Ireland is one of the most underrated surfing nations on the planet. Despite the cold air and water temperatures, the Irish coastline is full of idyllic waves and perfect surf spots.
Do a quick internet search of "surfing," and you'll be met with hundreds of pictures of bright blue waters and skies to match. In places like California and Australia, wetsuits are optional; the water temperature hovers around a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius, and their affinity for watersports is world-renowned.
And yet, halfway around the world on a tiny speck of land known better for rolling hills and pubs, there is a surf culture thriving. Surfing came to Ireland in 1949, and it's been its best-kept secret ever since.
There is a stark contrast between the culture here and the typical "beach bumming" aesthetic of hotter climates, with Irish surfers braving sleet and hail through the winter months, and sometimes the summer too.
Still, the Emerald Isle manages to make the global ranking for best waves time and time again.
The country has surf peaks for all levels of experience. If you're a surfer looking for adventure, nature, and cultural diversity, Ireland is the perfect surfing destination.
So where should you go to catch the best waves? Discover ten surf breaks that will make you fall in love with Ireland.
Ride them, and finish the day hearing folk music at the nearest pub with a pint of Guinness in hand.
Beginner Surfers
Inchydoney, County Cork, Ireland
Inchydoney is a small island attached to the mainland by way of two causeways, and the gorgeous Blue Flag beach here is the perfect spot for surfing beginners to find their feet.
This beach also took the number one place in TripAdvisor's list of its users' favorite beaches, proving it to be a particularly must-see location.
Carrowniskey, County Mayo, Ireland
Best known for the horse races conducted on the long stretch of sand here, Carrowniskey is another excellent spot for those just learning to stand up on their board.
It can be quite busy in the summer, but the waves are some of the most dependable in Ireland, and the view of the hills of Connemara makes a perfect backdrop.
Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Situated in County Mayo, the largest island off the coast of Ireland is not only gorgeously scenic but is also a popular spot for water sports.
Out of the various beaches on this tiny spec of land, Keel Beach is best for those just starting out, with four kilometers of sandy beach and consistent rolling breakers.
On the eastern side, you can also spot the famous Minaun Cliffs.
Enniscrone, County Sligo, Ireland
Another beginner-friendly beach and popular family holiday spot, Enniscrone boasts a five-kilometer stretch of beach and more of Ireland's stunning views.
The waves are usually moderate here, making it an ideal introduction to the sport, or, if you'd prefer some professional tips, you can catch a lesson with one of the surf schools in the area.
Intermediate Surfers
Easkey, County Sligo, Ireland
It's named for being "abundant in fish," but Easkey has much more to offer than food.
This is another spot you can surf all year round, and with two reef breaks to ride, even the more experienced surfer can find this one a fun challenge.
The Irish Surfing Association is also based here; its headquarters are located in Easkey House, in the center of the village.
Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland
Ballybunion has two main beaches: Men's Beach and Women's Beach, named during the days when the men and women bathed in separate areas.
With six kilometers in length and a variety of beach and reef breaks, Men's Beach is particularly good for surfers, but the entire area is worth exploring.
Highlights include shallow caves at Women's Beach and the rare perfection of Nun's Beach.
Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, Ireland
Rossnowlagh is one of Ireland's best Blue Flag beaches. It isn't too far from Bundoran but is quieter than some of the other spots and has great water quality.
The surf here is mostly consistent, with some particularly large rollers in the winter months. This town has also hosted the Irish Inter Counties Surfing Championships, Ireland's longest-running surf competition, for over forty years.
Castlerock, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Situated on the north coast of Northern Ireland, Castlerock is popular with families with children, as well as surfers.
With the rugged cliffs hugging the coastline, and Mussenden Temple perched on top of them, this area offers great views as well as good surf for those trying to advance beyond a beginner level.
Experts and Advanced Surfers
The Peak, Bundoran, County Donegal, Ireland
Bundoran has been heralded as the surf capital of Ireland, and for a good reason. The high-quality waves here attract surfers from around the world, and The Peak has even played host to the European Surfing Championship.
If not for the waves, but for the experience of having surfed where surf legends like Kelly Slater and Tom Curren have before.
Mullaghmore, County Sligo, Ireland
The most intense surf spot in Ireland and one of the best big wave surfing spots on the globe, Mullaghmore is an expert-only spot.
The waves here have been known to break bones and boards in particularly intense weather, and The Head is a reef break, making it even more difficult to ride.
For experienced thrill-seekers, though, there's nothing like it.
Learn more about surfing in Ireland.
Words by Laura Fulton | David Murphy Towing