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{{short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Use Irish English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use Irish English|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
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| image = File:Doonbeg Doughmore Beach in Autumn 2009.JPG
| image = File:Doonbeg Doughmore Beach in Autumn 2009.JPG
| imagesize = <!-- change image size, default is 200px. must add units afterward, i.e. "250px" not "250" -->
| imagesize = <!-- change image size, default is 200px. must add units afterward, i.e. "250px" not "250" -->
| image_alt = Surfers on Doughmore Beach, Co. Clare
| image_alt = Surfers on Doughmore Beach, County Clare
| caption = Surfers on Doughmore Beach, Co. Clare
| caption = Surfers on Doughmore Beach, County Clare
| union = [[Irish Surfing Association]]
| union = [[Irish Surfing Association]]
| country = [[Republic of Ireland]]<br />[[Northern Ireland]]
| country = [[Republic of Ireland]]<br />[[Northern Ireland]]
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}}
}}


[[Ireland]] has become increasingly popular as a surfing destination, due to its exposed location on the turbulent [[Atlantic ocean|Atlantic]] seaboard.<ref name="WannaSurf">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Europe/Ireland/|title=Ireland - WannaSurf, surf spots atlas, surfing photos, maps, GPS location|last=Ltd|first=Wannasurf.com|website=www.wannasurf.com|access-date=2017-04-26}}</ref>
[[Ireland]] has become increasingly popular as a surfing destination, due to its exposed location on the turbulent [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] seaboard.<ref name="WannaSurf">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Europe/Ireland/|title=Ireland - WannaSurf, surf spots atlas, surfing photos, maps, GPS location|last=Ltd|first=Wannasurf.com|website=www.wannasurf.com|access-date=2017-04-26}}</ref>


The island has 3,172 kilometers of coastline, and the southern and western shores are the first point of contact for waves originating in the North Atlantic, driven by the [[Gulf Stream]].<ref name="SurferToday">{{Cite news|url=http://www.surfertoday.com/travel/11079-the-best-surf-spots-in-ireland|title=The best surf spots in Ireland|last=SurferToday.com|first=Editor at|work=SurferToday|access-date=2017-04-26|language=en-us}}</ref> Although Ireland is located at a high [[latitude]], the warm ocean currents of the [[North Atlantic drift]] ensures mild water temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in winter and a maximum of 21°C (70°F) in summer.<ref name="IrishCandC" />
The island has 3,172 kilometers of coastline, and the southern and western shores are exposed for waves originating in the North Atlantic.<ref name="SurferToday">{{Cite news|author=<!--not stated-->|title=The best surf spots in Ireland|url=https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-best-surf-spots-in-ireland|work=SurferToday|language=en-us|access-date=2023-10-30}}</ref> Although Ireland is located at a high [[latitude]], the warm ocean currents of the [[North Atlantic drift]] ensures mild water temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of 10&nbsp;°C (50&nbsp;°F) in winter and a maximum of 21&nbsp;°C (70&nbsp;°F) in summer.<ref name="IrishCandC" />


The numerous [[Beach|beaches]], [[Reef|reefs]], [[Headland|headlands]] and [[Cove|coves]] along the west coast of Ireland serve as popular surf spots. Ireland has played host to international events since the 1960's, and is home to many surf shops, schools and clubs.<ref name="IrishCandC">{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Atravel/Surfing.html|title=Surfing in Ireland Irish culture and customs - World Cultures European|website=www.irishcultureandcustoms.com|access-date=2017-04-26}}</ref>
The numerous [[beach]]es, [[reef]]s, [[headland]]s and [[cove]]s along the west coast of Ireland serve as popular surf spots. Ireland has played host to international events since the 1960s, and is home to many surf shops, schools and clubs.<ref name="IrishCandC">{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Atravel/Surfing.html|title=Surfing in Ireland Irish culture and customs - World Cultures European|website=www.irishcultureandcustoms.com|access-date=2017-04-26}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Surfing has been documented in Ireland as early as 1949, however it wasn't until 1964 that the "Bray Island Surf Club" was founded. Ireland was first represented at the [[World Surfing Championship]] in 1966 by Kevin Cavey, which in turn inspired the first [[Irish National Surfing Championships]], held in [[Tramore]], [[County Waterford|Co. Waterford]] in 1967. The first [[Irish Inter County Surfing Championships]] was held in 1968, followed by a full Irish team entry in the inaugural [[European Surfing Championships]] of 1969.
Surfing has been documented in Ireland as early as 1949, however it wasn't until 1964 that the "Bray Island Surf Club" was founded. Ireland was first represented at the [[World Surfing Championship]] in 1966 by Kevin Cavey, which in turn inspired the first [[Irish National Surfing Championships]], held in [[Tramore]], [[County Waterford]] in 1967. The first [[Irish Inter County Surfing Championships]] was held in 1968, followed by a full Irish team entry in the inaugural [[European Surfing Championships]] of 1969.


