybunion has held recognition as one of County Kerry's primary surf destinations. A formal surf school opened in 2004 to facilitate instruction and has helped sustain local participation. No major competitions or internationally known surfers are well documented in the available record, though the presence of an active school indicates a modest but established surfing culture. The town sits on the southwest Irish coast in County Kerry, accessible from Tralee by bus or car. Three main beach areas—Men's Beach, Ladies Beach, and the more secluded Nun's Beach—offer four miles of Blue Flag certified coastline. Limited paid carparking is available above the main beaches, with toilets, cafes, and summer lifeguards available. The breaks front dramatic Atlantic cliffs.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Banna Beach

West Ireland, Ireland

beginner · intermediate · funboard

Barleycove Beach

West Ireland, Ireland

Bundoran

County Donegal, Ireland

The Peak at Bundoran breaks as a steep, fast barrel over a shallow sandstone reef sitting directly off the town's main street. It produces hollow waves in both directions, with the left-hander being the more consistent and powerful option. Mid-tide is the sweet spot—the wave loses definition at high water and becomes dangerously shallow and sharp at low. Fast hold-downs and trenches, particularly along the right side, are normal features of this heavy wave, placing it solidly in the intermediate-to-advanced category. Irish surfers first discovered The Peak in the late 1970s, and it has since become one of the country's most iconic and reliable reef breaks. Bundoran's established reputation as a competition venue is substantial: it hosted the European Surfing Championships in 1997 and 2011, the World Surf League held its inaugural Ireland event there in September 2025, and the EuroSurf Junior European Championships took place in September 2026. The Irish Surf Nationals have also been held at the break multiple times. Bundoran sits in County Donegal with convenient street-level access to the Peak, though entry and exit points feature urchin-filled reef pools that make booties essential. The shallow reef demands respect—the sharp sandstone bottom, trenches, and extended hold-downs present significant hazards. Northwest to west swell with offshore southeast wind creates optimal conditions, which arrive most reliably during winter and spring months, though the break works year-round with a semidiurnal tidal range of approximately 4.2 meters.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Bunmahon

South East, Ireland

Bunmahon is a south-facing beach break where the River Mahon enters the ocean, producing left and right-hand waves that tend to be powerful but inconsistent. The break responds best to south-southwest swell with north winds pushing from offshore; it works better at mid-tide and occasionally at low tide during larger swells. The spot is intermediate to advanced only—the rivermouth creates strong rip currents beyond the hazard you already know about, and the beach-break character means it requires both power management and current awareness. The break works best during winter months, particularly in January, though it has no strong seasonal trend and rarely fires consistently. The wave length can extend 50–150 meters when conditions align, offering reasonable wave runs when it does work. Access is straightforward: Bunmahon sits on the Copper Coast trail in County Waterford, 21 km south-west of Waterford city. A large carpark sits directly behind the beach, with nearby shops and food outlets; the village itself has basic services.

Carrowinskey

West Ireland, Ireland

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Carrowniskey

West, Ireland

Carrowniskey is a wide, 2-kilometer beach break with sandy bottom that produces both left and right-hand waves. It responds well to westerly swells and benefits most from easterly offshore winds, working consistently across all tidal stages. Wave size typically ranges from manageable 3-footers to 6+ feet in larger swells. The beach is exposed to open ocean and receives swell year-round, with April generally offering the cleanest window. SurfMayo, an Irish Surfing Association-approved instruction school, has operated from Carrowniskey since 1998 and was among the earliest formal surf schools established in Ireland. The spot became known as a teaching location and developed a consistent presence in the Irish surf community, though specific notable sessions or competitions associated with it do not appear in available sources. Carrowniskey sits roughly 7.5 kilometers southwest of Louisburgh and has straightforward access via a tarmacked car park immediately adjacent to the beach. At low tide the sand is wide and rideable across most of the beach; at high tide, water rises toward adjacent rocks. Weever fish inhabit the sandy areas—wearing water shoes is advised due to their venomous spines. Dangerous rip currents occur here as well. Summer months bring lifeguard coverage and the beach attracts swimmers and families alongside surfers, particularly July and August.

