North Coast of Ireland Windsurfing Spots
The North Coast
Most of the Donegal coast has breaks that have not been explored yet, so the list here
is small but not at all complete.
- Port Salon
A sleepy little village, that has a most beautiful beach that had probably never been
sailed until we did. A nice slalom spot.
- Magheroaraty
A big wave beach with many breaks along the length of the beach. Some great sailing
can be had here. The beach can take nearly every swell and wind direction. The
view looking down from the road onto the bay shows you what windsurfing in Ireland is
all about, beauty and unspoilt peace, perfect for the layed back wave sailor. One
break is just off the jetty, be wary of the rocky bottom. Another break is about
half way down the beach, you have to climb over the dunes to get at the beach. If
you don't want to go out in the waves you can always sail in the salt water lake behind
the dunes. Very shallow water so you can stand everywhere, good for learning short board
sailing.
- Marble Hill
A pleasant beach set in the rolling hills of Donegal. The waves here, I am told, can
reach nice proportions. This beach is also nice for slalom sailing.
- Portrush
This is in Ulster, and the people here are very friendly. The waves here break very
close to the beach, just like a normal sandy beach.
- Portstewart
This beach is very long, with nice long waves the length of the beach. Note here that
the rip on this beach is very strong.
- Downings Beach
Little wave potential but great blasting, best wind
directions are South to West, Car access to beach.
- Tramore
1Km south of Downings Beach, access via public lane through
golf course, waves galore, up to 10ft on far side of beach, Well worth a
check out, the waves are well spaced and clean, the beach is about 3.5Km
long and horse-shoed shape. Warning, look out for the salmon nets and rip
near Doe river. Best directions West to North . Marble hill, Downings and
Tramore are all in the same bay, and a short drive can cover all wind
directions. (Good Pubs to Boot!)
- Portnoo
Near Ardara on the West of Donegal Blasting, few waves best
direction west.
- Rosnowlagh nr. Ballyshannon
Famous for it's 2 mile beach (Drive on to
), It's surf, and it's pub called the surfer's bar, the waves can be
quite messy if directly on-shore (W), best directions are NW (cleaner) to
SW, if all else fails and the surf is over comming, a 2min drive away is
the 'Mannor' North facing, but still the Atlantic swell further out in
the bay.
Back to the Irish Windsurfing Spots (text)
Last updated November 1998
Created by joem@s3dub.ie
(c) Copyright 1998 IWA