County Clare
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Positives
- Very consistent swells
- Challenging waves
- Diversity of breaks
- Good summer spot
- Awesome landscapes
Negatives
- Often onshore Winter storms
- Cold water
- Summer crowds
- Few options for beginners
County Clare surf travel guide
Despite the cold water, Ireland is often referred to as a surfer’s paradise, thanks to its perfect positioning in the middle of the tracks of the Atlantic swell train. Every possible swell direction will hit the Emerald Isle somewhere and the twisted littoral outline offers protection from malevolent winds and waves. County Clare is exposed to any ripple from the west, focusing both ankle-snappers and tow-in giants onto a bunch of reefs, points and beaches, centred around the bustling seaside resort of Lahinch.
Surf spots in County Clare
Research the 16 surf breaks in County Clare and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 16 breaks in County Clare.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to County Clare
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 10,926,000
- Population
- 6,786,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- European euro (EUR)
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro European euro (EUR)
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +Republic 353 - North 44
- Dialing out
- Republic 00 - North 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English, Irish (Gaelic)
Electricity
- Plug Type
- g
Visas
The Republic of Ireland is part of the EU free travel area but in principle the north is not. Post Brexit has added to the confusion and negotiations continue, but the border between the two remains open and free for travel. Check for any latest news. Many non EU member countries can visit visa free for up to 90 days
Getting There
Shannon (SNN) is the closest airport to Lahinch and a 40min drive from Lahinch. A bus will take just over 2hrs. It's a 3hr drive to Laninch from either Dublin (airport, ferry) or Rosslare (ferry). Forget the train, at 9.5hrs it's a day of your trip gone.
Getting Around
All the spots are within a 30 minute drive or bus ride.
Accommodation
Lahinch Hotel has double rooms and 8 bed dormitories from $22 per night, only 50m from beach with cooking facilities. Many B&B’s, but price range is higher ($45-90). “Bord de Mer” is French run and faces Cregg Beach fr $68/dble. Camping is popular, free-camping still possible. Lots of great pubs, pay $15-20 for a meal or $7 for a meal in a glass – Guinness!
Activities
The Cliffs of Moher are amongst the tallest in Europe (203m). Burren is an ecological site with awesome lunar landscapes. Heaps of sacred sites (stone circles, dolmens, churches, castles). The county holds many traditional music festivals.
Hazards & hassles
Huge waves over shallow reefs, brain-numbingly cold water, and long hold-downs are some of the dangers on offer. Aggressive localism is rare, especially if you act and surf respectfully. Best to surf with a friend in remote spots as coastal rescue is not too developed. Ask permission when break access is through private land.
Handy Hints
Lahinch surf school has boards for rent, lessons with ex Irish champ John McCarthy ($40/2h). Couple of surf shops in town (Lahinch, Green Room), but gear is expensive. Lahinch tends to become the Irish surfing capital during summer, when it gets very busy. Bring warm clothes for any season. Numerous campsites for campervans. Buses are cheap and take boards and useful for intercity travel.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.