Surfing & Kitesurfing
Ride the Atlantic in a surfer’s paradise. Two of the finest surf destinations in Ireland are in Mayo.
The 4km of sandy surfers’ joy on Carrowniskey beach, near Louisburgh offers one of the most consistent surf experiences in Ireland.
The 3km beach at Keel on Achill Island is a spectacular destination which has lured practically every major international kite surfer in recent years.
Bertra, an arm of land extending into Clew Bay beneath Croagh Patrick, is also spectacular. Or, for a total getaway, head for the windswept beaches of the Belmullet peninsula.
There are a number of Surf Schools in Mayo also:
Surf Mayo is one of Ireland’s most established surf schools. Adult lessons €25, kids €20.
Blackfield Surf School is a great school on the main road to Keel. