Secret Spot - Ireland (west) [swellchaser.co.uk]

"Anyone travelling to the west coast of Ireland to surf must go to Strandhill in Co.Sligo. There's a campsite right next to the beach, surf shop and surf freindly pub, with traditional Irish music every night. The waves break cleanly right and left all along the beach. Plenty of room when it's crowded. Only wierd thing is the abundance of seaweed hidden just below the surface. It feels like a jungle when you wipe out into it. One of the fastest waves I've ever ridden though."

http://www.surfingireland.net/ Ireland's independent surfers website. News, views, people, places, wind, wave, weather and more.
"Surf in a place called Garretstown where your guaranted at least 4 footers every time. This place is down past Kinsale,Co. Cork and is a class surf spot with glassy waves. There's a major surf spot called Strandhill in Co Sligo which is amazing. There's also Lahinch Strand in Co Clare as well. So try these spots out for untamed raw cool atlantic waves I guarantee you that you will be happy."

The Dingle Peninsular picks up most swells going. Spots worth a mention: Tralee Bay (N swells), North Garrywilliam Point (Reef), Inch (picks up W & SW swells & best between mid-high), Smerwick Harbour (has 3 breaks: reef at Ballydavid, reef at Dun An Oir fort, beach at base of harbour)

"Does anyone know whether to hire a board anywhere around Galway?" "There is now a mobile surfschool who rents swells and wetsuits and he alternates between Spanish Point and Lahinch beach. The guys name is Stuart Green and can be contacted on (00353)656836986."

"If going to Portrush, you should run into Andy Hill.Try the surf shop. He will point you in the right direction. Plus the beach can hold some serious swell, but can be a hard paddle out when its heavy."

"Try Portballintrae a couple miles further along the coast - it picks up more swell than Portrush. And, yep, nice sand."

"I dont really know the Portrush area but I'd recommend Fanad Peninsula - Ballyheirnan at the top is a good crescent shaped beach in small swells once they come round the top of Ireland. It's got an excellent but heavy rh point at the east end that needs about 2-3ft. Round to the fish factory has a good reef, mainly lefts. If there is a northern swell, then Ballymastocker Bay is pure class, very sheltered beach break barrels watch out for the sneaker sets & its always much bigger than it looks. You look at a map and can't believe that it ever gets waves but Lough Swilly is really deep and swell is barely reduced at all. There's not a whole lot else, a camp site, a pub or 2, not many people particularly outside summer. But thats the attraction."