Surfing in Ireland: Difference between revisions
Content deleted Content added
rv to county name per WP:DERRY |
→Locations: Don't use Co. per Wp:IMOS |
||
| Line 72: | Line 72: | ||
! 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 |
| Ballycastle Beach || [[Ballycastle, County Antrim|Ballycastle]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| East Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County |
| East Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Finn's Left || [[Ballintoy]] || [[County |
| Finn's Left || [[Ballintoy]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Portballintrae || [[Portballintrae]] || [[County |
| Portballintrae || [[Portballintrae]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Portrush || [[Portrush]] || [[County |
| Portrush || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| West Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County |
| West Strand || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| White Rocks || [[Portrush]] || [[County |
| White Rocks || [[Portrush]] || [[County Antrim]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Castlerock || [[Castlerock]] || [[County |
| Castlerock || [[Castlerock]] || [[County Londonderry]] || Left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Castlerock Beach || [[Castlerock]] || [[County |
| Castlerock Beach || [[Castlerock]] || [[County Londonderry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Portstewart || [[Portstewart]] || [[County |
| Portstewart || [[Portstewart]] || [[County Londonderry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Ballyheirnan Bay || [[Fanad]] || [[County |
| Ballyheirnan Bay || [[Fanad]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Ballymastocker || [[Portsalon]] || [[County |
| Ballymastocker || [[Portsalon]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Black spot || [[Bundoran]] || [[County |
| Black spot || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Bloody foreland || Brinlack || [[County |
| Bloody foreland || Brinlack || [[County Donegal]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Bundoran || [[Bundoran]] || [[County |
| Bundoran || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Drumnacraig || North of [[Portsalon]] || [[County |
| Drumnacraig || North of [[Portsalon]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Falcarragh Beach || [[Falcarragh]] || [[County |
| Falcarragh Beach || [[Falcarragh]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Loughros Point || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County |
| Loughros Point || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County Donegal]] || Left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Maghera Beach || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County |
| Maghera Beach || [[Ardara, County Donegal|Ardara]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Pampa || [[Bundoran]] || [[County |
| Pampa || [[Bundoran]] || [[County Donegal]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Rossnowlagh || [[Rossnowlagh]] || [[County |
| Rossnowlagh || [[Rossnowlagh]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Tullan Strand || [[Ballyshannon]] || [[County |
| Tullan Strand || [[Ballyshannon]] || [[County Donegal]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Tullaghan (left) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County |
| Tullaghan (left) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County Leitrim]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Tullaghan (right) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County |
| Tullaghan (right) || [[Tullaghan]] || [[County Leitrim]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Bay Break || [[Strandhill]] || [[County |
| Bay Break || [[Strandhill]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Dunmoran || near [[Skreen]] || [[County |
| Dunmoran || near [[Skreen]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Easky || [[Easky]] || [[County |
| Easky || [[Easky]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Easky (right) || [[Easky]] || [[County |
| Easky (right) || [[Easky]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right || Point-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Gaa || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County |
| Gaa || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Inishcrone || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County |
| Inishcrone || [[Enniscrone]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Lislary || near Ocean Heights B&B || [[County |
| Lislary || near Ocean Heights B&B || [[County Sligo]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Mullaghmore || [[Mullaghmore, County Sligo|Mullaghmore]] || [[County |
| Mullaghmore || [[Mullaghmore, County Sligo|Mullaghmore]] || [[County Sligo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only... |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Strandhill || [[Strandhill]] || [[County |
| Strandhill || [[Strandhill]] || [[County Sligo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Carrownisky || near [[Louisburgh, County Mayo|Louisburgh]] || [[County |
| Carrownisky || near [[Louisburgh, County Mayo|Louisburgh]] || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Dugort || [[Achill Island]] (North) || [[County |
| Dugort || [[Achill Island]] (North) || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Keel Beach || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County |
| Keel Beach || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Keel Strand || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County |
| Keel Strand || [[Achill Island]] (South) || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Kilcummin || [[Ballycastle, County Mayo|Ballycastle]] || [[County |
| Kilcummin || [[Ballycastle, County Mayo|Ballycastle]] || [[County Mayo]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Killadoon || beside [[Cross Lough]] || [[County |
| Killadoon || beside [[Cross Lough]] || [[County Mayo]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Doonloughin || ~4 km WNW of [[Ballyconneely]] || [[County |
| Doonloughin || ~4 km WNW of [[Ballyconneely]] || [[County Galway]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Aileens || off [[Cliffs of Moher]] || [[County |
| Aileens || off [[Cliffs of Moher]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only... |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Barrtrá || [[Lahinch]] || [[County |
| Barrtrá || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Point-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Crab Island || [[Doolin]] || [[County |
| Crab Island || [[Doolin]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Cream Point || off [[Milltown Malbay]] || [[County |
| Cream Point || off [[Milltown Malbay]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Pros or kamikaze only... |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Doolin Point || [[Doolin]] || [[County |
| Doolin Point || [[Doolin]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Doonbeg Castle || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County |
| Doonbeg Castle || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Doughmore Beach || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County |
| Doughmore Beach || [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Reef-rocky || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Fanore || [[Fanore]] || [[County |
