County Donegal
- j
- f
- m
- a
- m
- j
- j
- a
- s
- o
- n
- d
Positives
- Mix of beach and boulder reef
- 180º swell window
- Twisted coastline wind options
- Spectacular, unspoilt scenery
Negatives
- Over-exposed to swell and wind
- Fewer beginner spots
- Slow, narrow roads
- High cliffs reduce access
County Donegal surf travel guide
The frontier land of County Donegal is a sparsely-populated, stunningly rugged area. This is the most spectacularly scenic part of Ireland and one of the few unspoilt areas left in Europe where exploration and solo surfs are possible. From Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League in the southwest of the county, up through the dramatic Bloody Foreland and round to Malin Head in the north, it’s evident the full fury of the Atlantic has carved a deeply indented coastline. Countless headlands, bays and peninsulas hide many treasures: reefs, points and beaches abound. Finding somewhere small enough to surf is a common problem. Bloody Foreland, Magheroaty, Dunfanaghy, Gweebarra and Loughros Beg are some of the spots that are readily surfable. Access can be difficult due to the lack of roads and high cliffs but the potential is unlimited for the adventurous and there are several offshore islands awaiting exploration.
Surf spots in County Donegal
Research the 13 surf breaks in County Donegal and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in County Donegal.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to County Donegal
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
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 Around
The main N56 runs inland along the coast. From this it's slow travel on windy single lane roads to the breaks.
Accommodation
Although sparsely populated there is a wide range of hotels and BnB's along the coast but most surfers prefer to stay near Bundoran and make day trips to escape the crowds. It's hard to find a better area in the world to explore with a campervan.
Activities
Hiking and enjoying the great outdoors, and then warming up in a pub is standard fare and never gets old as Donegal does both perfectly.
Hazards & hassles
This is a wild part of the world so come well prepared. It gets very cold and windy and in the surf, rips and rocks are everywhere. Check out spots well before paddling out as any help is a long way away.
Handy Hints
It's about 2 hours drive from Bundoran to Dunfanaghy and about an hour from Derry/Londonderry so you do get some Irish surfers heading along this coast to explore and escape the crowds - and some know the coast and its secrets well. Being low-key and friendly may lead to some knowledge sharing and that is crucial to getting the best out of this amazing coastline.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.