Rossnowlagh
A long, gentle beach on Donegal Bay, birthplace of Irish surfing and longboarding.
Rossnowlagh is a sand beach several kilometres long on Donegal Bay, with soft waves and lots of peaks. It's one of the places where Irish surfing began and is still a classic for longboarding and learning.
In good conditions it's a classic beach break, with peaks along the whole beach.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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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 longboard, funboard or minimalibu; a shortboard in good swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Rossnowlagh
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, family vibe.
Surfing style
Soft beach break.
Hazards
Rip currents and cold water.
Map
Shapers near Rossnowlagh
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Bundoran (Donegal)
Bundoran's beach: a very consistent beach break below the cliffs.
Bundoran (Donegal)
Ireland's most famous reef, right in Bundoran: a quality A-frame.
Mullaghmore (Sligo)
Ireland's big wave: a giant, heavy left below Mullaghmore Head.
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.