| Fanore || [[Fanore]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Killard || near [[Doonbeg]] || [[County |
| Killard || near [[Doonbeg]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Lahinch Beach || [[Lahinch]] || [[County |
| Lahinch Beach || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Lahinch (Left) || [[Lahinch]] || [[County |
| Lahinch (Left) || [[Lahinch]] || [[County Clare]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Spanish Point Beach || [[Spanish Point, County Clare|Spanish Point]] || [[County |
| Spanish Point Beach || [[Spanish Point, County Clare|Spanish Point]] || [[County Clare]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Spanish Point Reefs || [[Spanish Point, County Clare|Spanish Point]] || [[County |
| Spanish Point Reefs || [[Spanish Point, County Clare|Spanish Point]] || [[County Clare]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Ardkeragh || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County |
| Ardkeragh || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Ballinskelligs || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County |
| Ballinskelligs || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Ballybunion || [[Ballybunion]] || [[County |
| Ballybunion || [[Ballybunion]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Ballyheigue || [[Ballyheigue]] || [[County |
| Ballyheigue || [[Ballyheigue]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Banna Strand || [[Banna Strand]] || [[County |
| Banna Strand || [[Banna Strand]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Baslicon || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County |
| Baslicon || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Beale || North of [[Ballybunion]] || [[County |
| Beale || North of [[Ballybunion]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Brandon Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County |
| Brandon Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Coumeenole || [[Slea Head]] || [[County |
| Coumeenole || [[Slea Head]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Inch Reef || East of [[Dingle]] || [[County |
| Inch Reef || East of [[Dingle]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Inch Strand || [[Castlemaine, County Kerry|Castlemaine]] Harbour || [[County |
| Inch Strand || [[Castlemaine, County Kerry|Castlemaine]] Harbour || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Rossbeigh || [[Rossbeigh]] || [[County |
| Rossbeigh || [[Rossbeigh]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Beginners wave |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Sandy Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County |
| Sandy Bay || [[Maharees]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| St. Finnians Bay || between [[Puffin Island (County Kerry)|Puffin Island]] and [[Ballinskelligs]] || [[County |
| St. Finnians Bay || between [[Puffin Island (County Kerry)|Puffin Island]] and [[Ballinskelligs]] || [[County Kerry]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| The Old Hatchery || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County |
| The Old Hatchery || [[Waterville, County Kerry|Waterville]] || [[County Kerry]] || Left || Point-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Barley Cove || [[Barleycove]] || [[County |
| Barley Cove || [[Barleycove]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Do More Reefs || near [[Glandore]] || [[County |
| Do More Reefs || near [[Glandore]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Rivermouth || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Donomore Reefs || off Ballinglanna || [[County |
| Donomore Reefs || off Ballinglanna || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Dunworley || on Seven Heads Peninsula || [[County |
| Dunworley || on Seven Heads Peninsula || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Fennels Bay || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County |
| Fennels Bay || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Fennels Bay Reef || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County |
| Fennels Bay Reef || between [[Crosshaven]] and [[Myrtleville]] || [[County Cork]] || Left || Reef-rocky || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Garretstown || near [[Kinsale]] || [[County |
| Garretstown || near [[Kinsale]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Inch (Whitegate) || between [[Roche's Point Lighthouse]] and Power Head || [[County |
| Inch (Whitegate) || between [[Roche's Point Lighthouse]] and Power Head || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Inchydoney || [[Inchydoney]] || [[County |
| Inchydoney || [[Inchydoney]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Langerville || off [[Ardfield]] || [[County |
| Langerville || off [[Ardfield]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || Beginners wave |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Long Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County |
| Long Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Ownahincha || [[Owenahincha]] || [[County |
| Ownahincha || [[Owenahincha]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Red Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County |
| Red Strand || near [[Galley Head Lighthouse]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Sherkin Island || [[Sherkin Island]] || [[County |
| Sherkin Island || [[Sherkin Island]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| White Bay || beside [[Fort Davis, County Cork|Fort Davis]] || [[County |
| White Bay || beside [[Fort Davis, County Cork|Fort Davis]] || [[County Cork]] || Right and left || Beach-break || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Annestown || [[Annestown]] || [[County |
| Annestown || [[Annestown]] || [[County Waterford]] || Right and left || Reef-rocky || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Bunmahon || [[Bunmahon]] || [[County |
| Bunmahon || [[Bunmahon]] || [[County Waterford]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Maghermore || near [[Blainroe Golf Club]] || [[County |
| Maghermore || near [[Blainroe Golf Club]] || [[County Wicklow]] || Right || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Tramore || [[Tramore]] || [[County |
| Tramore || [[Tramore]] || [[County Waterford]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Killiney Bay || [[Killiney]] || [[County |
| Killiney Bay || [[Killiney]] || [[County Dublin]] || Right and left || Sand-bar || Experienced surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Clogherhead || [[Clogherhead]] || [[County |
| Clogherhead || [[Clogherhead]] || [[County Louth]] || Right and left || Beach-break || All surfers |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| Dun Dealgan || near [[Dundalk]] || [[County |
| 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 |
| Curacloe || [[Wexford]] || || Right and left || sand bank and shore break || sand bank for experienced surfers and shore break for all |
||
Revision as of 12:59, 17 May 2021
| Surfing in Ireland | |
|---|---|
 Surfers on Doughmore Beach, Co. Clare | |
| Country | Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland |
| Governing body | Irish Surfing Association |
| National team(s) | Irish Surf Team |
| Clubs | 16 |
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. Irish surf culture was further introduced in Australia by Sinead.[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
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, 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.
