The Ultimate Guide to Bundoran Surf

Bundoran surf is legendary in Ireland, largely because of one epic reef but also becuase the town is the learner hub of the Emerald Isle, with top beach breaks and lots of surf schools.

An introduction to Bundoran surf

Bundoran is the best-known surf town in the whole of Ireland. It’s like the Emerald Isle’s answer to Newquay or Kuta Beach or whatever. To put it another way, 90% of surfers in Ireland have been here and surfed it, and most all surf trippers should have Bundoran on their list – the town is well set up for all levels, with a particularly good showing of surf schools for beginner and intermediates.

There’s a fine mix of breaks. To the north of the town, the long sweep of dune-backed sand known as the Tullan Strand is classic Celtic sandbar stuff, with consistent peaks of all shapes and sizes along a 2-kilometer stretch. Closer to the village center, the Main Beach can also work on higher tides, but you also get The Peak – arguably the most consistent and shapely A-frame reef in the country.

The rise of Bundoran as a major surf and seaside escape has brought with it a distinct energy. There’s decent nightlife here, so you won’t be short on apres surf. And there are loads of great places to stay. If you prefer it quieter, try basing yourself in remoter Rossnowlagh a little to the north.

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This guide is just one part of our complete guide to surfing Ireland

Bundoran surf at a glance

The good…

The Peak is one of Ireland’s best waves
Lots of swell all year round
Good surf schools and beaches for beginners

The bad…

Can suffer from closeouts and wind
Cold, cold water in winter

What’s in this guide to Bundoran surfing?

Where is Bundoran?

Bundoran is located in the northwestern part of Ireland, in the county of Donegal. It’s relatively close to Donegal Town, which is approximately 28 kilometers (about 17 miles) away to the north.

To the southwest the borders of both County Leitrim and County Sligo are less than 10km away, meaning this is a fine, fine base for surfing much of the northern part of the Irish west coast.

Bundoran surf spots

Bundoran lords over the finest stretch of surf coast in Ireland. There’s something for everyone here, including Ireland’s very best all-level reef break.

Rossnowlagh

Rossnowlagh is pure Donegal county beachbreak. Like Tullan (see below), it’s prime beginner and learner territory in the summer months but can suffer from high winds and closeouts in the winter.

You’ll be relying on settled sandbanks up and down the whole bay, with improving sets as the tide pushes in. We think it’s a great place to surf with families and if you don’t like bigger crowds, since the line up here thins out a lot compared to the spots more central to Bundoran.

There are also some really cool glamping sites and whatnot in the vicinity, though you will need a car to get between them and the beaches.

We have a complete guide to surfing in Rossnowlagh

Tullan Strand

Tullan Strand is where you’re likely to head to if you sign up for surf lessons in Bundoran (well, here or Rossnowlagh). It’s perfect for that, especially in the summer when swell can be thin on the ground (AKA in the Atlantic).

A long run of nearly 2 miles of beige beachfront, it hoovers up any and all swell in the W-NW channels and filters it into shifting sandbanks. It does work on all tides, but a pushing or just-dropping high tide is generally the best.

There’s almost zero shelter along the north part of the bay, but the locals know a secret: Tuck into the spot right below the Rougey Cliffs at the far south end of the bay and you get some protection from strong S winds, plus a more permanent sandbar that offers a lovely longboard A-frame with longish lefts and shorter rights.

Bundoran Beach

Bundoran Beach isn’t one of those classic Donegal runs of sand that goes on for mile after mile. It’s more of a cove with reefs to the north and the south. That adds shelter but also makes it hard for swell to creep in.

There can be a wave here, though, so long as there’s decent primary swell (say in the 5-8 foot range) and the tide is high. The beauty of it is that the surrounding cliffs offer good protection from most wind directions, so this one can stay clean even in storms, though don’t expect the wave of your life – it’s mainly dumpy shorebreaks, though they can be fun.

