Where to Surf in Ireland? The Must-See Spots
With 3,172 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the Emerald Isle is a true paradise for surfers.
With 3,172 kilometres of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the Emerald Isle is a true paradise for surfers. Embraced by swells and offshore winds, it remains an exceptional surf destination accessible year-round... A quick overview of the must-visit spots for surfing in Ireland!
Benone Beach: an AONB beach for surfing in Ireland
Located in Londonderry County, Northern Ireland, Benone Beach is a beautiful white sand beach stretching 11 km. Awarded the prestigious Blue Flag label multiple times (recognising sustainable tourism practices), it is also a highly sought-after surf spot...
Beyond its pristine condition and beauty – the beach is part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – Benone Beach boasts rollers suited to all surfing levels. In winter, the beach is free from the tourist rush and becomes an exceptional haven of peace!
Skill level required: all surfing levels
Good to know: Benone Strand is accessible to people with reduced mobility and equipped with free parking (ideal for surfers).
Rossnowlagh Beach: a beach perfect for water sports
In Donegal County, you'll find Rossnowlagh Beach. Renowned for its vast sandbank and Blue Flag status, this beach constantly exposed to offshore winds (from the East) is ideal for surfing year-round.
It's a renowned beach break particularly suited to beginner surfers (as the waves are fairly manageable). Nevertheless, this spot remains equally enjoyable for more experienced surfers. It's also a beach highly favoured by kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts.
Skill level required: all surfing levels, ideal for beginners
Tullan Strand: a beach renowned for its breakers
Further south in Donegal, discover Tullan Strand and its powerful breakers! Renowned for its beauty, Tullan Strand is a highly prized location among surfers. On site? You can rent equipment (wetsuits, boards, etc.) from one of the stands in the beach car park, or take a lesson from one of the surf schools.
If you're surfing without professionals by your side, be cautious of the currents, which are known to be quite strong. Bordered by cliffs, the beach also offers exceptional scenery, the opportunity for beautiful walks, and stunning views of the open sea...
Skill level required: all levels, ideal for beginners and intermediates
Good to know: free parking and facilities
Portrush Coastline: home to the finest waves in the North!
The seaside resort of Portrush (located in Antrim County) is known for its charming fishing village and for hosting the finest waves in the North! During your stay, don't miss Portrush Whiterocks Beach: perfect for swimming, bodyboarding – and horse riding!
Less than 5 minutes' drive south, you'll also find West Strand Beach, a beach suited to all surfing levels, which is home to a renowned surf school (Alive). After a day of surfing? Treat yourself to a stroll through town and indulge in one of the fish restaurants...
Skill level required: suited to all surfers
Good to know: beaches specially equipped for surfers (facilities, showers, parking, surf schools, etc.)
Strandhill Beach: THE must-visit surf spot in Ireland
Considered THE unmissable surf destination in the country, Sligo County is home to several surf schools and a national centre dedicated to the discipline (opened in summer 2023). One of its primary missions is to provide "state-of-the-art services and facilities for surf schools". To catch some waves? Head to Strandhill Beach: the beach is renowned for its swell and waves (ideal at high tide).
Skill level required: all surfing levels
Good to know: beach ideal for surfers but not recommended for swimmers due to currents. Bonus: the rocks on part of the beach are rich in fossils!
Easkey Beach: the beach for experienced surfers
Another unmissable surf spot in Sligo County? Easkey Beach! Featuring two reef breaks and superb waves, this beach is a surf destination reserved for experienced surfers. Why? A powerful swell that generates steeper and faster waves...
The town of Easkey is home to the headquarters of the Irish Surfing Association – a volunteer organisation made up of clubs [...] involved "in the development, representation and regulation of surfing in its many forms, including shortboard, longboard, bodyboard..." etc.
Skill level required: Easkey Beach is reserved for experienced surfers
Good to know: you can see the ruins of O'Dowd's castle from Easkey Beach
Lahinch Village: a place renowned for its surf schools
If you pass through Clare County, don't miss Lahinch. With numerous surf schools, accommodation and pubs, this small village promises a stopover that's both sporty and lively, on Ireland's north-west coast! Its unmissable surf spot? Lahinch Beach! Suited to beginners, this beach also offers point breaks, reef breaks and slabs for the delight of experienced surfers.
Skill level required: all surfing levels
Ballybunion Beach: a spot requiring vigilance
In southern Ireland, in Kerry County, lies Ballybunion Beach. Perfect for beginner and intermediate levels, this spot also promises great moments of gliding for experienced surfers, thanks to the cliffs that border the beach. Its advantage? Perfect exposure that delivers beautiful waves year-round!
Skill level required: all surfing levels, experienced on the cliff side
Good to know: whilst accessible to all levels, this spot requires careful attention due to the numerous rock formations on the beach
What's the best time to surf in Ireland?
The best time to surf on the Emerald Isle is September to May. During this period, swells roll across the Atlantic Ocean and generate beautiful (and big) waves. Although winters are mild in Ireland, the water can be cold... For optimal comfort, opt for a 4/3 or 5/3 mm neoprene wetsuit (water temperatures average between 8°C and 13°C).
Frequently asked questions
For beginners, Rossnowlagh Beach (Donegal County) and Tullan Strand are ideal thanks to their gentle and progressive waves. Lahinch Beach (Clare County), with its numerous surf schools, is also an excellent option for learning in good conditions.
The best time to surf in Ireland is from September to May, when Atlantic swells generate the most consistent and powerful waves. Summer (June-August) remains pleasant but waves are less consistent.
Yes, a neoprene wetsuit is essential year-round. Water temperature averages between 8°C and 13°C. Opt for a 4/3 mm wetsuit in spring and autumn, and a 5/3 mm in winter for optimal comfort.
Yes, Easkey Beach in Sligo County is reserved for experienced surfers due to its powerful swell and steep, fast waves generated by its two reef breaks. Ballybunion (Kerry), on the cliff side, also requires experience due to rock formations.
Yes, many spots offer equipment rental (boards, wetsuits) on site or nearby. This is notably the case at Tullan Strand, Portrush and Lahinch, where surf schools also provide lessons for all levels.
Some spots have strong currents or rock formations that can be hazardous. Strandhill Beach, for example, is not recommended for swimmers due to its currents. It's recommended to surf with a local guide or take lessons if you're unfamiliar with the spot.
