Sligo Surfing

At the southern extreme of the county lies Donegal Bay, the spiritual home of Irish surfing and an area blessed with several world-class waves. With the prevalent airflow from the SW and a mainly north-facing aspect, open to most Atlantic swells, the low-lying coastline that passes through Counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo is a true surfer's paradise. Perfect surf geology shapes triangulated reefs, rivermouth sandbars and assorted beachbreaks, evenly distributed around the bay. Focal points include Rossnowlagh in Co Donegal, home to the biggest surf club in Ireland and the legendary Surfers Bar; a virtual surf museum of Irish surf history. Bundoran is a regular international competition venue where the ongoing fight to save The Peak from destruction keeps it under the media spotlight, along with the recent big-wave, tow-in discoveries. Further west, Easkey's consistent limestone reefbreaks are as popular as ever with travelling surfers. Due N swells will get in, unlike the breaks to the east, and provided the wind isn't straight N then somewhere will be sheltered. Donegal Bay is so flexible it can fire at any time of the year, while September to November remain prime time.