Does anyone here have any experience surfing in Ireland? I'm looking to spend some time over there, specifically in Sligo or Donegal and was wondering if there are any key things to know. If you have any info on Strandhill or Bundoran that would be really helpful, anything from consistency, usual conditions, etc. Also wondering about transportation, do you need a car to really get the most out of the coastline? It seems to be pretty jagged with all sorts of coves and islands to block/deliver swell. I'd be there for Spring - early Summer
Use Surfline to look it all up. I am sure you will get better info there than from us morons here....
The PEAK at Bundoran is kind of crowded I hear..... Ah man there use to be this token or Tolkien dude that all the pros hung with around Bundoran....has a surf shop in the area. Something Fitzgerald..... Call him up, buy a board there so you don't have to travel with one, and since you're buying he'll be obligated to spin you some info. Tides, swells, multi-facing beaches..... Good luck and good craic to ya. I'll go with you if you want. Though I might never leave. Shucks I was supposed to look into dual-citizenship, but I tend to procrastinate.
Was an article in Surfing or Surfer a couple months ago on this. Sounded like a fantastic place to go. The Irish people....the best. Spent many wknds there while in college. Truly warm, interesting, interested in you people are the Irish. Great nation. You'll have a fantastic time of your life. Bringing your thickest rubber gear everything, of course.
Can't tell you much about the surf outside of what Tom Lowe presents on social media, but if you get the chance read the book "McCarthy's Bar". made me want to drive around the country and see whatever could happen, place sounds great.
Now that I have a passport it's on the list. Report back after your trip dude. Definitely interested to hear how it goes.
surf is good but cold. nearly always. If the cold water don't get ya the rain will. Don't need anything less than a 4/3 even in summer. Can buy a used board in Bundy easily for 150-250€ so no need to take your own unless really want. Sligo defo has the most consistent surf in Ireland as the predominant wind tends to be offshore/side shore. Size is never a problem anywhere but it can be blown out for days and then you have to look for the nooks and crannies. Public transport is mostly non-existent outside of Dublin and the major towns so you need a car to get to just about every spot expect Bundoran and Strandhill. Expect locals at both spots but if ye know whatcha doing its pretty mellow. Off the beaten path most waves are empty. Like everyone said people are really chill there esp in the NW. Enjoy the craic! PS. If you need a place to stay in Bundy check out turfnsurf. Got to meet some chill people there over the years.
Bring 6/5s for summer/spring?? I thought their waters to be a bit warmer than our here in New England due to Gulf Stream?? never been, so I do not know--I get conflicting info on that.