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
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
There are 16 surf clubs accredited by the Irish Surfing Association.[7]
- Bundoran Board Riders Club (Bundoran, County Donegal)
- Causeway Coast Surf Club (Portstewart, County Londonderry)
- Co. Sligo Surf Club (Strandhill, County Sligo)
- Curracloe Surf Club (Curracloe, County Wexford)
- Easkey Surf Club (Easkey, County Sligo)
- East Coast Surf Club (Gorey, County Wexford)
- GTown Surf Club (Kinsale, County Cork)
- Irish Soul Surfers Network (Ballyshannon, County Donegal)
- Kerry Surf Club (County Kerry)
- Killiney Surf Club (Killiney, County Dublin)
- Laois Surf Club (Port Laoise, County Laois)
- Liquid Therapy (Bundoran, County Donegal)
- North Sligo Surf Club (Strandhill, County Sligo)
- Rossnowlagh Surf Club (Rossnowlagh, County Donegal)
- TBay Surf Club (Tramore, County Waterford)
- West Coast Surf Club (Milltown Malbay, County Clare)
There are also many unaccredited surf clubs throughout the country.
Competitions
The two most important annual events in the Irish surfing calendar are the Irish National Surfing Championships, held in Bundoran, Co. Donegal,[8] and the Irish Inter County Surfing Championships, held in Rossnowlagh, Co. 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
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
Ireland has an estimated 20,000 resident surfers. In addition, the country is an increasingly popular destination for surfing tourists.[18]
Locations
| 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 | 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
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, Co. 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 Co. 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
- Big wave surfing
- Tow-in surfing
- Surfing in the United Kingdom
- Surfing in Scotland
- Tourism in the Republic of Ireland
- Wild Atlantic Way
References
- ^ Ltd, Wannasurf.com. "Ireland - WannaSurf, surf spots atlas, surfing photos, maps, GPS location". www.wannasurf.com. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
- ^ SurferToday.com, Editor at. "The best surf spots in Ireland". SurferToday. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
{{cite news}}:|first=has generic name (help) - ^ a b "Surfing in Ireland Irish culture and customs - World Cultures European". www.irishcultureandcustoms.com. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
- ^ a b "Our History". www.irishsurfing.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ Cavey, Kevin. "Surf History". kevincavey.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Who We Are". www.irishsurfing.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "IrishSurfing - Sign Up". Retrieved 26 April 2017.
- ^ "Irish National Surfing Championships 2016 - Discover Bundoran - Tourist Information from Ireland's Capital of Fun!". discoverbundoran.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "47TH Annual Intercounties". www.irishsurfing.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Rossnowlagh Intercounties & Irish Surfing Association 50th Anniversary Celebration". Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Tow-in Surf Session Ireland | Surf Camps Europe". Surfcampseurope.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Irish Film Institute -New Documentary Between Land and Sea Gets Stunning Trailer". ifi.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Monster Waves of Europe- Ireland - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland". www.surfaroundireland.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "The Crest - A New Crowdfunded Irish Surf Movie - Surf Around Ireland Surf Around Ireland". www.surfaroundireland.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Sea Sessions 2017". seasessions.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Surf & Sea Festival Tramore". www.surfandseafestival.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Shoreshots". 54.2766° N, 8.4761° W. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Surfing tourism on crest of a wave after monster swell". The Irish Times. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
- ^ Ltd, Wannasurf.com. "Ireland - WannaSurf, surf spots atlas, surfing photos, maps, GPS location". www.wannasurf.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ^ "Surf Forecast & Surf Reports for IRELAND". www.surf-forecast.com. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ^ "Surfspots.ie". surfspots.ie. Retrieved 30 April 2017.
- ^ "'World's Biggest Wave' Recorded Off Ireland". afloat.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "New Big Wave Hotspot Discovered Off Irish Coast". afloat.ie. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ Fáilte Ireland. "Biggest Waves in the World | Wild Atlantic Way". www.wildatlanticway.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ "Aileen's – Ireland's Perfect Wave #irlnd". Ireland.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ Fáilte Ireland. "Mullaghmore Surf | Surfing on the Wild Atlantic Way". www.wildatlanticway.com. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
- ^ 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.