Surfing
Bundoran-'A Surfer's Paradise'
Bundoran is a glistening gem in an already star-studded line up, a sublime, cool destination with a calibre of surf equal to anywhere. It's shimmering green waters bear the brunt of some of the Atlantic's most thunderous moods and it's shoreline presents a series of headlands and flat rock reefsthet face directly into nearly constant swell.This, the most mystical of Irish counties of the highest quality waves on jade-coloured shores; Whilst it's not the tropics, when it pumps, there are few places you'd rather be !
Donegal Bay on the south westerly tip of Donegal might seem an unusual location but in Europe, it is one of the few places to warrant the title 'a surfer's paradise' or indeed, 'your Cold Water Eden'. A large portion of the coastline faces north, so is off-shore in the prevailing south-west airstream......it presents numerous reefs, points and beach breaks and picks up a swell from the west, north and north-west. In this area a number of focal points have emerged-Bundoran, with it's famous left, The Peak and Tullan Strand, a challenging beach break where you will always find a wave. In the resort, you will find a choice of surf shops, surf schools and indeed, first class accomodation. Be sure and mention that you are a surfer when calling as many offer special surfer's rates in the main surf season-Sept thru to May. Bars and restaurants are all very surf friendly as are the local surfers.Within 5K of Bundoran there are numerous world-class breaks-however you will have to seek them out yourself (we will point you in the right direction)-however the thrill is in the search !
Just down the road, you will find Rossnowlagh-where Irish surfing all began and home to one of Ireland's biggest surf clubs. A shrine to Irish surf culture ! Rossnowlagh is a classic beach break-great for both beginners and accomplished surfers alike. And afterwards, a visit to the Surfer's Bar @ The Sandhouse is a must for all ! Just before Rossnowlagh. look out for Creevy. Here you will come accross a few pleasant surprises and even encounter a wave, previously unchallenged. Be prepared for a good paddle !
North and West Donegal
There are few coastal areas left in Europe where the possibility of finding perfect , empty waves still exists; however north and west Donegal are a few of these rarities. It receives so much swell that more often than not, your only real concern will be the winds which can blow hard from the south and west. Such places offer unlimited potential-all you need is the time and energy to explore. Bloddy Foreland, Magheroarty, Dunfanaghy, Gweebarra, Loughross beg (And a few others !) have all been surfed in the past-beyond these breaks, enjoy the sublime experience of surfing alone.
A word of caution-by and large, 'Localism' does not exist in Donegal. All we ask is that travelling surfers respect both the local environment and the local surfing community-abide with this and you will very definitely find Donegal the perfect stoke ! Enjoy !
Surfer Information;
For further details of surf packages, accomodation please contact me at mvbritton@donegalbay.com.
For up to date forecasts, hire and a fair amount of local knowledge you will find all the guys at the following very helpful'
The Bundoran Surf Co; info@bundoransurfco.com
Creevy Traditional Stone Cottages.creevy@iol.ie
The Donegal Adventure Centre; info@donegal-holidays.com
Richie Fitzgerald's Surfworld; surfworld@eircom.net
Fin Mc Cools, Rossnowlagh;Finmccools@gmail.com
Irish Surf Culture; sales@irishsurfculture.com
Turf n Surf; info@turfnsurf.ie
All Pics on site; (c) Matt Britton.