Ride the Waves in Sligo

Behind Sligo’s seemingly quiet facade is this small town’s beating heart - the incredible surf. Situated perfectly on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, this go-to surf spot has helped to put our much loved town on the map. Here, you’ll find a whole host of surf spots that enables anyone to take to the waves - complete novices can take lessons whilst experienced surfers can bring their own board and show them how it’s really done here in Sligo. It’s tiring work all that surfing and luckily for you, our own Riverside Hotel makes the perfect base whilst you’re discovering the Sligo surf spots for yourself. We’ve done our research and we’re going to help you plan a trip that will make you fall for the Sligo surf yourself.

Strandhill Beach: A Surfer's Paradise

A true standout in Sligo surf spots is Strandhill Beach. Known for its consistent beach breaks (where the waves roll over the sand as opposed to the rocks) creating waves of all shapes and sizes and giving enough variety for every surfer, making it a prime spot for all abilities to enjoy. For beginners, you can take lessons at the Strandhill Surf School with classes suitable for kids all the way through to intermediate lessons for existing surfers to hone their skill. Then, when you’re ready to refuel, grab a bite from any of the eateries that take your fancy - Fire Dough offering cheesy slices of pizza to take away, Shell’s Cafe with a warm welcome and a plate of goodness or even an ice-cold scoop of ice cream from Mammy Johnston’s.

Mullaghmore Head: For the Brave and Experienced

Our next stop on the hunt for Sligo surf spots isn’t for the faint hearted. Mullaghmore Head is a spot known for its big wave surfing - enticing advanced surfers to come and take on its challenging waves. This spot draws in avid as well as professional surfers, so if you’re unsure, make sure to spectate before deciding to take on the challenge for yourself. There’s some great viewing spots where you can watch the elite surfers take to Mullaghmore’s waves - Mullaghmore Headland Car Park offers direct views overlooking this prime Sligo surf spot, or, for those that want to get in some movement whilst watching the surfers, the Mullaghmore Head Loop Walk lets you take it all in from the safety of the scenic (and dry!) coastline.

Enniscrone Beach: Family-Friendly Surfing

If you’re just looking to dip your toe into surfing, Enniscrone Beach is one of the Sligo surf spots known for being beginner friendly. With gentler waves that enable families and new-starters to have their first attempts at hitting the surf. Plus, there’s plenty of surf schools in the area that can give beginner-friendly lessons so that everyone can get stuck in and enjoy the Sligo surf. Alongside the great surfing opportunities that Enniscrone offers there’s also plenty of other family-friendly activities in the area too including go-karting, so after you’ve learned the way of the water you can take on the tracks.

Easkey Right & Left: A Hidden Gem

Easkey is a real gem in the scene of Sligo surf spots, with its reliable reef breaks (where the waves break over the reef below, creating predictable waves in the same spots each time) bringing seasoned surfers back to Sligo year on year. Whilst reliable, the waves also need to be handled with caution due to the rockier conditions below the surface. When handled with care, Easkey’s surf is a hidden gem that has stunning scenery to top off this popular Sligo surf spot.  

Streedagh Strand: Surfing with a Historical Backdrop

For a side of culture and history alongside your wave hunting, Streedagh Strand is one of the Sligo Surf Spots that offers both. With a mixture of beach breaks and reef breaks, this surf spot is popular amongst surfers for its appeal to various skill levels, allowing novices and pros to happily surf side-by-side. Streegagh Strand’s surf is all situated in the historical backdrop of the Spanish Armada as well as being a hotspot for fossil hunters too, so if you happen to catch Streedagh Strand on a low tide day, leave the board at home and go on a fossil hunt instead.  

Surf Essentials: What to Pack for Your Sligo Surf Trip

When planning your trip to Sligo surf spots, you’ll want to be well equipped, so bring along your wetsuit, surfboard, sunscreen, and a first aid kit (just in case!). You’ll also want some warm, dry clothes and a towel to make sure you can get dried off afterwards. If you’re missing any of the gear, don’t worry, Sligo’s prime surf means that we have plenty of shops where you can buy or rent your equipment before taking on the waves.

Enjoy these Sligo Surf Spots from the Riverside Hotel

Ready to catch some waves? Now all you need to do is make sure you’ve got a great place to stay and warm up after a day of surfing the Wild Atlantic Way. Book your stay at the Riverside Hotel with rooms for every visitor - double, king, twin and of course, our river view rooms too. With food available from our own Ripples Cafe and the Mill Bar and Restaurant you’ll be sure to be well fed pre or post surf. Know a keen surfer and want to treat them to a trip to experience the best Sligo surf spots? We offer gift vouchers so you can help them plan a surf trip to remember.