The growing interest in competition surfing mirrored a general interest in surfing across the island, with the number of participants and clubs growing rapidly throughout the late 60s; by 1970, there were an estimated 400 surfers in the country. This led to the foundation of the [[Irish Surfing Association]] in that year.<ref name="IrishSurfingHistory">{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/about-us/our-history.html|title=Our History|last=|first=|date=|work=www.irishsurfing.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kevincavey.com/irish-surf-history.html|title=Surf History|last=Cavey|first=Kevin|date=|website=kevincavey.com|language=en-gb|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref>
The growing interest in competition surfing mirrored a general interest in surfing across the island, with the number of participants and clubs growing rapidly throughout the late 60s; by 1970, there were an estimated 400 surfers in the country. This led to the foundation of the [[Irish Surfing Association]] in that year.<ref name="IrishSurfingHistory">{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/about-us/our-history.html|title=Our History|work=www.irishsurfing.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kevincavey.com/irish-surf-history.html|title=Surf History|last=Cavey|first=Kevin|website=kevincavey.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref>


==Governing body==
==Governing body==
''Irish Surfing'', also known as the ''Irish Surfing Association'', is a voluntary organisation that governs the sport of surfing on the island of Ireland. It participates in club development, instructor training and surf school regulation, and promoting surfing safety and the protection of the environment, as well as overseeing competitive surfing in Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/about-us/who-we-are.html|title=Who We Are|last=|first=|date=|work=www.irishsurfing.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-gb}}</ref>
''Irish Surfing'', also known as the ''Irish Surfing Association'', is a voluntary organisation that governs the sport of surfing on the island of Ireland. It participates in club development, instructor training and surf school regulation, and promoting surfing safety and the protection of the environment, as well as overseeing competitive surfing in Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/about-us/who-we-are.html|title=Who We Are|work=www.irishsurfing.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-gb}}</ref>


===Clubs===
===Clubs===
There are 16 surf clubs accredited by the Irish Surfing Association.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/signup|title=IrishSurfing - Sign Up|last=|first=|date=|work=|access-date=2017-04-26|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-gb}}</ref>
There are 16 surf clubs accredited by the Irish Surfing Association.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/signup|title=IrishSurfing - Sign Up|access-date=2017-04-26|language=en-gb}}</ref>
* Bundoran Board Riders Club ([[Bundoran]], [[County Donegal]])
* Bundoran Board Riders Club ([[Bundoran]], [[County Donegal]])
* Causeway Coast Surf Club ([[Portstewart]], [[County Londonderry]])
* Causeway Coast Surf Club ([[Portstewart]], [[County Londonderry]])
* Co. Sligo Surf Club ([[Strandhill]], [[County Sligo]])
* County Sligo Surf Club ([[Strandhill]], [[County Sligo]])
* Curracloe Surf Club ([[Curracloe]], [[County Wexford]])
* Curracloe Surf Club ([[Curracloe]], [[County Wexford]])
* Easkey Surf Club ([[Easky|Easkey]], [[County Sligo]])
* Easkey Surf Club ([[Easky|Easkey]], [[County Sligo]])
* East Coast Surf Club ([[Gorey]], [[County Wexford]])
* East Coast Surf Club ([[County Dublin]])
* GTown Surf Club ([[Kinsale]], [[County Cork]])
* GTown Surf Club ([[Kinsale]], [[County Cork]])
* Irish Soul Surfers Network ([[Ballyshannon]], [[County Donegal]])
* Irish Soul Surfers Network ([[Ballyshannon]], [[County Donegal]])
* Kerry Surf Club ([[County Kerry]])
* Kerry Surf Club ([[County Kerry]])
* Killiney Surf Club ([[Killiney]], [[County Dublin]])
* Killiney Surf Club ([[Killiney]], [[County Dublin]])
* Laois Surf Club ([[Port Laoise]], [[County Laois]])
* Laois Surf Club ([[Portlaoise]], [[County Laois]])
* Liquid Therapy ([[Bundoran]], [[County Donegal]])
* Liquid Therapy ([[Bundoran]], [[County Donegal]])
* North Sligo Surf Club ([[Strandhill]], [[County Sligo]])
* North Sligo Surf Club ([[Strandhill]], [[County Sligo]])
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===Competitions===
===Competitions===
The two most important annual events in the Irish surfing calendar are the [[Irish National Surfing Championships]], held in [[Bundoran]], [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://discoverbundoran.com/events/irish-national-surfing-championships/|title=Irish National Surfing Championships 2016 - Discover Bundoran - Tourist Information from Ireland's Capital of Fun!|website=discoverbundoran.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref>, and the [[Irish Inter County Surfing Championships]], held in [[Rossnowlagh]], [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/blog/218-47th-annual-intercounties.html|title=47TH ANNUAL INTERCOUNTIES|last=|first=|date=|work=www.irishsurfing.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-gb}}</ref>
The two most important annual events in the Irish surfing calendar are the [[Irish National Surfing Championships]], held in [[Bundoran]], [[County Donegal]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://discoverbundoran.com/events/irish-national-surfing-championships/|title=Irish National Surfing Championships 2016 - Discover Bundoran - Tourist Information from Ireland's Capital of Fun!|website=discoverbundoran.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref> and the [[Irish Inter County Surfing Championships]], held in [[Rossnowlagh]], [[County Donegal]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/blog/218-47th-annual-intercounties.html|title=47TH Annual Intercounties|work=www.irishsurfing.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-gb}}</ref>


Ireland has frequently hosted international competitions, including the Smirnoff International ([[Easky]], 1979)<ref name="IrishSurfingHistory" />, the [[European Surfing Championships]] (Lahinch, 1972; [[Rossnowlagh]], 1985; [[Bundoran]], 1997 & 2011)<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/blog/293-rossnowlagh-intercounties-irish-surfing-association-50th-anniversary-celebration.html|title=ROSSNOWLAGH INTERCOUNTIES & IRISH SURFING ASSOCIATION 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-gb}}</ref> and the Billabong Monster Tow In Surf Session ([[Mullaghmore, County Sligo|Mullaghmore]] 2011, 2012/13).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.surfcampseurope.com/en/blog/tow-in-surf-session-ireland|title=Tow-in Surf Session Ireland {{!}} Surf Camps Europe|work=Surfcampseurope.com|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en}}</ref>
Ireland has frequently hosted international competitions, including the Smirnoff International ([[Easky]], 1979),<ref name="IrishSurfingHistory" /> the [[European Surfing Championships]] (Lahinch, 1972; [[Rossnowlagh]], 1985; [[Bundoran]], 1997 & 2011)<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishsurfing.ie/blog/293-rossnowlagh-intercounties-irish-surfing-association-50th-anniversary-celebration.html|title=Rossnowlagh Intercounties & Irish Surfing Association 50th Anniversary Celebration|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-gb}}</ref> and the Billabong Monster Tow In Surf Session ([[Mullaghmore Peninsula|Mullaghmore]] 2011, 2012/13).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.surfcampseurope.com/en/blog/tow-in-surf-session-ireland|title=Tow-in Surf Session Ireland {{!}} Surf Camps Europe|work=Surfcampseurope.com|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en}}</ref>