Cornish Left

West Ireland, Ireland

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Crab Island

West, Ireland

Crab Island produces barrelling right-hand tubes that peel across sharp limestone reef, breaking most reliably on low tide with west swell and east wind. The break requires competent technique and wave-reading ability; it holds substantial size and can prove punishing on both boards and bodies. Crowds often gather when conditions align, and the shallow reef creates dangerous ledges. Surfers discovered the wave in the early 1970s, and it quickly became one of Ireland's most frequented reef breaks due to the consistency with which it works compared to heavier nearby alternatives. The location sits between the Cliffs of Moher and the limestone karst landscape of the Burren, and the paddle from Doolin harbour—roughly 200 metres across an exposed channel—has historically kept the break accessible only to dedicated local and visiting surfers willing to manage the commute and exposure. The paddle back to harbour is genuinely consequential in any incident; a lost board or injury far from shore becomes serious. In larger swell the channel itself can become chaotic and difficult to negotiate safely, narrowing the effective window for surfable conditions. Recent proposals to expand Doolin pier for ferry operations threaten backwash interference with both this break and nearby Doolin Point.

advanced · shortboard

Cregg

West Ireland, Ireland

Donabate beach

Eastern Ireland, Ireland

Dooagh Strand

West Ireland, Ireland

Doolin point

West, Ireland

Doolin Point is a right-hand reef break on exposed limestone terraces that works through nearly all months of the year, though it faces variable conditions. Swells between 3 and 8+ feet work best, producing fast walls with barreling sections when winds stay offshore from the east. Low to mid tide offers the most shape, with the spot responsive to the large tidal swings common on Ireland's Atlantic coast. The wave demands experienced surfers; loose rock underfoot and powerful rips require careful navigation. Spring delivers the most reliable windows, particularly April, though autumn months from September through November also offer consistent swells. The break became seriously surfed only after its discovery in the early 1970s and quickly rose to prominence alongside other Irish reef breaks. California surfer Kevin Naughton and photographer Craig Peterson arrived in that era to document the discovery, followed by other travelling surfers who added Doolin to their essential Irish destinations through the 1980s. The village of Doolin in County Clare sits near the Cliffs of Moher. Parking is available at Doolin pier with a pay-and-display system; from there, a short coastal walk leads to the break. The area functions as a minor tourist hub with ferry access to the Aran Islands, making it accessible from Ennis via the N85 and N67 roads.

advanced · shortboard

Doughmore Bay Beach

West Ireland, Ireland

Dugort

West, Ireland

Dugort is a semi-exposed beach break on Achill Island that works year-round but peaks during autumn, particularly in October. It handles both windswell and groundswell with an ideal window when northwest swell pairs with southeasterly wind, which is offshore here. The beach is sandy with dune systems backed by machair grassland, and receives consistent rideable waves suitable for varied skill levels. The spot sits at the foot of Slievemore Mountain, 3 kilometers east of Dugort village. It has been designated a Blue Flag beach by An Taisce (the National Trust for Ireland), indicating reliable water quality and amenities. Access is straightforward via paid parking with picnic tables available; there are no toilet facilities. Summer lifeguards are present from June to August. The eircode is F28 NY97.

Easkey

West Ireland, Ireland

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Easkey Right

West Ireland, Ireland

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Garretstown

South West, Ireland

Garretstown is a left-and-right beach break consisting of two sandy coves separated by low rock reefs, located between rocky outcrops near the Old Head of Kinsale. The sandy bottom is studded with exposed rock slabs that define different sections. Southwest swell produces the most consistent conditions, though south to southeast swells also work well. Offshore winds from the north or northeast clean up the face, but the prevailing southwest wind often makes conditions choppy. The break works best on a rising tide through mid-tide stages, with low tide less favorable. Waves are typically 4 to 12 feet, nearly always bigger on the western beach due to the bay's exposure. This is reliable, approachable terrain for newer surfers, though the lineup tends to be quiet and reserved. Garretstown Surf School has operated from the beach since 2004, making it a long-standing local hub for instruction. Beyond that, specific competitions or notable sessions at Garretstown are not well-documented; the spot is part of Ireland's broader surfing scene, which hosted its first national championships in 1967 but has not produced widely publicized events tied to this particular break. Access is straightforward from parking areas above the beach near Ballinspittle. The primary hazard is a deep blowhole in the cliffs flanking the northern end of the beach—a natural sinkhole roughly 50 feet deep with connections to sea caves below, which has resulted in fatal accidents. Beyond that, exposed rocks, the surrounding rocky reefs, groynes, and sheer cliffs require respect. No lifeguard presence during off-season months.

intermediate · advanced · shortboard

Howes Strand

Southern Ireland, Ireland

Inch Beach

Southern Ireland, Ireland

Inch Strand

West Ireland, Ireland

beginner · shortboard

Inchydoney

South West, Ireland

Inchydoney is a sandbank-fed river mouth break facing south that produces both left and right-hand waves across a broad range of swell windows. The break works consistently from 0.6 to 3.6 meters and performs best on low to mid tide with northerly wind. Atlantic swells from the southwest and southeast work equally well here. The mellow nature of the beach makes it accessible for beginners, but the constantly shifting sandbank means conditions change significantly between visits. The Inchydoney Surf School, founded in 2000 and among Ireland's longest-operating instruction centers, has anchored recreational surfing here for over two decades. The spot has developed as a training ground for progression rather than a destination for its dramatic sessions. Located two miles from Clonakilty in West Cork, Inchydoney sits on a Blue Flag beach with straightforward access—public car parks flank the East Beach, with dedicated disabled spaces and accessible pathways to the shore. Parking fills quickly during peak season and fine weather, requiring early arrival. The narrow approach roads can be congested. Standard beach facilities including seasonal lifeguards and toilets are available year-round.

