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Ireland offers its visitors a fascinating experience in so many ways. The unspoilt scenery, with its lush green farmland, gives Ireland its nickname “the Emerald Isle” and it’s an ideal place for the sports enthusiast and those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Its long craggy coastline offers breathtaking scenery and besides the wonderful natural surroundings Ireland has an amazing history to discover. The numerous castles, which are spread out over the whole island, allow an insight into Ireland’s turbulent history. In the cities too, there is much to discover, with numerous traditional pubs, historically interesting buildings and a lively nightlife.

Thanks to the charming Irish character as well, visits to Ireland are often great successes. As far as surfing, Ireland possesses some of the most beautiful and consistent surf conditions in northern Europe.

The Irish climate is fairly moderate; thanks to the Gulf Stream the climate is warmer than in other countries at this latitude. The dominant wind blows from southwest to northeast and produces lots of moisture. Rain is characteristic for western Ireland.

About 60% of the annual rain falls between August and January. May and June, have about 5-7 hours of daily sunshine. It’s coldest during January and February, where the average temperature drops to 4-7 degrees. July and August are a lot warmer with average temperatures rising to 14-19 degrees.

During the summer months occasional thunderstorms can occur. This is mainly, but not only, in the interior and in western Ireland. On a sunny day Ireland is a true paradise.

Every year more and more surfers visit Ireland and get to experience its isolated beaches and beautiful landscapes. The winter months are the best for surfing when it comes to wave quality and size but due to the cold water and powerful swells really only suitable for the hard core surfers.

The summer months instead offer more comfortable air and water temperatures and booties and gloves can be left at home.

Best season for beginners: May – September
Best season for advanced surfers: September – May

Crowd factor: High in the summer month

There are scheduled flights from all major European airports directly to Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Kerry. During the summer season also to Knock. Offers from charter airlines and cheap airlines vary depending on the season.

There is a direct ferry connection from Le Havre in France to Rosslare (approx. 22 hours) and from Cherbourg to Rosslare (approx. 17 hours). During the summer months a direct trip from Le Havre to Cork and from Roscoff to Cork is possible. Regular connections from the U.K. go from Pembroke and Fishguard to Rosslare, also from Holyhead to Dublin and from Dun Laoghaire and Swansea to Cork. It takes approx. 11 hours for the night ferry from Liverpool to Belfast.