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
Although surfing is not universally associated with Ireland, there is a growing surfing subculture to accommodate the increased interest in the sport. There have been a number of surfing documentaries filmed on the island<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ifi.ie/new-documentary-between-land-and-sea-gets-stunning-trailer/|title=Irish Film Institute -New Documentary Between Land and Sea Gets Stunning Trailer|website=ifi.ie|language=en|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfaroundireland.com/2015/01/monster-waves-of-europe-ireland.html|title=Monster Waves of Europe- Ireland - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland|website=www.surfaroundireland.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfaroundireland.com/2015/01/the-crest-a-new-crowdfunded-irish-surf-movie.html|title=The Crest - A New Crowdfunded Irish Surf Movie - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland|website=www.surfaroundireland.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref> (including the acclaimed 2008 documentary, [[Waveriders]]), as well as annual surf music festivals<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://seasessions.com/|title=Sea Sessions 2017|website=seasessions.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfandseafestival.com/|title=Surf & Sea Festival Tramore|website=www.surfandseafestival.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref> and a surf film festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shoreshots.ie/|title=Shoreshots|last=|first=|date=|website=54.2766° N, 8.4761° W|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref>
Although surfing is not universally associated with Ireland, there is a growing surfing subculture to accommodate the increased interest in the sport. There have been a number of surfing documentaries filmed on the island<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ifi.ie/new-documentary-between-land-and-sea-gets-stunning-trailer/|title=Irish Film Institute -New Documentary Between Land and Sea Gets Stunning Trailer|website=ifi.ie|date=27 February 2017 |language=en|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfaroundireland.com/2015/01/monster-waves-of-europe-ireland.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121074311/http://www.surfaroundireland.com/2015/01/monster-waves-of-europe-ireland.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 January 2021|title=Monster Waves of Europe- Ireland - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland|website=www.surfaroundireland.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfaroundireland.com/2015/01/the-crest-a-new-crowdfunded-irish-surf-movie.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109142100/http://www.surfaroundireland.com/2015/01/the-crest-a-new-crowdfunded-irish-surf-movie.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=9 January 2016|title=The Crest - A New Crowdfunded Irish Surf Movie - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland|website=www.surfaroundireland.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref> (including the acclaimed 2008 documentary, [[Waveriders]]), as well as annual surf music festivals<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://seasessions.com/|title=Sea Sessions 2017|website=seasessions.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfandseafestival.com/|title=Surf & Sea Festival Tramore|website=www.surfandseafestival.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref> and a surf film festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.shoreshots.ie/|title=Shoreshots|website=54.2766° N, 8.4761° W|language=en-US|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref>


