Photo: Al Mackinnon

 

If you’re based on the island of Great Britain, the neighbouring island of Ireland demands a visit due to the quality, variety and abundance of surf.

If you’re not, you still should.

When images of surfing in Ireland first started appearing in the surf media through the 90’s, they were mainly of good quality surf for average surf folk. Waves like Easkey, The Peak, Tullan, Crab Island, various points, beaches or reefs a bit like the waves you surf at home, but better, less crowded, more potent, more… Irish.

These days, these aren’t really the images portrayed. These days, it’s 20ft barrels at Aileens, crazy 10ft thick Riley’s lips exploding onto dry ledge. Mullaghmore screaming 30ft kegs that bottom out ferociously like imperfect, frigid Teahupoo.

But these waves probably aren’t your cup o’ tea… or pint of stout rather.

You might simply want to embrace your inner Celt. You might want to score a wave a wee bit like your local on the day of the decade, only less crowded.

You might want to live out that rural pub lock-in fiddle Guinness scenario that somehow doesn’t seem cliché out there.

Whatever the reason, the west coast is there for you. And if you don’t go have a look for yourself, well there’s only one person to blame.