Mullaghmore Head
Ireland's big wave: a giant, heavy left below Mullaghmore Head.
Mullaghmore Head is a big-wave left that only works with huge north-west swells. It's very thick and hollow, and is surfed by jet-ski tow-in and, increasingly, by paddling.
You get a great view from the headland on storm days. It's a place for big-wave specialists with safety gear.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Left |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E, S |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 4 m+ |
| Best season | Winter, during storms |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Medium |
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 gun or tow board, helmet and flotation vest. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Mullaghmore Head
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 AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
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 specialists' peak, organised with jet skis. It's not a place to improvise.
Surfing style
Big, heavy waves.
Hazards
Extreme size, rocks and very cold water.
Map
Shapers near Mullaghmore Head
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Bundoran (Donegal)
Ireland's most famous reef, right in Bundoran: a quality A-frame.
Bundoran (Donegal)
Bundoran's beach: a very consistent beach break below the cliffs.
Donegal
A long, gentle beach on Donegal Bay, birthplace of Irish surfing and longboarding.
Sligo
Sligo's surf village, with a beach, schools and a scene at the foot of Knocknarea.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.