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Ireland has an estimated 20,000 resident surfers. In addition, the country is an increasingly popular destination for surfing tourists.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/surfing-tourism-on-crest-of-a-wave-after-monster-swell-1.676809|title=Surfing tourism on crest of a wave after monster swell|work=The Irish Times|access-date=2017-04-26|language=en-US}}</ref>
Ireland has an estimated 20,000 resident surfers. In addition, the country is an increasingly popular destination for surfing tourists.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/surfing-tourism-on-crest-of-a-wave-after-monster-swell-1.676809|title=Surfing tourism on crest of a wave after monster swell|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=2017-04-26|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Locations==
==Locations==
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! Name of spot !! Location !! County !! Break Direction !! Break Type !! Difficulty
! Name of spot !! Location !! County !! Break Direction !! Break Type !! Difficulty
|-
|-
| Ballycastle Beach || [[Ballycastle, County Antrim|Ballycastle]] || [[County Antrim|Co. Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Ballycastle Beach || [[Ballycastle, County Antrim|Ballycastle]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| East Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim|Co. Antrim]] || Left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
| East Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Finn's Left || [[Ballintoy]] || [[County Antrim|Co. Antrim]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Finn's Left || [[Ballintoy]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Portballintrae || [[Portballintrae]] || [[County Antrim|Co. Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Portballintrae || [[Portballintrae]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Portrush || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim|Co. Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Portrush || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| West Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim|Co. Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| West Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| White Rocks || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim|Co. Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| White Rocks || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Castlerock || [[Castlerock]] || [[County Londonderry|Co. Londonderry]] || Left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers
| Castlerock || [[Castlerock]] || [[County Londonderry]] || Left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Castlerock Beach || [[Castlerock]] || [[County Londonderry|Co. Londonderry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Castlerock Beach || [[Castlerock]] || [[County Londonderry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Portstewart || [[Portstewart]] || [[County Londonderry|Co. Londonderry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Portstewart || [[Portstewart]] || [[County Londonderry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Ballyheirnan Bay || [[Fanad]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Ballyheirnan Bay || [[Fanad]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Ballymastocker || [[Portsalon]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Ballymastocker || [[Portsalon]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Black spot || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Black spot || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Bloody foreland || Brinlack || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Bloody foreland || Brinlack || [[County Donegal]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Bundoran || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Bundoran || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Drumnacraig || North of [[Portsalon]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
| Drumnacraig || North of [[Portsalon]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Falcarragh Beach || [[Falcarragh]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Falcarragh Beach || [[Falcarragh]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Loughros Point || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers
| Loughros Point || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County Donegal]] || Left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Maghera Beach || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Maghera Beach || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Muckros || Largydaughton || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Pampa || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Pampa || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Rossnowlagh || [[Rossnowlagh]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Rossnowlagh || [[Rossnowlagh]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Tullan Strand || [[Ballyshannon]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Tullan Strand || [[Ballyshannon]] || [[County Donegal|Co. Donegal]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers
| Tullaghan (left) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County Leitrim]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Tullaghan (left) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County Leitrim|Co. Leitrim]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Tullaghan (right) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County Leitrim]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Tullaghan (right) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County Leitrim|Co. Leitrim]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Bay Break || [[Strandhill]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
|-
|-
| Bay Break || [[Strandhill]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
| Dunmoran || near [[Skreen]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Dunmoran || near [[Skreen]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Easky || [[Easky]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
|-
|-
| Easky || [[Easky]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
| Easky (right) || [[Easky]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right || Point-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Easky (right) || [[Easky]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Right || Point-break || All surfers
| Gaa || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Gaa || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Inishcrone || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Inishcrone || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Lislary || near Ocean Heights B&B || [[County Sligo]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
|-
|-
| Lislary || near Ocean Heights B&B || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
| Mullaghmore || [[Mullaghmore, County Sligo|Mullaghmore]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only...
|-
|-
| Mullaghmore || [[Mullaghmore, County Sligo|Mullaghmore]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only...
| Strandhill || [[Strandhill]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Strandhill || [[Strandhill]] || [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Carrownisky || near [[Louisburgh, County Mayo|Louisburgh]] || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Carrownisky || near [[Louisburgh, County Mayo|Louisburgh]] || [[County Mayo|Co. Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Dugort || [[Achill Island]] (North) || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Dugort || [[Achill Island]] (North) || [[County Mayo|Co. Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Keel Beach || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Keel Beach || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County Mayo|Co. Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Keel Strand || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Keel Strand || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County Mayo|Co. Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Kilcummin || [[Ballycastle, County Mayo|Ballycastle]] || [[County Mayo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Kilcummin || [[Ballycastle, County Mayo|Ballycastle]] || [[County Mayo|Co. Mayo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Killadoon || beside [[Cross Lough]] || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Killadoon || beside [[Cross Lough]] || [[County Mayo|Co. Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Doonloughin || ~4&nbsp;km WNW of [[Ballyconneely]] || [[County Galway]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Doonloughin || ~4km WNW of [[Ballyconneely]] || [[County Galway|Co. Galway]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Aileens || off [[Cliffs of Moher]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only...
|-
|-
| Aileens || off [[Cliffs of Moher]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only...
| Barrtrá || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Point-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Barrtrá || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Left || Point-break || All surfers
| Crab Island || [[Doolin]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Crab Island || [[Doolin]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Cream Point || off [[Milltown Malbay]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only...
|-
|-
| Cream Point || off [[Milltown Malbay]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only...
| Doolin Point || [[Doolin]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Doolin Point || [[Doolin]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Doonbeg Castle || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
|-
|-
| Doonbeg Castle || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
| Doughmore Beach || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
|-
|-
| Doughmore Beach || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
| Fanore || [[Fanore]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
|-
|-
| Fanore || [[Fanore]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
| Killard || near [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Killard || near [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Lahinch Beach || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Lahinch Beach || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Lahinch (Left) || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Lahinch (Left) || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Spanish Point Beach || [[Spanish Point, County Clare|Spanish Point]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
|-
|-
| Spanish Point Beach || [[Spanish Point]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
| Spanish Point Reefs || [[Spanish Point, County Clare|Spanish Point]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Spanish Point Reefs || [[Spanish Point]] || [[County Clare|Co. Clare]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Ardkeragh || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Ardkeragh || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Ballinskelligs || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
|-
|-
| Ballinskelligs || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
| Ballybunion || [[Ballybunion]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Ballybunion || [[Ballybunion]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers
| Ballyheigue || [[Ballyheigue]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Ballyheigue || [[Ballyheigue]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Banna Strand || [[Banna Strand]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Banna Strand || [[Banna Strand]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
| Baslicon || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Baslicon || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Beale || North of [[Ballybunion]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
|-
|-
| Beale || North of [[Ballybunion]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
| Brandon Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Brandon Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Coumeenole || [[Slea Head]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Coumeenole || [[Slea Head]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
| Inch Reef || East of [[Dingle]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Inch Reef || East of [[Dingle]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
| Inch Strand || [[Inch, County Kerry|Inch]] ([[Castlemaine Harbour]]) || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
|-
|-
| Inch Strand || [[Castlemaine, County Kerry|Castlemaine]] Harbour || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
| Rossbeigh || [[Rossbeigh]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
|-
|-
| Rossbeigh || [[Rossbeigh]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
| Sandy Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Sandy Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
| St. Finnians Bay || between [[Puffin Island (County Kerry)|Puffin Island]] and [[Ballinskelligs]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| St. Finnians Bay || between [[Puffin Island (County Kerry)|Puffin Island]] and [[Ballinskelligs]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| The Old Hatchery || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| The Old Hatchery || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry|Co. Kerry]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
| Barley Cove || [[Barleycove]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Barley Cove || [[Barleycove]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Do More Reefs || near [[Glandore]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Do More Reefs || near [[Glandore]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers
| Donomore Reefs || off Ballinglanna || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Donomore Reefs || off Ballinglanna || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Dunworley || on Seven Heads Peninsula || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Dunworley || on Seven Heads Peninsula || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Fennels Bay || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Fennels Bay || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Fennels Bay Reef || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County Cork]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Fennels Bay Reef || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers
| Garretstown || near [[Kinsale]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Garretstown || near [[Kinsale]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Inch (Whitegate) || between [[Roche's Point Lighthouse]] and Power Head || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
|-
|-
| Inch (Whitegate) || between [[Roche's Point Lighthouse]] and Power Head || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
| Inchydoney || [[Inchydoney]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Inchydoney || [[Inchydoney]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Langerville || off [[Ardfield]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Beginners wave
|-
|-
| Langerville || off [[Ardfield]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Beginners wave
| Long Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Long Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
| Ownahincha || [[Owenahincha]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Ownahincha || [[Owenahincha]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Red Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Red Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Sherkin Island || [[Sherkin Island]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Sherkin Island || [[Sherkin Island]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| White Bay || beside [[Fort Davis, County Cork|Fort Davis]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| White Bay || beside [[Fort Davis, County Cork|Fort Davis]] || [[County Cork|Co. Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers
| Annestown || [[Annestown]] || [[County Waterford]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
|-
|-
| Annestown || [[Annestown]] || [[County Waterford|Co. Waterford]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers
| Bunmahon || [[Bunmahon]] || [[County Waterford]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Bunmahon || [[Bunmahon]] || [[County Waterford|Co. Waterford]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Maghermore || near [[Blainroe Golf Club]] || [[County Wicklow]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Maghermore || near [[Blainroe Golf Club]] || [[County Wicklow|Co. Wicklow]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers
| Tramore || [[Tramore]] || [[County Waterford]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Tramore || [[Tramore]] || [[County Waterford|Co. Waterford]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
| Killiney Bay || [[Killiney]] || [[County Dublin]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
|-
|-
| Back Beach || [[Donabate]] || [[County Dublin|Co. Dublin]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || All surfers
| Clogherhead || [[Clogherhead]] || [[County Louth]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
|-
| Donabate || [[Donabate]] || [[County Dublin|Co. Dublin]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave
| Dun Dealgan || near [[Dundalk]] || [[County Louth]] || Right || Rivermouth || All surfers
|-
|-
| Killiney Bay || [[Killiney]] || [[County Dublin|Co. Dublin]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers
| Curacloe || [[Wexford]] || || Right and left || sand bank and shore break || sand bank for experienced surfers and shore break for all
|-
| Tower Bay || [[Portrane]] || [[County Dublin|Co. Dublin]] || Right and left || Point-break || Experienced surfers
|-
| Clogherhead || [[Clogherhead]] || [[County Louth|Co. Louth]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers
|-
| Dun Dealgan || near [[Dundalk]] || [[County Louth|Co. Louth]] || Right || Rivermouth || All surfers
|}
|}


