The Marnie's Irish Surf Road Trip
With full maps!
Hi everyone!
We're back from an unforgettable 5-day road trip down the stunning west coast of Ireland, and we couldn't wait to share our journey with you. From epic surf breaks to picturesque scenic drives, cozy pubs with pints of Guinness, and our favourite food and coffee spots, this trip had it all.
We specifically chose these areas for their consistent swell, though, as expected, winter conditions brought some challenges. With the potential for huge swells and strong winds, we didn’t have perfect surf conditions, but that’s the charm of visiting Ireland in February. The cold Atlantic waters were invigorating, and despite the conditions, we had an absolute blast., and some wetsuit mishaps that we won’t go into!!
Ireland’s beauty and rugged charm make it a place worth visiting, and we hope our experience will inspire you to plan your own Irish surf road trip!
Important Travel Tips:
Airports: Your starting point depends on which part of Donegal you're heading to. City of Derry and Knock Airport are about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from our first stop at Rossnowlagh Beach.
Route: Donegal, Sligo, Clare
Day 1: Donegal – Rossnowlagh & Bundoran
Donegal offers an abundance of incredible surf spots, but it’s all about how much time you have and where the swell is hitting at that time. For us, we began our adventure in South Donegal at Rossnowlagh Beach. To get the most out of the experience, we booked a private coaching session with James from Rossnowlagh Surf School. He made the session very fun, even in pretty mad stormy conditions! If you're new to cold-water surfing, James will make sure you feel comfortable and confident. We highly recommend his surf school for surfers of all levels.
After the surf, head to Bundoran and stop at Foam for delicious coffee and lunch. If you're not surfed out yet, check the surf conditions at Bundoran—Tullan Strand is a great beach break suitable for all levels, while The Peak is a more challenging reef break for advanced surfers. We suggest popping into Surfworld or Bundoran Surf Co for local surf tips.
After a day on the waves, head to Maddens Bridge Bar for a cozy pint of Guinness and some tasty pub grub. It’s a local favourite among surfers, and we even stayed in their B&B upstairs, which was super lovely.
Other Things to Do: If you’ve got time, consider driving an hour north to see the Slieve League Cliffs, which are among Europe’s tallest sea cliffs.