beginner · intermediate · fish

Incredible Wave

Southern Ireland, Ireland

Keel beach

West, Ireland

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Kilmurren

Southern Ireland, Ireland

Lackan Bay

West Ireland, Ireland

Lahinch

County Clare, Ireland

Lahinch is a sandy beach break with waves peeling both directions across a gently sloping bottom. The spot draws Atlantic winter swell directly and medium-strength winds come typically from the east. It serves all ability levels and hosts an established surfing school, though conditions vary sharply—calm days suit beginners while Atlantic storms bring powerful waves. Lahinch developed as a formal surfing destination by the early 2000s and earned international recognition when 44 surfers rode a single wave there in 2006, setting a Guinness world record. Winter storms regularly produce considerable swells; a major Atlantic storm in January 2014 created waves dramatic enough to generate significant press coverage. The beach remains a consistent stop for Irish surfers and travelling visitors alike. The town sits directly above the beach on Liscannor Bay with straightforward pedestrian beach access. High tide reduces beach space and can obstruct the easiest entry points. Rips occur along the channel on the southern end. An independent lifeboat service patrols the water.

Lahinch beach

West, Ireland

beginner · intermediate · fish

Long Strand

South West, Ireland

Mullaghmore Head

West Ireland, Ireland

advanced · gun

Ownahincha

South West, Ireland

Ownahincha is a beach break split by a rocky outcrop into two sections near Rosscarbery. The easterly beach has the steeper profile and wider swell window, responding reliably to Southwest swells and Northeast offshore winds. The spot works at any tide and year-round, with April typically bringing the most consistent surf. Cold water temperature requires a sealed spring wetsuit. Hazards include rocks and rip currents, particularly on larger days. The beach is not crowded relative to other Irish breaks. The spot lies on a Blue Flag beach with public parking, facilities, and lifeguards in season. Camping and caravan parks operate nearby, making it accessible for visiting surfers.

Portballintrae

North East and East, Ireland

Portballintrae is a beach break with a sand bottom located near Portrush in northeastern Ireland. The spot accepts swell from both directions and works best with northwest swell and southeast wind.

Portrush East Strand

Causeway Coast, Ireland

Portrush West Strand

Causeway Coast, Ireland

beginner · intermediate · funboard

Portstewart Strand

Causeway Coast, Ireland

Red Strand

Southern Ireland, Ireland

Roonagh Pier

West Ireland, Ireland

Rossnowlagh

North West, Ireland

Rossnowlagh is a beginner-friendly beach break in County Donegal, northwest Ireland, offering consistent waves at all tide stages on its sandy bottom. The spot responds best to westerly swell and easterly winds, with waves available from both directions. It hosts the Irish Inter County Surfing Championships and Irish National Junior Surfing Championships, but watch for rip currents near the southern cliff and weever fish.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

Rush South Beach

Eastern Ireland, Ireland

Sh*t Creek

West Ireland, Ireland

Spanish Point Reefs

West, Ireland

Spanish Point Reefs is an advanced reef break near Miltown Malbay in West Ireland with a right-hand wave direction that breaks over submerged rocks. Best conditions arrive on westerly swell and easterly winds at low to mid tide, though the break features a dangerous outside section in large swell and often draws crowds.

Strandhill

North West, Ireland

Strandhill is a beginner-friendly beach break near Sligo in North West Ireland, with a sandy bottom that works best at high tide with SE winds and WNW swell. The spot hosts the County Sligo Open and handles waves from both directions, though surfers should expect rocks in the lineup, rip currents that intensify with swell size, and regular crowds. Swimming is not safe at this break.

beginner · intermediate · shortboard

The Perfect Wave

Southern Ireland, Ireland

Tramore Strand

Southern Ireland, Ireland

beginner · intermediate · fish

Tullaghan left

North West, Ireland

Tullaghan left is an advanced left-hand point break near Bundoran in North West Ireland, working best on NW swell with SE winds and mid to high tides. The rocky bottom and hazards including rocks, crowds, and tricky access create a challenging experience for experienced surfers.

Tullaghan right

North West, Ireland

Tullaghan right is an advanced right-hand reef break located in North West Ireland near Bundoran. The break works best on mid to high tides with SE winds and NW swell direction on its shallow, uneven reef bottom. Expect crowds when conditions align and be prepared for difficult access across private land.