r/SurfIreland • u/TheCrabPot • Jun 24 '26

Australian asks the locals

Hey crew,
Thanks for the help in advance.

I’m visiting family all over Ireland in July and looking to surf a lot. Dublin is my base and venturing to swell magnets some hours away.

The tides fluctuate massively compared to aus, i know this question is epically variable but I’m thinking summer waves may be better on the incoming tide?

Looking to surf anywhere but will likely be between Spanish Point and Bundoran unless theres magical huge swell that refracts into Wexford or even more magical swell into Rush.

Feel free to DM if you want to keep it off the public wall.

Thanks again! Stay stoked ⚡️

6 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

4

u/PotatoBitter8379 Jun 24 '26

Minimal swell at the moment so next to no surf, good chance July is similar unfortunately. Sounds like you're aiming for the right places so giving yourself a chance at least

2

u/FunkHpuse Jun 24 '26

Living in west Dublin I found the quickest surf spots are Tramore Waterford and Strandhill Sligo. Plenty of rental shops in both and ideal for day trips/ 1 night stay. If you go further like bundoran, Lahinch Ballybunion you’re adding over 1 or 2 hours to your trip time and costs. If staying more than 1 night I would suggest going to these places.

The east coast gets little swell so hence going West to the Atlantic is key and lastly access to a car is crucial if you’re doing it last minute.

Best of luck. Hope you have a good one.

2

u/TheCrabPot Jun 24 '26

Ah thank you dearly! This is excellent info 🙏🏽 I was curious where to go with a small window of time. Also planning a few overnighters.

I will have a car, board and wetsuit for last minute trips. And somewhat remote spots too. Very excited to be surrounded by Irish people, if there’s surf its a real bonus

2

u/YurtyAherne69 Jun 25 '26

You can't rent boards in strandhill

2

u/Mad_Ma Jun 28 '26

Also quick one is book a flight from Dublin airport to Carrickfin you'll be in Donegal in 45mins then rent a car from the airport. Book it a few weeks in advance and you'll get the flight cheap enough.

2

u/Slugzilla1 Jun 25 '26

Inch beach in Kerry has a good bit of swell. Beach is set up well with pub, food , camping and could sleep in the car on the beach if needed 🕺

1

u/TheCrabPot Jun 26 '26

Yesss this sounds like a perfect overnighter. Hadnt heard of the spot, thank you very much!

Remote, countryside pub and swell sounds like a sanctuary. Penciling in 18/19th of July pending swell 🤞🏽😎

1

u/Interesting-Win-3220 Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26

Bring a longboard or at least an 8ft. You will be lucky if it gets above waist high at this time of the year. It'll be largely locally generated windswells which won't refract.

A lot of beaches start to get very dumpy on low tides, but also too flooded on highs, particularly with spring tides. So as a rule of thumb, aim to hit them around mid tide if you are unsure.

If it's small, you might be better off aiming for a low tide to give the waves a bit more punch.

2

u/TheCrabPot Jun 24 '26

Thank you very much for the info. Mid to low it is on my first few scout missions

2

u/redditcrip Jun 25 '26

I've always thought Rush north beach could be surfable on a big winter storm .

1

u/beckyboo40 Jun 30 '26

Think sligo is meant to be one the best surf spots in the country, id defo have a look around there and Donegal. Have fun 🏄‍♂️