Mullaghmore
Mullaghmore, Connacht (County Sligo), Ireland
Sports: Surfing, Tow foiling
Best time to go: January–March, October–December
Mullaghmore Head is a rocky headland on the northern coast of County Sligo, beside the small harbour village of Mullaghmore on Donegal Bay. Off the head, a deep-water reef turns large North Atlantic swells into one of Europe's best-known big waves: thick, heavy and hollow, breaking over a rocky reef close to the cliffs. It only comes alive on big winter swells, when it is ridden by tow-in teams with jet skis and by paddle surfers with big-wave boards.
The season runs from about October to March, when deep Atlantic low-pressure systems send long-period swell; south-easterly and easterly winds blow offshore. This is a wave for experienced big-wave riders only, with flotation vests, a jet ski and a safety team; the water is cold, the currents are strong and the rocks are close. Spectators watch from the headland, so keep back from the cliff edge, especially in strong winds. The water is about 9–11 °C in winter, so a 5/4 mm or 6/5 mm wetsuit, boots, gloves and a hood are essential. Check local rules for jet ski use.
Spots near Mullaghmore
- Bundoran (12 km)
- Strandhill (24 km)
- Easkey (38 km)
- Lahinch (181 km)
- Tiree – Balevullin (247 km)
- Rhosneigr (293 km)
More: All spots in Ireland · Surfing in Ireland · Tow foiling in Ireland