Garretstown
Cork's surf beach, picking up any south or south-west swell.
Garretstown, near Kinsale, is the go-to beach for Cork surfers. Its wide bay picks up any south or south-west swell, and the waves are usually bigger at the western end.
With a northerly wind it's one of the most reliable options on the south coast.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | SW, S, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW, NE |
| Tide | Low to mid |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn to spring |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or funboard; a longboard in small swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Garretstown
The water is around 9 °C in winter and 15 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A calm vibe.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Rip currents.
Map
Other spots nearby
Dingle (Kerry)
A 5 km sand spit on the Dingle peninsula, with long, soft waves.
Waterford
A big sandy bay on the south coast, with soft waves and surf schools.
Castlegregory (Kerry)
A huge bay on the Dingle peninsula, better known for windsurfing, with empty peaks.
Lahinch (Clare)
Clare's surf town: a learning beach, schools and a base for the area's reefs.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.