County Clare Surfing

Sandwiched between the more touristy counties of Galway and Kerry, County Clare has its own unique attractions. The craggy W-facing coast receives ample swell but suffers from onshore winds most of the year and it's only when the wind swings to the elusive E direction that Clare reveals itself as Ireland's other world-class wave destination. It is all reefs and points in the north from the geological curiosity of The Burren, past the towering (214m) Cliffs of Moher to the surf town of Lahinch. A rare sandy beach and a handful of left reefs make Lahinch the county's focal point, where the deep bay can also offer some wind and size protection, producing great waves for beginners and shredders alike. It's the perfect base to explore the area, thanks to ample accommodation and abundant facilities. The road south to Loop Head passes the booming rights at Spanish Point and the only other notable beaches around Doonbeg, where protection from SW winds make it an asset on this exposed coastline. Summer can be prime, especially if a high pressure establishes in the vicinity but unstable weather patterns make Clare hard to call. With a predominantly westerly airflow, driving around looking for wind protection is a given in Clare, which is why many people opt to hang in Lahinch. August to October should maximise the likelihood of good waves.