Surfing

Right out here in the north-western corner of Europe you’ll find clean, bracing water, mile upon mile of unspoilt beaches, fresh salty air, and some of the best waves anywhere. Best of all you’ll have it mostly to yourself! So whether you’re a complete beginner or a well-travelled wave-rider, there’s a beach, a surf school and a wave that’s just right for you in Northern Ireland.  

Begin in Benone, County Londonderry 

The seven-mile Benone Strand in County Londonderry is a great place to start for surf beginners and there are multiple breaks to choose from, with its reputation for small, clean waves. 

The waves get a bit more challenging towards the east end of the strand at Downhill, within sight of Mussendun Temple. It’s also the first fully inclusive beach in Northern Ireland, with provisions including a wheelchair surfboard and beach wheelchairs.  

The Long Line Surf School in Benone hires out all the kit you need, offers lessons and advice on where to catch the right breaks for your skill level. It also runs kids’ camps for children aged 6 to 12, along with teenage summer camps. 

If you’d like to extend your trip to this stunning location, there are glamping lodges which can accommodate up to six people at the Benone Holiday and Leisure Park (4*) in nearby Limavady. There’s also a great refuelling station at the Sea Shed coffee shop on the beach itself, and plenty more food to be had at the nearby Anglers’ Rest pub. 

Catch a break at Castlerock Beach 

Just beyond Benone Strand and Downhill Demesne with its iconic Mussenden Temple is Castlerock, another gorgeous beach. 

Castlerock is well-suited to more experienced surfers, who come to enjoy the right-hand wave which breaks off the pier at the river mouth. You won’t find many surfers here, but if you do get tired of that right-hand break then it’s a short paddle across to the Portstewart side of the river. 

Portstewart Strand is a vast and very popular beach, with countless breaks and which is also home to the famed Harry’s Shack, serving up great coffee and fresh locally-sourced food. It’s also a great spot to treat yourself to an aprés-surf glass of craft beer while you watch others catch those same breaks. 

Wet and wild on the West Strand at Portrush 

In Northern Ireland, Portrush is like shorthand for surfing. The coast here is has two main strands for surfing - the West Strand and the smaller, more sheltered East Strand. While the East Strand is less exposed to the bigger swell, it still has powerful waves in winter. The West Strand, meanwhile, is more consistent for waves and you’ll almost always have a wave there, all year round. 

Portrush attracts surfers from as far afield as Hawaii and Canada who come to enjoy the clean, barrelling waves, and the easy-going surfing lifestyle that is everywhere here. It’s still relatively uncrowded and you’ll find plenty of breaks to put your name on. 

No visit to Portrush would be complete without dropping into Troggs Surf Shop and School overlooking the East Strand. Not only is it one of the best surf shops in Europe, but amongst the staff is Andrew Hill, a six times Irish national surfing champion, he’s been riding waves for 40 years. If he can’t put you on a wave then nobody can. 

There are so many breaks here that one day is never enough. Amongst the best known places to stay in Portrush are the Royal Court Hotel (3*) with its dramatic views over the sea and the waves that are lining up for you, Adelphi Guesthouse (4*) or Blackrock House B&B (5*) (Winner Best B&B/Guest House at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022) which is an immaculately restored Edwardian terraced house offering a stylish, boutique experience. 

Waves with a view at Whiterocks Beach 

Located just off the Causeway Coastal Route, a couple of miles from Portrush and beside the Royal Portrush Golf Club, is Whiterocks Beach. It’s named after the limestone cliffs of the White Rocks, which span from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. 

With its dramatic views of the castle and the rocks, it’s one of the most scenic locations to surf, and on a good day you can also see the Scottish islands. Surfing is the main pastime on this beach, but you’ll find kayakers, body boarders, horse riders and plenty of families too.  

Nearby, the Portrush Surf School offers a Surf ‘n’ Spa experience in conjunction with local beauty therapist Aura Portrush, so you and your companions can enjoy a relaxing après surf treatment after a day on the waves. 

Away from the world at White Park Bay 

White Park Bay in County Antrim is located about 10 minutes’ drive from the Giant’s Causeway but feels like a whole world away when you get there. A peaceful and secluded beach with beautiful blue waters, it isn’t manned by lifeguards and is best suited to experienced surfers, as its waves can break quite far from the shore. The waves here really come into their own when a prevailing northwest swell meets a southerly offshore wind that pushes them right up. 

There are more waves to be caught all around Northern Ireland’s coast. No matter where you’re off to, from the Causeway Coast to counties Antrim or Down, there are waves to be had and breaks to be worked, so don’t ever leave home without strapping your board to your roof rack.