County Clare, Ireland

Lahinch

Beach break

The spot

One of the oldest surfing locations in Ireland (probably). Has quite a bit of history, and is one of the most "go-to" spots for people in the area. Typically, it gets very busy with learners in the summer months, with the main beach break being quite full of people. I think it's because there are actually a few different surf shops all operating out of the same area, hence why so many learners can be out at once.

For surf shops and rentals, you'll have a ton of options. To name a few, Ollie's Lahinch Surf Centre, Ben's Surf Clinic (who also run a webcam!), The Green Room and "Ireland's oldest surf shop" - Lahinch Surf Shop. Probably one of the most covered areas in all of the west coast.

Lineups

Lahinch Beach (main)

Beach break

The main lineup at Lahinch, and also the most popular. Tends to be the go to spot for the learners of the many surf shops here, so in summer is gets quite busy.

Tends to produce quite nice rolling lines coming up from it's gentle sloped sandbars.

Open location

Cornish Left

Reef break

If you keep following out from the "Left" reef, you'll come to what is called "Cornish Left", or just "Cornish". It's a quite exposed reef that hugs the cliff just down from the caravan park.

It's very close to another lineup called "Shit creek", which is just to the south / right of this lineup. These two both launch from the same reef - so I'm just combining these two into the same forecast / entry.

Open location

Left

Reef break

The closer of the two reefs on the southern end of the beach.

A good intermediate spot, and tends to be surf-able on all sides of the tide. Cam be accessed from the beach. You'll see it pretty obviously on the left side, especially on a low tide.

Open location

Amenities

  • Toilets
  • Showers
  • Rentals
  • Surf school
  • Lifeguard
  • Café

Getting there