==Big wave surfing==
==Big wave surfing==
Ireland's location on the edge of the North Atlantic makes it a good location for accessing large waves. The record for the largest measured wave, at 19m (62ft) tall, is held by a buoy off the north-west coast of the country<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://afloat.ie/marine-environment/coastal-notes/item/34501-world-s-biggest-wave-recorded-off-ireland|title=‘World’s Biggest Wave’ Recorded Off Ireland|last=|first=|date=|work=afloat.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-gb}}</ref>, and satellite imagery has shown a tendency for the generation of waves in excess of 9m (30ft) tall in the area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://afloat.ie/watersport/surfing/item/33567-new-big-wave-hotspot-discovered-off-irish-coast|title=New Big Wave Hotspot Discovered Off Irish Coast|last=|first=|date=|work=afloat.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-gb}}</ref>
Ireland's location on the edge of the North Atlantic makes it a good location for accessing large waves. The record for the largest measured wave, at 19&nbsp;m (62&nbsp;ft) tall, is held by a buoy off the north-west coast of the country,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://afloat.ie/marine-environment/coastal-notes/item/34501-world-s-biggest-wave-recorded-off-ireland|title='World's Biggest Wave' Recorded Off Ireland|work=afloat.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-gb}}</ref> and satellite imagery has shown a tendency for the generation of waves in excess of 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) tall in the area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://afloat.ie/watersport/surfing/item/33567-new-big-wave-hotspot-discovered-off-irish-coast|title=New Big Wave Hotspot Discovered Off Irish Coast|work=afloat.ie|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-gb}}</ref>


Ireland's most iconic big wave, known as "Ailleens" after the nearby ''Aill na Searrach'' cliffs, is located off the [[Cliffs of Moher]], [[County Clare|Co. Clare]], and is a popular location for [[tow-in surfing]]. Although championed by many as a "perfect wave", with a potential height of 12m (39ft), Ailleens is not an everyday occurrence, as it requires stormy conditions and strong east winds offshore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wildatlanticway.com/stories/watersports/aileen-s-wave|title=Biggest Waves in the World {{!}} Wild Atlantic Way|last=Fáilte Ireland|first=|date=|website=www.wildatlanticway.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ireland.com/what-is-available/water-sports/surfing/articles/the-perfect-wave/|title=Aileen’s – Ireland’s Perfect Wave #irlnd|work=Ireland.com|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en}}</ref>
Ireland's most iconic big wave, known as "Ailleens" after the nearby ''Aill na Searrach'' cliffs, is located off the [[Cliffs of Moher]], [[County Clare]], and is a popular location for [[tow-in surfing]]. Although championed by many as a "perfect wave", with a potential height of 12&nbsp;m (39&nbsp;ft), Ailleens is not an everyday occurrence, as it requires stormy conditions and strong east winds offshore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wildatlanticway.com/stories/watersports/aileen-s-wave|title=Biggest Waves in the World {{!}} Wild Atlantic Way|last=Fáilte Ireland|website=www.wildatlanticway.com|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ireland.com/what-is-available/water-sports/surfing/articles/the-perfect-wave/|title=Aileen's – Ireland's Perfect Wave #irlnd|work=Ireland.com|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en}}</ref>