The Left (also known as Inside Left)

The first wave that works on the reef to the south of Bundoran Main Beach is this lovely shouldering left. It’s a bit of a shy one, needing some good size (5-foot+) to work properly and low winds, but when it works it’s a stunner.

There are multiple take off zones as the wave peels off the rocks, but full rides will give flatter, fatter sections followed by surprisingly steep sections that can even barrel when it’s really large. It’s not often busy as most people will immediately look to The Peak if the left is working.

The Peak

Bundoran’s jewel in the crown is The Peak. Comparisons to other great waves come thick and fast for this one, but for us it’s a proper, unique, Irish reefy. If we had to, we’d say it recalls Mainbreak in Margaret River just a touch, only with much, much colder water, and no sharks.

It’s an A-frame that peaks at low tides on the outer rim of the rock bed to the south of Bundoran’s main beach. The left and the right are quite different, the left being faster and steeper, with pitching sections, and the right offering shallower take offs into a more rippable wall.

The right can handle virtually any swell size, but the left will shut off when things hit double overhead or a touch more. East winds are offshore here, which is a shame because that makes wind the real enemy – dominant gusts are W, SW. There’s always a crowd at The Peak, but given just how famous it is, it’s kinda’ surprising just how friendly it is. Low tide only.

Sligo

The border with County Sligo is less than 8kms from Bundoran. The county is pretty special for surfers, espeiaclly if you want wild Atlantic shoreline and peaks to yourself. It begins with a welcome run of north-facing shoreline.

That’s where you’ll find the open beaches of Mullaghmore and Streedagh Strand, which need lots of swell to get working because they face north, though remember that they are gems in S-SW winds, which are offshore. Mullaghmore itself also has Ireland’s most iconic XXL break for tow-in surfers and spectators to sink their teeth into.

We have a complete guide to surfing in County Sligo (coming soon)

Where to stay when surfing in Bundoran?

Bundoran has a pretty good array of stays, mainly because it’s one of Co Donegal’s prime surf and seaside destinations. We’ve picked out two B&Bs and one unique glamping hut that we like, but there’s plenty on offer – especially self-catering – if you search Booking.com.

Allingham Arms Hotel – A pretty charming lodge of a hotel with an Irish bar and great views over The Peak surf spot. It’s not dead in the center but is right on the road that will take you to all the top surf spots between Bundoran and Sligo, plus the rooms are cozy as can be.
Bank House Guesthouse – A classic sort of B&B in a pub with homey rooms and very friendly owners.
The Snuggly Sheep Farm Stay Shepherd Hut – Okay, so you won’t be in the heart of Bundoran itself and you’ll need a car, but this super-cozy hut is the way to do it in Ireland. It’s perched on the coast with views of the wild estuary and beaches north of tow. There’s even a farm with sheep and alpacas on site.

Surf lessons in Bundoran

Bundoran has lots of surf schools, but there’s one that really stands out for us…

2-hour surf lessons with the Bundoran Surf Co – We can’t sing these guys’ praises enough. They cater to all sorts of surfer – no matter if you’re a solo traveler trying it for the first time or a family group – have excellent equipment, and attentive teaching that really helps you improve. They also know the Bundoran region like the back of their hand, so will take you to the beach/reef to match your level. Be sure to book ahead if you’re coming in the summer – they do fill up!

When to surf in Bundoran?

Tullan Strand, the all-level beach north of Bundoran

The best time to surf in Bundoran is the spring to the summer.

Winters are highly consistent, it’s true, but low-pressure storms are very strong in the north Atlantic and send massive swells into town one after the other, often accompanied by very high winds. The warmer months do have some small days, but it’s rare, plus the size will be better suited to all levels of surfer, from beginner right up to pro.

One exception: If you’re a real charger and want to dodge the crowds then winter is the time to come. Many of the surf schools retreat into hibernation for the low season so you’ll get the beaches to yourself and swells are sure to be consistent.