A surf holiday in Ireland offers so much more than a trip to a generic surf spot. Ireland's surf towns are steeped in traditional culture and boast some of the most beautiful backdrops in the World. Ireland's geographical location means, constant Atlantic swell for year round waves. Here are some of the best options if you are a beginner surfer or looking to improve.
 
Lahinch, County Clare
Lahinch, fondly reffered to as LA by the locals is surfing HQ in Ireland. The town itself has an abundence of surf shops,surf schools, accomodation and great pubs, most notably Kenny's with Live music. Lahinch is the place for you if you are searching for 'The Craic'. Surfwise the area has a plethora of choice, the beach itself is best surfed by beginners at low-mid tides as at high tide the sand is covered. When you progress a bit you can move to the south of the beach towards Lahinch Left and Cornish Left.  

Rossnowlagh, County Donegal

Rossnowlagh has it's place firmly in Irish surfing history as one of the first spots surfed in Ireland in the 1960's, and also for hosting the European Surfing Chamionships in 1985. Today, Rossnowlagh beachbreak offers perfect conditions for beginner surfers, improvers and longboarders alike. Surf or stay with Finn Mc Cool's and local legend Neil Britton will fill you in on the area's rich surf history himself. 


Strandhill, County Sligo

Strandhill beach offers a number of breaks lots of peaks in the middle of the beach a long righthander to the north and a sandbar at the rivermouth to the south. Park up by the canon and if it's too crowded there, simply move down the beach to find your own little peak. Strandhill is overlooked by beautiful Knocknarea which you can hike on a flat day or for a longer jaunt, check out the epic beauty of Benbulben and find out what inspired Yeats. Post-surf be sure to check out Shell's Surf Café and Voya Seaweed baths to rest those weary paddle muscles!



Inch Strand, County Kerry

Choosing just one surf spot to list in Kerry seems wrong. As a surfer on The Dingle Peninsula, you are like a kid in a candy store! Inch Strand however is an ideal beginner beach with lovely mellow long rideable waves. Best around mid to high tide with east to north-east winds and south-west swell direction. Your only worry on a surf holiday to Kerry will be some seriously narrow cliff roads, especially if you happen to meet a tourist bus, in which case, settle in for a long wait and enjoy the awesome views of the Blasket Islands.
 


Tullan Strand, County Donegal

And we're back to county Donegal! The north-west of Ireland just has so many great breaks on offer. Tullan Strand just outside the surf town of Bundoran is the place to get a wave if it's flat everywhere else in the area, it's a swell magnet! Like Strandhill, if one peak is busy just stroll on up the beach to the north to find your own peak, just watch out for the horses cantering along the shore! Bundoan is another great surf town to have fun, offering great accomodation and nightlife.


Photo by Osioni