Top 5 tips for surfing in Ireland

With the Wild Atlantic Swell crashing along the coasts of the west of Ireland, the Emerald Isle has become a hugely popular surfing spot among both beginners and pros.

Boasting an exposed location and an incredible 3,172 km (1,971 miles) of coastline, Ireland is in a prime position as an excellent surfing destination.

While it may not be the first location that comes to mind, with many pros heading to the likes of Portugal and Australia, the Emerald Isle is a great place to find your feet with the sport.

So, if you’re new to the sport or you just want to discover the incredible waves that Ireland has to offer, then read on. Here are our top five tips for surfing in Ireland.

5. Bring warm clothes to change into – shelter from the elements

Ireland is notoriously cold, even during the height of summer. So, it’s always a good idea to bring some warm clothes to change into after spending time in the water. One of our top tips for surfing in Ireland is to get a fleece-lined changing robe.

The Bleubird Nordic Robes are a fantastic addition to any surfer’s arsenal. The oversized fit, waterproof membrane, and soft sherpa-lined interior offer you plenty of space to change while also keeping you sheltered from the elements.

They even come in a range of different colours, including maroon, navy, green, coral, and yellow. So, they’re sure to suit any style. Made in Ireland, you’re sure to fit right in while wrapped up warm on any Irish beach with your Nordic Robe.

Bleubird also offer a great array of adventure-inspired apparel, including hoods, crews, and beanies. So, you’ll have plenty of options for layering up during cold days on Ireland’s beaches.

4. Find a surf school – get useful tips from the experts

If you’re new to surfing, then Ireland is a great place to get out on the waves. However, we’d recommend going out with a qualified instructor if it’s your first time out on the water.

Waves and tides can be incredibly unpredictable, so you can end up in a lot of danger if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Many of the most popular surfing beaches around Ireland have great surf schools that are perfect for everybody from beginner to intermediate. Plus, you’ll have so much more fun when you know someone is keeping an eye on the tides for you!

3. Learn about tides and surf forecasts – a vital tool to ensure your safety

As we mentioned above, waves and tides can be incredibly unpredictable. So, going out on the water when you don’t know what you’re doing can be a critical mistake among beginner surfers.

So, one of our top tips for surfing in Ireland is always to be as prepared as possible. One way you can do this is by making yourself aware of tides and what tides are best for different beaches, as this can change depending on several factors.

Going hand-in-hand with this is learning to read a surf forecast. This will provide you valuable information on what kind of waves you can expect when you head into the water, from the size to the speed, direction, and more.

2. Prioritise warmth – this is Ireland, not Australia

We often joke about it, but Ireland is well-known for being a colder climate country, especially in the autumn, winter, and early spring.

This is something that is especially true when you head to the coast, an area that is most exposed to the elements.

So, if you’re planning to surf in Ireland, we recommend having a decent wetsuit, some booties, and wetsuit gloves to ensure you don’t catch a cold.

If you really want to make sure you stay warm enough, it might even be a good idea to wear a thermal rash guard!

1. Head west – for the very best waves

Nicknamed the Wild Atlantic Way, the west coast of Ireland is known for its crashing waves, beautiful beaches, and top-class surfing conditions.

So, if you’re looking to enjoy the very best surf the Emerald Isle has to offer, then heading in this direction is one of our top tips for surfing in Ireland.

Counties Sligo, Donegal, Mayo, and Cork all offer beautiful beaches that are known for their idyllic surfing conditions. You can discover some of Ireland’s top surfing spots by travelling through these beautiful Irish counties.

With surfing enthusiasts travelling from all over the world to make the most of Ireland’s western waves, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.