Windsurfing
Harness Atlantic winds on Ireland's best waters
Ireland gets reliable wind, which is the hard part. The rest is picking water that matches your level. Dollymount in Dublin Bay is flat, shallow and the standard place to learn on the east coast. Brandon Bay and Castlegregory in Kerry make up the best-known wave and freeride area in the country, with a long beach that works across several wind directions. Achill in Mayo gives exposed Atlantic conditions for people who want them. The main season is April to October; committed sailors go year-round in a winter wetsuit, since the strongest and most consistent wind arrives with the autumn and winter systems.
Where to go
Season: April – October · Suits: Beginner to Advanced
Dollymount Strand
DublinShallow, flat water inside Bull Island and the main learning spot on the east coast. Fifteen minutes from the city centre.
Brandon Bay
KerryA long Atlantic beach that works in most wind directions, with flat water inside and waves outside. Ireland's best-known windsurfing bay.
Castlegregory
KerryThe village at the centre of the Brandon Bay scene, with hire, tuition and the sheltered water of Lough Gill nearby for lighter days.
Achill Island
MayoExposed Atlantic wave sailing at Keel, with a lake alternative on the island for when the sea is too much.
Windsurfing by county
The 1 county with named spots, accredited centres or registered trails behind them.
About windsurfing in Ireland
Ireland's consistent winds and beautiful bays make it ideal for windsurfing. From the flat waters of inner harbours to the wave sailing off the Atlantic coast, there are spots for learners and experts alike.
Common questions
How long does it take to learn to windsurf?
Most people can sail across the wind and return to their starting point after a two-day beginner course in light wind and flat water. Getting into a harness and planing takes considerably longer. A season of regular sailing is realistic.
Do I need my own equipment?
Not to learn. Schools and centres in Dublin and Kerry hire boards, rigs and wetsuits, and beginner courses include them. Owning gear becomes worthwhile once you know which board size and sail range suit the water you actually sail.
What's the difference between windsurfing and kitesurfing?
A windsurfer's sail is fixed to the board by a mast and boom, so the rig is heavier but more controllable and easier to learn safely. A kitesurfer flies a kite on lines well above the water, which packs smaller and generates more lift but needs more space and more caution near shore.
What age can children start windsurfing?
Schools generally teach from 8, and everyone taking a lesson has to be able to swim. Some centres set 11 for a private lesson. Size matters as much as age, because a beginner has to haul the sail up out of the water by hand: children learn on stable boards with small rigs, so ask what kit the school keeps in that size rather than assuming they have it.
Where can I learn to windsurf in Ireland?
Dollymount in Dublin Bay for the east coast, and Castlegregory in Brandon Bay for the west. Both have shallow flat water and established schools. Irish Sailing is the national governing body and lists recognised training centres.
Find a centre
No governing body publishes a provider list for windsurfing, so we have no accredited centres to name. The full directory holds 76 adventure centres, many of them multi-sport.