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| COUNTY CLARE |
| County clare is exposed to the full influence of the Atlantic and would be one of Europe's most popular surf detinations if the weather was more hospitable. It offers a huge selection of the surf spots ranging from mellow reefs and beaches to the biggest, grnarliest tubes you could ever want to ride! Off shores, being SE, aren't cosistent to this area may be perfect less often than many north facing areas, but when it's on, it's right on. To stand above lahinch and see the points break is a magnificent sight and though Lahinch is only one of many superb spots, it's the surf centre for good reasons, situated next to long, white beach with three excellent left reefs at northern end. There's a variety of accommodation available in the town, also a hostel at Spanish Point, many in Doolin and two between Lahinch and the cliffs of Moher. There are other breaks along the coast but access is a problem. If you insist on trying to find them you could antagonise the local farmers, which wouldn't endear you to local surf community. |
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| CRAB ISLAND Not to be taken lightly, fristly because of its distance from Doolin Pier (a long paddie), but mostly of its size. It jacks up suddenly from deep water and can from very frightening tubes. Check your leash carefully. Great wave but capable of handing it! |
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| DOOLIN POINT A fast wave that can section, but with a clean swell long walling rides are possible. There are other waves further inside the bay if the point is not to your liking. Doolin is well singposted and there is a carpark in froint of the wave. |
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| LEHINCH AREA |
| BEACH About the closest thing to a surfing town you will come across in Ireland. Many beginners pracitic on the excellent, slow beach break waves. A rip on the left will help you get out & back. Easy parking |
| LEFT The most popular wave amongest the more experienced locals. An easy wave to ride, with a simple take-off and long walls up to 400meters. On a big swell high tide is surfable, otherwise low to mid is best |
| CORNISH REEF Works under the same conditions as the Left but it's a faster more tubey wave. It doesn't get as crowded. Fairly easy paddle out between Cronise and Lahinch Left. |
| SHIT GREEK The least surfed and damanding of Lahinch's reefs. Main Ride is a left but the right is also good. Don't be put off by the name, Shit Greek is so called because of murky river water discolouring the sea. Beyond Cornish Reef. |
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| CREGG / MOY BEACH |
| A good sopt to check when there's a big swell. You will find some fun waves, with the best size being 2-4ft. South of Lechinch, you'll see it from the road. Parking is possible for a few cars. SW of cregg beach is an excellent reef break called Aussie Left, one of the longest waves in the Clare. Turn off at the sign for Tra Seafood Resturant. |
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| SPANISH POINT |
| So named beacuse it was here that survivors from wrecked Armada ships swam ashore. Unfortunately for them, the high Sheriff of Clare had them all executed. Now, these hazardous rocky reefs provide some execellent rights |
| INSIDE POINT A short fun wave that needs a big swell. Park at the car park above the north end beach |
| OUTSIDE POINT Takes the burnt of most and is rarely surfed due to its ferocity. Can hold a 15-20ft swell. For middle and Outside Point, take a small unmarked road about half Km north |
| MIDDLE POINT Usually the best of the reefs, giving fast walls & makeable tubes |
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