[[Mullaghmore, County Sligo|Mullaghmore]] Head's 9m (30ft) waves, in [[County Sligo|Co. Sligo]], have served as the platform for the ''Billabong Monster Tow In Surf Session'' since 2011''.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wildatlanticway.com/stories/watersports/making-waves-on-mullaghmore-head|title=Mullaghmore Surf {{!}} Surfing on the Wild Atlantic Way|last=Fáilte Ireland|first=|date=|website=www.wildatlanticway.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref> A nearby wave, known as "Prowlers", has been surfed at an estimated height of 15m (50ft).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfaroundireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Lahinch-Area-Surf-Economic-Report-Nov-2010.pdf|title=The Impact of Surfing on the Local Economy of the Lahinch Area, Co. Clare, Ireland|last=Cooney|first=Neil|date=November 2010|website=www.surfaroundireland.com|page=5|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
[[Mullaghmore, County Sligo|Mullaghmore]] Head's 9&nbsp;m (30&nbsp;ft) waves, in [[County Sligo]], have served as the platform for the ''Billabong Monster Tow In Surf Session'' since 2011''.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wildatlanticway.com/stories/watersports/making-waves-on-mullaghmore-head|title=Mullaghmore Surf {{!}} Surfing on the Wild Atlantic Way|last=Fáilte Ireland|website=www.wildatlanticway.com|access-date=2017-04-27}}</ref> A nearby wave, known as "Prowlers", has been surfed at an estimated height of 15&nbsp;m (50&nbsp;ft).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surfaroundireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Lahinch-Area-Surf-Economic-Report-Nov-2010.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214212900/http://www.surfaroundireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Lahinch-Area-Surf-Economic-Report-Nov-2010.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=14 February 2019|title=The Impact of Surfing on the Local Economy of the Lahinch Area, Co. Clare, Ireland|last=Cooney|first=Neil|date=November 2010|website=www.surfaroundireland.com|page=5}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 281: Line 276:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.irishsurfing.ie/ Irish Surfing Association]
* [http://www.irishsurfing.ie/ Irish Surfing Association]
* [http://www.surfaroundireland.com/ Surfing Around Ireland]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100327164304/http://www.surfaroundireland.com/ Surfing Around Ireland]}}
* [http://www.discoverireland.ie/Things-To-Do/Activities-and-Adventure/On-the-Water/Surfing-in-Ireland Discover Ireland - Surfing In Ireland]
* [http://www.discoverireland.ie/Things-To-Do/Activities-and-Adventure/On-the-Water/Surfing-in-Ireland Discover Ireland - Surfing In Ireland]
* [http://www.wildatlanticway.com/stories/watersports/best-surf-spots Wild Atlantic Way - Some of the Best Surf Spots in the World]
* [http://www.wildatlanticway.com/stories/watersports/best-surf-spots Wild Atlantic Way - Some of the Best Surf Spots in the World]
{{Surfing}}
{{Surfing}}

⚫
[[Category:Surfing by country]]
[[Category:Surfing in Ireland]]
[[Category:Surfing in Ireland| ]]
⚫
[[Category:Surfing by country|Ireland]]

Latest revision as of 02:57, 22 December 2024

Surfing in Ireland
Surfers on Doughmore Beach, County Clare
Surfers on Doughmore Beach, County Clare
CountryRepublic of Ireland
Northern Ireland
Governing bodyIrish Surfing Association
National team(s)Irish Surf Team
Clubs16
National competitions
Club competitions
International competitions

Ireland has become increasingly popular as a surfing destination, due to its exposed location on the turbulent Atlantic seaboard.[1]

The island has 3,172 kilometers of coastline, and the southern and western shores are exposed for waves originating in the North Atlantic.[2] Although Ireland is located at a high latitude, the warm ocean currents of the North Atlantic drift ensures mild water temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of 10 °C (50 °F) in winter and a maximum of 21 °C (70 °F) in summer.[3]

The numerous beaches, reefs, headlands and coves along the west coast of Ireland serve as popular surf spots. Ireland has played host to international events since the 1960s, and is home to many surf shops, schools and clubs.[3]

History

[edit]

Surfing has been documented in Ireland as early as 1949, however it wasn't until 1964 that the "Bray Island Surf Club" was founded. Ireland was first represented at the World Surfing Championship in 1966 by Kevin Cavey, which in turn inspired the first Irish National Surfing Championships, held in Tramore, County Waterford in 1967. The first Irish Inter County Surfing Championships was held in 1968, followed by a full Irish team entry in the inaugural European Surfing Championships of 1969.

The growing interest in competition surfing mirrored a general interest in surfing across the island, with the number of participants and clubs growing rapidly throughout the late 60s; by 1970, there were an estimated 400 surfers in the country. This led to the foundation of the Irish Surfing Association in that year.[4][5]

Governing body

[edit]

Irish Surfing, also known as the Irish Surfing Association, is a voluntary organisation that governs the sport of surfing on the island of Ireland. It participates in club development, instructor training and surf school regulation, and promoting surfing safety and the protection of the environment, as well as overseeing competitive surfing in Ireland.[6]

Clubs

[edit]

There are 16 surf clubs accredited by the Irish Surfing Association.[7]

There are also many unaccredited surf clubs throughout the country.

