The Best Surfing Beaches in the West of Ireland

If you surf in Ireland, the west coast is hard to beat.

With Atlantic swell hitting the coastline from Donegal right down to Kerry and Cork, there’s no shortage of places to get in the water. Some are well-known surf towns with schools, rental shops and plenty of places to eat afterwards. Others feel considerably more remote.

And that’s a big part of the appeal.

A surf trip along the west coast isn’t just about finding the best waves. It’s the drive, the changing weather, the beaches you weren’t planning to visit and, of course, finding somewhere for a good coffee afterwards.

Here are some of our favourite places to consider if you’re planning a surfing trip along Ireland’s west coast.

Lahinch, County Clare

Lahinch is one of the first places that comes to mind when people think about surfing in Ireland.

The long beach and Atlantic swell have made the town a popular destination for surfers, and there are several surf schools if you’re just getting started.

It’s also a good base for exploring this part of Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are nearby, and there’s plenty to see along the coast if the surf isn’t cooperating.

Unlike some more isolated surf spots, Lahinch also has plenty of cafés and places to eat, which is very welcome after a few hours in the Atlantic.

Strandhill, County Sligo

Strandhill has become one of Ireland’s best-known surf towns.

The beach sits just outside Sligo town, surrounded by the landscape that makes this part of Ireland so distinctive. On the right day, it’s a brilliant place to spend a few hours watching the Atlantic roll in.

There are several surf schools in Strandhill, so if you’re inexperienced, getting local advice before entering the water is the sensible option.

It’s also worth staying around after the surf. Strandhill has developed a great food and coffee scene, and the surrounding Sligo countryside deserves some time of its own.

Bundoran and Tullan Strand, County Donegal

You can’t really write about surfing in Ireland without mentioning Bundoran.

The Donegal town has built an international reputation for its waves and attracts surfers from Ireland and abroad.

There’s a wide variety of surfing in the area, but that doesn’t mean every break is suitable for everyone. Some of the better-known waves around Bundoran involve reefs, rocks and conditions intended for experienced surfers.

If you’re new to surfing, get advice locally and stick to conditions appropriate for your experience.

Nearby Tullan Strand is another well-known option and is worth checking out if you’re spending a few days around Bundoran.

Rossnowlagh, County Donegal

A little further along the Donegal coast is Rossnowlagh.

It’s a huge sandy beach and has long been popular with surfers. Depending on conditions, it can also be a good option for people who are still developing their skills.

Rossnowlagh feels quite different from a busy surf town.

It’s somewhere you can spend a morning in the water, get changed beside the car and sit around afterwards watching the waves for longer than you intended.

Which, as far as we’re concerned, is rarely a bad way to spend a day.

Keel Beach, Achill Island

Achill is worth visiting regardless of whether you surf.

The island has some of the most impressive scenery on Ireland’s west coast, and Keel Beach sits right underneath the mountains with the Atlantic stretching out in front of it.

It’s an exposed beach, so that conditions can vary considerably.

But when everything lines up, surfing here comes with a backdrop that’s difficult to match.

Even the drive around Achill is part of the experience, so give yourself more time than you think you’ll need.

You’ll probably stop more than once.

Inch Beach, County Kerry

Inch is one of those beaches that looks impressive before you’ve even stepped out of the car.

The long sandy strand stretches out into Dingle Bay with mountains on either side, making it one of the most recognisable beaches in Kerry.

It’s also a popular place to learn to surf, with lessons and equipment available locally.

Inch works particularly well on a Dingle Peninsula road trip. You can spend a few hours in the water and then continue towards Dingle or explore more of the peninsula.

Just don’t expect to get anywhere particularly quickly. There are too many reasons to stop along the way.

Ballybunion, County Kerry

Further north in Kerry, Ballybunion offers another option for surfers exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cliffs and beaches surround the town, and surfing has become a familiar part of life here.

There are options for lessons and equipment hire if you’re starting, while more experienced surfers can explore conditions around the area.

It’s also a good example of why we love the west coast.

You don’t need an elaborate plan.

And Then There’s the Coffee

There’s a particular kind of hunger that arrives after being in cold Atlantic water.

And coffee suddenly tastes very, very good.

If you’re surfing somewhere like Lahinch or Strandhill, finding a café afterwards isn’t difficult.

But some of the best beaches and coastal stops in Ireland aren’t beside a coffee shop.

That’s where bringing your own setup comes in handy.

We keep the Salt & Steam Portable Espresso Maker in the car when we’re heading somewhere remote. It heats the water itself and works with either ground coffee or Nespresso-compatible capsules, so you don’t need to bring a kettle or flask of hot water.

Get changed.

Turn the heating on in the car.

Make an espresso.

Sit there looking at the waves for another ten minutes.

Simple.

A Surf Trip Along the Wild Atlantic Way

One of the best things about surfing the west coast is that you don’t necessarily need to choose one destination.

Make a road trip out of it.

Check the forecast, throw the boards and wetsuits in the car and head towards the coast.

You might end up surfing the beach you planned to visit. You might find somewhere completely different.

That’s half the fun.

And if the surf is terrible?

You’re still on the west coast of Ireland.

There are worse places to spend the day.

Salt & Steam Coffee — From Coast to Cup.