Surfing
Surfing
7 of the best hidden surf beaches in Ireland
Whether you're looking to surf in the north, east, south or west of Ireland, here are seven beaches offering great surf that you can enjoy all to yourself...
It’s no secret that Ireland offers some of the best surfing conditions in the world. In winter, these monster swells attract some of the hardiest big wave surfers from across the globe (watch Conor Maguire taming 60ft waves at Mullaghmore in the video below), while in summer the smaller swell attracts hordes of novices eager to learn the basics and soak in the majesty of nature.
2 min
Conor Maguire surfs record-breaking waves of Mullaghmore
After a tropical storm sent historic recod-breaking 60ft waves crashing into Mullaghmore, the Irish surfer Conor Maguire took his chance to ride the swell of a lifetime
The growing popularity of the sport means that the likes of Lahinch, Tramore, and Strandhill can be teeming with surfers on sunny days. However, if you are after something a little more peaceful, fear not, there are a host of Irish beaches offering great surf that have managed to slip under the radar leaving them blissfully empty on even the sunniest of summer days.
Here are seven of our favourite hidden surfing beaches in Ireland... just be aware that most of of these secluded areas will have no lifeguards, bathrooms or other facilities. And wherever you visit, please ensure you leave it in the same way you found it.
01
DunLaughin, Ballyconneely, Connemara, Co Galway, South West Ireland
DunLaughin Beach, Connemara
© Love Connemara Cottages
Tucked away on a small headland on the rugged coast of Connemara lies a small cove that offers both exceptional views and favourable surfing conditions. Located a good distance from Dunloughin road (a short walk across the dunes will bring you to the shoreline), this cove benefits from blissful isolation and is the perfect spot to pitch your tent for the night. In summer, this beach does attract some locals but it certainly never gets too busy.
South-westerly winds offer moderate sized waves that are perfect for beginners, intermediates and body-boarders. Clean water, consistent Atlantic swells and a variation of breaks make it a dreamy destination.
02
Coumeenoole, Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry, South West Ireland
Coumeenoole beach is a small but mighty surf spot
© John Morton Flickr CC
Sitting at the top of Slea Head on the westerly tip of the Dingle Peninsula, Coumeenoole offers majestic views out across the Blasket Islands. Described by many as a ‘photographer’s paradise,’ the surfing’s not bad either.
Only advanced board-riders should head out here as the currents can get a little dangerous. But if you do happen to surf at a decent level, you’re in for a treat as shifting ridges close to the shoreline can create sizeable barrels for surfers to get technical on.
Easily accessible via a clifftop car park and ensuing footpath, you’ll step down into what can feel like a hidden alcove. There are small caves close by and there’s lots of fun for families to have on the golden sand that surrounds the shoreline.
For visitors who want to mix their surfing in with even more adventure, there’s a road trip to be had on Slea Head Drive, a 47km coastal stretch of winding road taking in much of the Dingle Peninsula, where you'll uncover dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, and even more beaches like this one. Day trips don't get much better.
03
Wine Strand, Dingle Peninsula, Co Kerry, South West Ireland
Ireland's crashing shorelines are ideal for surfers
© Tanja Van Den Berg – Flickr CC
This sand-bottom beach break can deliver some pretty mammoth waves when the weather plays ball. With the right swell you might just find your personal Nazaré on the rugged West shores of Ireland.
You’ll be greeted by awe-inspiring views of coastal cliffs, rock pools, deep orange sands (watch out as you enter the water as its depth can quickly increase on the steep banks) and dramatic light effects reflected in an ever-shifting tide.
Its empty waters are largely due to the slightly rocky drive down to the car park here – it's not the easiest to reach. However, we reckon the effort to get to this little slice of heaven just adds to the adventure.
04
Doonbeg, Co Clare, West Ireland
Famous for the rather unsightly Trump Golf Resort, the views on Doonbeg strand thankfully didn’t suffer from the development – the views are still as breathtakingly beautiful as ever.
One of the reasons this beach is so ‘hidden’ is due to said golf course in front of it. Though you’ll find a small car park on nearby O’Donnell Road, where a small track takes you past the dunes and down to the beach itself.
Beginners aren't advised to surf here on windier days when the waters are choppy (even the most seasoned riders have faced problems from giant slabs), but with moderate swell, which often includeS some lovely left-hand waves, it’s the ideal spot for getting to grips with the sport.
In addition to the great views and favourable surf conditions, Doonbeg is one of the best places in Co Clare to watch the sunset.
Meet Jarvis Earle, the world junior champ of surf whose time is now
05
Carnivan, Hook Peninsula, Co Wexford, South East Ireland
With the exception of Tramore in Co Waterford, the east coast is not exactly known for its decent surf conditions. However, when the wind direction is right, this small cove tucked away on the wild Hook Peninsula in Co Wexford, delivers some fairly consistent swells.
The sheltered cove location and right-hand beach break provide the sort of consistently safe waves that make it a perfect beach for beginners, too. When everything comes together, south westerly swells can keep the session going long into the day - just be sure to watch out for undertow and rips before you hit the water, as it can be deceptively powerful once you're in there.
06
Carrownisky, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, West Ireland
Carrownisky, Co Mayo
© Surf Mayo
This 4km stretch of sandy beach has managed to slip under the radar of the surfing masses in Ireland. Located 15km south of Louisburg in Connemara, Carrownisky offers a pretty consistent beach break that is perfect for beginners.
A sand-bottom break treating visitors to slabs from both direction, these are slabs with a capital S (especially when a solid gale and a north-westerly swell combine), giving you a great chance of carving it up like your favourite Red Bull surfers.
Andrew Cotton reveals his "unfinished business" on Ireland's west coast
07
Portsalon Beach, Co Donegal, North West Ireland
Find yourself a piece of paradise in Co. Donegal
© Michael Kirwan Flickr CC
This beach can definitely be classed as remote and beautiful – so beautiful in fact that the Lonely Planet Guide cites it as the best beach in Ireland.
Located on the western shores of Lough Swilly, Portsalon Beach offers a mile of golden sandy beach along with a hidden surfing spot located just below Knockalla Mountain.
Granted, the waves aren’t typically the largest given how sheltered it is (perfect for beginners mind), but it’s still a stunning place to head out with a surfboard looking for a one-on-one audience with mother nature.
Indeed, you won't find a more zen spot for miles.