Competitions

[edit]

The two most important annual events in the Irish surfing calendar are the Irish National Surfing Championships, held in Bundoran, County Donegal,[8] and the Irish Inter County Surfing Championships, held in Rossnowlagh, County Donegal.[9]

Ireland has frequently hosted international competitions, including the Smirnoff International (Easky, 1979),[4] the European Surfing Championships (Lahinch, 1972; Rossnowlagh, 1985; Bundoran, 1997 & 2011)[10] and the Billabong Monster Tow In Surf Session (Mullaghmore 2011, 2012/13).[11]

Culture

[edit]

Although surfing is not universally associated with Ireland, there is a growing surfing subculture to accommodate the increased interest in the sport. There have been a number of surfing documentaries filmed on the island[12][13][14] (including the acclaimed 2008 documentary, Waveriders), as well as annual surf music festivals[15][16] and a surf film festival.[17]

Demographics

[edit]

Ireland has an estimated 20,000 resident surfers. In addition, the country is an increasingly popular destination for surfing tourists.[18]

Locations

[edit]
List of surf spots[19][20][21]
Name of spot Location County Break Direction Break Type Difficulty
Ballycastle Beach Ballycastle County Antrim Right and left Beach-break All surfers
East Strand Portrush County Antrim Left Beach-break Experienced surfers
Finn's Left Ballintoy County Antrim Right Point-break Experienced surfers
Portballintrae Portballintrae County Antrim Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Portrush Portrush County Antrim Right and left Beach-break All surfers
West Strand Portrush County Antrim Right and left Beach-break All surfers
White Rocks Portrush County Antrim Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Castlerock Castlerock County Londonderry Left Rivermouth Experienced surfers
Castlerock Beach Castlerock County Londonderry Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Portstewart Portstewart County Londonderry Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Ballyheirnan Bay Fanad County Donegal Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Ballymastocker Portsalon County Donegal Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Black spot Bundoran County Donegal Right and left Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Bloody foreland Brinlack County Donegal Right Point-break Experienced surfers
Bundoran Bundoran County Donegal Right and left Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Drumnacraig North of Portsalon County Donegal Right and left Beach-break Experienced surfers
Falcarragh Beach Falcarragh County Donegal Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Loughros Point Ardara County Donegal Left Rivermouth Experienced surfers
Maghera Beach Ardara County Donegal Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Pampa Bundoran County Donegal Left Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Rossnowlagh Rossnowlagh County Donegal Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Tullan Strand Ballyshannon County Donegal Right Beach-break All surfers
Tullaghan (left) Tullaghan County Leitrim Left Point-break Experienced surfers
Tullaghan (right) Tullaghan County Leitrim Right Point-break Experienced surfers
Bay Break Strandhill County Sligo Left Reef-rocky All surfers
Dunmoran near Skreen County Sligo Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Easky Easky County Sligo Left Reef-rocky All surfers
Easky (right) Easky County Sligo Right Point-break All surfers
Gaa Enniscrone County Sligo Left Point-break Experienced surfers
Inishcrone Enniscrone County Sligo Right Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Lislary near Ocean Heights B&B County Sligo Right and left Reef-rocky All surfers
Mullaghmore Mullaghmore County Sligo Left Reef-rocky Pros or kamikaze only...
Strandhill Strandhill County Sligo Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Carrownisky near Louisburgh County Mayo Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Dugort Achill Island (North) County Mayo Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Keel Beach Achill Island (South) County Mayo Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Keel Strand Achill Island (South) County Mayo Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Kilcummin Ballycastle County Mayo Left Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Killadoon beside Cross Lough County Mayo Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Doonloughin ~4 km WNW of Ballyconneely County Galway Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Aileens off Cliffs of Moher County Clare Right Reef-rocky Pros or kamikaze only...
Barrtrá Lahinch County Clare Left Point-break All surfers
Crab Island Doolin County Clare Right Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Cream Point off Milltown Malbay County Clare Right and left Reef-rocky Pros or kamikaze only...
Doolin Point Doolin County Clare Right Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Doonbeg Castle Doonbeg County Clare Left Reef-rocky All surfers
Doughmore Beach Doonbeg County Clare Left Reef-rocky All surfers
Fanore Fanore County Clare Right and left Beach-break Beginners wave
Killard near Doonbeg County Clare Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Lahinch Beach Lahinch County Clare Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Lahinch (Left) Lahinch County Clare Left Point-break Experienced surfers
Spanish Point Beach Spanish Point County Clare Right and left Beach-break Beginners wave
Spanish Point Reefs Spanish Point County Clare Right Point-break Experienced surfers
Ardkeragh Waterville County Kerry Left Point-break Experienced surfers
Ballinskelligs Waterville County Kerry Right and left Beach-break Beginners wave
Ballybunion Ballybunion County Kerry Right Beach-break All surfers
Ballyheigue Ballyheigue County Kerry Right and left Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Banna Strand Banna Strand County Kerry Right and left Sand-bar Experienced surfers
Baslicon Waterville County Kerry Right Point-break Experienced surfers
Beale North of Ballybunion County Kerry Right and left Beach-break Beginners wave
Brandon Bay Maharees County Kerry Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Coumeenole Slea Head County Kerry Right and left Beach-break Experienced surfers
Inch Reef East of Dingle County Kerry Right and left Sand-bar Experienced surfers
Inch Strand Inch (Castlemaine Harbour) County Kerry Right and left Beach-break Beginners wave
Rossbeigh Rossbeigh County Kerry Right and left Beach-break Beginners wave
Sandy Bay Maharees County Kerry Right Sand-bar Experienced surfers
St. Finnians Bay between Puffin Island and Ballinskelligs County Kerry Right and left Beach-break All surfers
The Old Hatchery Waterville County Kerry Left Point-break Experienced surfers
Barley Cove Barleycove County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Do More Reefs near Glandore County Cork Right and left Rivermouth Experienced surfers
Donomore Reefs off Ballinglanna County Cork Right and left Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Dunworley on Seven Heads Peninsula County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Fennels Bay between Crosshaven and Myrtleville County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Fennels Bay Reef between Crosshaven and Myrtleville County Cork Left Reef-rocky Experienced surfers
Garretstown near Kinsale County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Inch (Whitegate) between Roche's Point Lighthouse and Power Head County Cork Right and left Reef-rocky All surfers
Inchydoney Inchydoney County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Langerville off Ardfield County Cork Right and left Reef-rocky Beginners wave
Long Strand near Galley Head Lighthouse County Cork Right and left Beach-break Experienced surfers
Ownahincha Owenahincha County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Red Strand near Galley Head Lighthouse County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Sherkin Island Sherkin Island County Cork Right and left Beach-break All surfers
White Bay beside Fort Davis County Cork Right and left Beach-break Experienced surfers
Annestown Annestown County Waterford Right and left Reef-rocky All surfers
Bunmahon Bunmahon County Waterford Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Maghermore near Blainroe Golf Club County Wicklow Right Beach-break All surfers
Tramore Tramore County Waterford Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Killiney Bay Killiney County Dublin Right and left Sand-bar Experienced surfers
Clogherhead Clogherhead County Louth Right and left Beach-break All surfers
Dun Dealgan near Dundalk County Louth Right Rivermouth All surfers
Curacloe Wexford Right and left sand bank and shore break sand bank for experienced surfers and shore break for all

