Surfing in Ireland
SurfScanners covers 4 surf spots in Ireland. Of those, 2 suit beginners, 3 suit intermediates, and 3 suit advanced surfers. Across them, the water averages ~8°C in January and ~17°C in August.
Surf spots in Ireland
Bundoran
- Level:
- advanced
- Best months:
- Advanced surfers: Aug, Oct–Mar
- Water in October:
- ~14°C
Lahinch
- Level:
- beginner–advanced
- Best months:
- Beginners: Apr–Oct · Intermediates: Mar–May, Aug, Oct, Dec · Advanced surfers: Aug, Oct–Mar
- Water in October:
- ~14°C
Strandhill
- Level:
- intermediate–advanced
- Best months:
- Intermediates: Apr–Oct · Advanced surfers: Sep–Mar
- Water in October:
- ~13°C
Rossnowlagh
- Level:
- beginner–intermediate
- Best months:
- Beginners: Mar–Sep · Intermediates: Aug, Oct–Mar
- Water in October:
- ~14°C
Ireland water temperature by month
Average across the spots above, with the coldest and warmest spot's in brackets.
January
~8°C (7–9°C): a 5/4mm or 6/5mm hooded full suit with boots, gloves and hood
February
~8°C (8–9°C): a 5/4mm or 6/5mm hooded full suit with boots, gloves and hood
March
~8°C (8–9°C): a 5/4mm or 6/5mm hooded full suit with boots, gloves and hood
April
~10°C: a 4/3mm or 5/4mm full suit with boots and gloves
May
~13°C: a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended
June
~16°C (15–16°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
July
~17°C (16–17°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
August
~17°C (16–17°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
September
~16°C: a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional
October
~14°C (13–14°C): a 4/3mm full suit, boots recommended
November
~11°C (11–12°C): a 4/3mm or 5/4mm full suit with boots and gloves
December
~10°C (9–10°C): a 4/3mm or 5/4mm full suit with boots and gloves
Surfing in Ireland: FAQ
When is the best time to surf in Ireland?
For beginners: Mar–Oct. For intermediates: Mar–May, Aug, Oct, Dec. For advanced surfers: Aug, Oct–Mar. Across the country, waves are biggest in February, averaging 7.7 ft (2.3 m), and smallest in July, at 3.5 ft (1.1 m).
What is the water temperature in Ireland?
Averaged across our 4 spots, it ranges from ~8°C in January to ~17°C in August.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Ireland?
In January (~8°C): a 5/4mm or 6/5mm hooded full suit with boots, gloves and hood. In August (~17°C): a 3/2mm full suit, boots optional.
Is Ireland good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Lahinch and Rossnowlagh suit beginners, and the best months for them are Mar–Oct.
Where are the best surf spots in Ireland?
We cover 4 spots in Ireland. Beginner-friendly: Lahinch and Rossnowlagh. Intermediate and up: Strandhill. Advanced only: Bundoran.