5 Great Surf Spots for Beginners on the Island of Ireland

The Emerald Isle, with its 3.172 kilometers of coastline, is the perfect destination for those who want to surf all year round! 🏄

1. Bundoran, County Donegal

The surf capital in Ireland is the huge beach of Bundoran, in County Donegal, along the Wild Atlantic Way. There is even a festival, the Sea Session Music Festival that takes place here every year, with its mix of music, surf and other activities that create a unique atmosphere for both surfers and non-surfers.

The main wave, called “the Peak”, is a reef break with fast left and right-hand waves, it’s only for pro surfers, but if you’re still learning, it won’t be difficult to find surf schools that teach beginners closer to the shore. Here are some schools: 

-Bundoran Surf Co.  
-Bundoran Surf Lodge  

2. Mullaghmore Head, County Sligo

Going south, you’ll find  Mullaghmore Head, County Sligo, another paradise for surfers. Here, the main wave can get up to 9 meters high, but the beach break waves are perfect for beginners all year long, and especially October to April. If you want to learn how to surf and also enjoy beautiful landscapes such as the Ben Bulben, this is the place for you.

-Finn McCools Surf School

Another surf reference along County Sligo’s coast, it’s Strandhill beach and its lively village, with many bars and a surf atmosphere. Some schools:

-Sligo Surf Experience  
-County Sligo Surf Club 

Here you’ll also find a handy itinerary along the surf coast that will help you make the most out of your time in the area.

3. Lahinch beach, County Clare

Further south, in County Clare, you find Lahinch Beach, really close to one of the most important natural attractions of the island, the Cliffs of Moher. Here you can find perfect waves for beginners (both left and right-hand waves on the main peak). There are also a couple of “reef breaks” with awesome waves for experienced surfers.Here are some schools in the area: 

-Lahinch Surf School
-Ollie’s Lahinch Surf Centre
-Lahinch Surf Experience

FUN FACT!
Although the majority of us will be able to see the magnificent Cliffs of Moher from the top or from a boat, the most experienced surfers challenge the Ocean and try to surf the perfect wave, just in front of the cliffs! If you are around and the conditions are good, make sure to take a look at the sea and don’t miss the show: pro surfers riding giant waves in front of this natural gem.

4. Castlegregory beach, County Kerry

But if you’re still a total beginner, you should head to County Kerry. Thanks to its sheltered location and its 20 kilometers of beach break, sandy seabed and facilities, the beach of Castlegregory is perfect for those who want to start without any risk.Here are some schools you may contact: 

-Splashsports.ie 
-Jamie Knox Watersports

Only 25 kilometers south, you’ll find the Dingle Peninsula, where you can both practice physical activity and explore the beautiful landscapes that make this area so popular.

-Dingle Surf School

5. Whiterocks beach, County Antrim

If you’re headed to Northern Ireland instead, there are plenty of places where you can practice, both if you are an intermediate surfer or a beginner. Whiterocks Beach has right and left-hand waves with all tides and a sandy seabed perfect for learners. Moreover, you can also spend some time visiting the Causeway Coastal Route, with its unmissable attractions. Schools:

-SUB6 Surf & SUP School

Not that far away, you’ll find Portrush. Another beach break with right and left-hand waves for all levels and all tides. 

- Portrush Surf School

So there it is! 5 great surf spots for beginners on the Island of Ireland. Which spot would you try first? 😆🌊

That really makes me want to take a surf class on the island! I would probably pick Bundoran and the Sea Sessions (surf, yoga, skate and music sounds really appealing). It's great that there are schools as well, ad I'd probably want to rent a wetsuit from them and learn to stand on the board.

Thanks for this amazing list!