Big wave surfing

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Ireland's location on the edge of the North Atlantic makes it a good location for accessing large waves. The record for the largest measured wave, at 19 m (62 ft) tall, is held by a buoy off the north-west coast of the country,[22] and satellite imagery has shown a tendency for the generation of waves in excess of 9 m (30 ft) tall in the area.[23]

Ireland's most iconic big wave, known as "Ailleens" after the nearby Aill na Searrach cliffs, is located off the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, and is a popular location for tow-in surfing. Although championed by many as a "perfect wave", with a potential height of 12 m (39 ft), Ailleens is not an everyday occurrence, as it requires stormy conditions and strong east winds offshore.[24][25]

Mullaghmore Head's 9 m (30 ft) waves, in County Sligo, have served as the platform for the Billabong Monster Tow In Surf Session since 2011.[26] A nearby wave, known as "Prowlers", has been surfed at an estimated height of 15 m (50 ft).[27]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ltd, Wannasurf.com. "Ireland - WannaSurf, surf spots atlas, surfing photos, maps, GPS location". www.wannasurf.com. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  2. ^ "The best surf spots in Ireland". SurferToday. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Surfing in Ireland Irish culture and customs - World Cultures European". www.irishcultureandcustoms.com. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Our History". www.irishsurfing.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  5. ^ Cavey, Kevin. "Surf History". kevincavey.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  6. ^ "Who We Are". www.irishsurfing.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  7. ^ "IrishSurfing - Sign Up". Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  8. ^ "Irish National Surfing Championships 2016 - Discover Bundoran - Tourist Information from Ireland's Capital of Fun!". discoverbundoran.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  9. ^ "47TH Annual Intercounties". www.irishsurfing.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  10. ^ "Rossnowlagh Intercounties & Irish Surfing Association 50th Anniversary Celebration". Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  11. ^ "Tow-in Surf Session Ireland | Surf Camps Europe". Surfcampseurope.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  12. ^ "Irish Film Institute -New Documentary Between Land and Sea Gets Stunning Trailer". ifi.ie. 27 February 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  13. ^ "Monster Waves of Europe- Ireland - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland". www.surfaroundireland.com. Archived from the original on 21 January 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  14. ^ "The Crest - A New Crowdfunded Irish Surf Movie - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland". www.surfaroundireland.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  15. ^ "Sea Sessions 2017". seasessions.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  16. ^ "Surf & Sea Festival Tramore". www.surfandseafestival.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  17. ^ "Shoreshots". 54.2766° N, 8.4761° W. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  18. ^ "Surfing tourism on crest of a wave after monster swell". The Irish Times. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  19. ^ Ltd, Wannasurf.com. "Ireland - WannaSurf, surf spots atlas, surfing photos, maps, GPS location". www.wannasurf.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  20. ^ "Surf Forecast & Surf Reports for IRELAND". www.surf-forecast.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  21. ^ "Surfspots.ie". surfspots.ie. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
  22. ^ "'World's Biggest Wave' Recorded Off Ireland". afloat.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  23. ^ "New Big Wave Hotspot Discovered Off Irish Coast". afloat.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  24. ^ Fáilte Ireland. "Biggest Waves in the World | Wild Atlantic Way". www.wildatlanticway.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  25. ^ "Aileen's – Ireland's Perfect Wave #irlnd". Ireland.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  26. ^ Fáilte Ireland. "Mullaghmore Surf | Surfing on the Wild Atlantic Way". www.wildatlanticway.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
  27. ^ Cooney, Neil (November 2010). "The Impact of Surfing on the Local Economy of the Lahinch Area, Co. Clare, Ireland" (PDF). www.surfaroundireland.com. p. 5. Archived from the original on 14 February 2019.
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