From its vibrant cities to its scenic countryside, Ireland has long been renowned for its historic attractions, legendary drinking culture, and its lush landscape of verdant hills. What you may not realize though, is that this picturesque island is also the perfect getaway for a surfing adventure! With over 3,172 kilometers (1,864 miles) of coastline and epic waves emanating from the North Atlantic, Ireland is fast emerging as a premier surfing destination. If you’re just starting out, the island is awash with fantastic surf schools to help you learn, while the massive waves rolling in off of rocky reefs will excite more experienced surfers. Plus, warm ocean currents create surprisingly mild water temperatures throughout the year. With hidden coves, soft, sandy beaches, and windy headlands to explore, there is something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of your skill level. Read the list below for the best surf spots in Ireland.
1. Tullan Strand, Bundoran, County Donegal
A brilliant option along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way, Tullan Strand features a long, sandy beach, a plethora of surf schools, and consistent swells along the beach break. Located in County Donegal, the town of Bundoran brims with great surf schools, including the renowned Surfworld which is owned by famed Irish surfer Richie Fitzgerald. Paddle out past the soaring cliffs and admire the stunning view as you catch fast, hollow waves, or head down the beach for a more mellow surf. After skimming the stellar swells, relax on the golden sands of Tullan Strand or head into town for a hearty meal at a local café.
Tullan Strand, Bundoran, County Donegal
Address: Tullan Strand Rd, Drumacrin, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Website: Bundoran Surf
2. Lahinch, County Clare
Tucked along the sandy beach of Liscannor Bay, Lahinch is a small town with a big reputation. This charming town in County Clare is a famed surf spot for the strong Atlantic breakers and there are many Irish Surfing Association-accredited schools to learn from. While Lahinch is popular with advanced surfers chasing thrilling swells, there are also wonderful introductory reef breaks and consistent beach breaks that are perfect for beginners, too.
Lahinch, County Clare
Website: Lahinch
3. Inch Beach, County Kerry
Situated along the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula, Inch Beach in County Kerry is a gorgeous surf spot with amazing panoramas. A great option for beginners, this scenic beach town features many a surf school that is open during the summer and has a stunning strand that creates well-paced waves. There is also a large reef break that generates long, challenging waves ideal for more experienced surfers. After surfing to your heart’s content, visit the nearby town of Dingle which is renowned for its cheery pubs, colorful architecture, and quaint port.
Inch Beach
Address: Inch Beach, Ardroe, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Website: Inch Beach
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4. Carrowniskey, County Mayo
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With a surf school open daily year-round and consistent breakers, Carrowniskey in is a superb watersport spot in County Mayo. This beach is popular among all skill levels for reliable long-riders, as well as the ease of paddle-out. During the summer months, a lifeguard is stationed on-duty and the beach hosts the Carrowniskey Horse Races every weekend in July. Many surf schools are available in the nearby towns of Westport and Louisburgh.
Carrowniskey, County Mayo
Address: Carrownisky, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Website: Carrowniskey, County Mayo
Ireland Tour Guide
Diana M
Hi there! I am Diana :) My passion in life (next to my loved ones) is travelling and meeting new people, showing others the beauty of the world, art in various forms. My private guided day tours are experiences that are unique and are a great way to do an interesting activity without being overwhelmed. You get to do something only few other travellers would get to do and a chance to gain a local perspective. As your guide, I want to open you the door to Ireland's untouched beauty, from scenic cliffs to fairytale like forests and would point out many details you wouldn’t uncover on your own. You might also like to do an activity which can be difficult without local knowledge, like hiking or horse riding, - I am here to help and guide you. I’ll handle all the planning and the driving on the left hand side of the road, so all you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak in the beautiful sights and compelling stories. Ireland won’t leave you untouched and I will be delighted to be your guide and ‘local expert’ here. Hope to see you on one of my trips to the heart and soul of our beautiful country!
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5. Mullaghmore, County Sligo
The small peninsula of Mullaghmore creates some of the most dramatic landscapes of Ireland and the waves here are legendary. This surfing spot is not for the faint of heart, with staggering waves measuring up to 15 meters (50 feet) high and obstacles like choppy water, high winds, and a difficult paddle-out. For experienced surfers, however, these swells are some of the most sought-after and have earned Mullaghmore a title as one of the best surfing spots in the world by several surf and travel publications.
Mullaghmore, County Sligo
Address: Kilkilloge, Mullaghmore, County Sligo, Ireland
Website: Mullaghmore, County Sligo
6. Strandhill, County Sligo
One of the most popular surf spots in the country, Strandhill is renowned for its reliable waves year-round. This sand-bottomed beach break is an easy spot to learn the sport and local surf schools can provide you with lessons and equipment. The stellar surfing conditions are consistent in both summer and winter and surfers can enjoy both rights and lefts, barrel action, and even bigger waves at nearby beaches like Easkey and Bundoran. The town also hosts the Strandhill Open surfing competition every August which is one of the biggest surfing events in the country.
Strandhill, County Sligo
Address: Beach Front, Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Website: Strandhill, County Sligo
7. Tramore, County Waterford
Tramore, on Ireland’s East Coast, is a terrific spot for surfers of beginner and intermediate levels. Lessons are available from the many surf schools in this seaside town and the sandy beaches along the Copper Coast here are beautiful. While the swells aren’t as reliable as they are on the county’s western coast, there are still plenty of waves to catch on this beach break. In the evening, stop at one of Tramore’s traditional pubs for a wonderful way to end the day.
Tramore, County Waterford
Address: Tramore West, Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
8. Belmullet, County Mayo
Located on the Mullet Peninsula, the town of Belmullet is a great surfing spot for beginners. The soft, sandy beach is often uncrowded and surfers can expect big beach breaks coming from the left and right. Big Atlantic swells have even been experienced in the summer months! Take a lesson from one of the local surf schools, then paddle out into the crystal-clear water for fantastic views of Elly Bay.
Belmullet, County Mayo
Address: Elly Bay, Belmullet, County Mayo
9. Enniscrone, County Sligo
Explore beautiful Enniscrone beach and discover stunning sandy beaches and moderate surf breaks. This lovely surfing spot along the Wild Atlantic Way is a great option for beginners. There are a couple of surf schools located on the beachfront itself and the relatively shallow waters will let you learn in comfort. The large expanse of the surrounding beach tends to be uncrowded as well, making it perfect for a relaxed beach day.
Enniscrone, County Sligo
Address: 1 Bridge St, Muckduff, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, Ireland
Website: Enniscrone, County Sligo
10. Portrush, County Antrim
Located along the Causeway Coast, the seaside town of Portrush is a fantastic surfing spot in Northern Ireland. With its consistent breakers, Portrush is perfect for surfers of all skill levels and the surrounding scenery of dramatic cliffs is superb. There are a couple of fantastic surf schools in the area and it is also popular for body-boarding and swimming.
Portrush, County Antrim
Address: Portrush, County Antrim, Ireland
The irresistible surfing spots of Ireland
With its dramatic landscapes, consistent surf, and amazing schools, Ireland is a phenomenal surfing destination. Whether you’ve never tried the sport before or are an experienced surfer, these destinations across the island are fantastic options for your next adventure. Discover the beauty of Ireland’s coast and ride breathtaking breakers and superb swells! Start planning your trip today and add these surf spots to your itinerary!
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