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Surf Location Overview: Ireland
Stunning landscape. Uncrowded lineups. Friendly, laid back people. Home of the black stuff.
Even though waves were ridden in Ireland way back in the 60s, it took a good thirty years or so before the rest of the surfing world woke up to its true potential. With increasing exposure in surf mags and movies, it was only a matter of time before the Emerald Isle’s many hidden qualities would be revealed for all to see. The only surprise is that it took so long. After all, anyone can see that it’s perfectly positioned to receive powerful Atlantic swells, and its wonderfully varied coastline means that there’s always a choice of reefs, points and beach breaks blowing offshore. Add to this stunning scenery, uncrowded lineups, some of the most hospitable people you could ever hope to meet, plus a drop or two of the black stuff, and you can see why its waves couldn’t be kept secret forever.
Surfing in Ireland has steadily gained popularity with travellers and locals alike, but even as numbers start to rise there is still a refreshingly mellow vibe in the water. The waves themselves can be far from mellow though, with most of them packing far more of a punch than your average beach break. Places like Bundoran, Easkey and Lahinch boast a host of world-class reefs, which include the likes of The Peak, Pampa Point, Easkey Right, Crab Island, Spanish Point and many more. Venture away from these big names, and you may just stumble upon one of the country’s many quality secret spots. All it takes is a road map, a weather report, and the luck of the Irish, and you’ll be scoring glassy barrels before you know it.
Whenever you choose to travel to Ireland, you’ll be greeted by beautiful green landscapes and friendly people. Swell won’t be in short supply either – with the exception of the peak summer months, its coastline receives solid swells year-round. Autumn is one of the best times to go, as the water is still fairly warm, the days are still long, and you’ve got a great chance of scoring clean waves all along the coast. Delay your trip even further though, and you’ll find Ireland becomes a virtual swell magnet in the winter. The place really comes into its own, with empty lineups and the sorts of swells that have given it the reputation as Europe’s favourite big-wave spot. But whatever time of year you visit, and no matter whether you’re a beginner or a full-blown charger, have a drive around in between sessions and you’ll find there are uncrowded waves just around the corner.
Go on - find yourself somewhere to stay, and get out there!
