Ireland is often praised for its strong, stable winds, so no wonder that kite surfing and windsurfing are so popular here. There are many kitesurfing centers in Dublin, Donegal, and Mayo. However, it's not easy to spend hours in chilly Atlantic ocean waters. So kitesurfing season usually lasts during the warmer time of the year from April to October.
Louisburgh, a small town on the southwest side of Clew Bay in County Mayo, is one of the most famous kitesurfing destinations. Atlantic swells ensure sweet wave riding year-round, and a small lake next to the ocean is a perfect flat water spot with a consistent south-west wind.
Dublin Bay and Poolbeg enjoy the north-east wind and shallow water. It's also very close to the city center. Duncannon is a small town in Wexford with a long sandy beach and flat to choppy waters.
Sligo’s bay is an iconic surfing spot. Rosses Point is a vast beach that features a kitesurfing school and offers some of the best wave riding in the country. Castlegregory in Kerry is another sweet spot with a large beach, dolphin watching, and decent Atlantic winds.
Some of the best windsurfing locations in Ireland are on the west coast, although windsurfing schools and rentals operate in most regions, especially on the southeast and southwest coasts. In Dublin, the most popular spots to catch the wind is Dollymount Beach and Salthill, near Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Southeast Ireland offers Brittas Bay in Wicklow County; Rosslare, Duncannon, and Cahore in Wexford County; and Dunmore East in County Waterford. Cobh in Cork County also has conditions and amenities for windsurfing.
The most advanced riders should try the winds on the west coast. Achill Island in Mayo is an excellent spot as well as Magheroarty and Rossnowlagh in Donegal, and Brandon Bay on the Dingle Peninsula.
Practical info
When is the prime time for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Ireland?
The suitable time for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Ireland is the warmer months, which stretch from April to October. It is imperative to remember that the water's temperature is cold, so it is recommended to bring along a thick wetsuit. Additionally, the best wind conditions, particularly on the west coast, are stable and forceful. You can find many rentals and schools on the popular spots. Show more
Which areas are known to be top kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in Ireland?
Ireland boasts numerous, well-favored spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Louisburgh, County Mayo, is renowned for kiteboarding, while Kerry's Sligo Bay and Castlegregory offer great wave riding. Duncannon, located in Wexford County, features an exceptional surface with flat to choppy waters suitable for kitesurfing. Achill Island, Magheroarty, Rossnowlagh, and Brandon Bay on the western coastline are the most famed windsurfing locations. Show more
What are the typical water conditions like for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Ireland?
Ireland's water is chilly and requires the use of a thick wetsuit. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C, with the possibility of being worse. In spite of this, the accommodating, stable wind conditions and picturesque settings make it an excellent destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Show more
Are there any training schools available for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Ireland?
Yes, numerous kitesurfing and windsurfing schools are available in Ireland, with most famous spots offering rentals and courses, simplifying the start-up for beginners. Dublin Bay, Poolbeg, Duncannon, County Mayo, are some prominent places with available kitesurfing schools. Cobh, Rosslare, and Brittas Bay are some windsurfing schools and rental locations on the southeast and southwest coastlines. Show more
Which destination would be an ideal choice for expert riders in Ireland?
For seasoned riders, it would be advisable to explore the windsurfing options on the west coast. Achill Island in Mayo, Magheroarty, Rossnowlagh in Donegal, and Brandon Bay on the Dingle Peninsula are exceptional spots for advanced windsurfers. These areas possess firm, constant winds, along with challenging conditions ideal for veteran riders to experience and make the most of their rides. Show more
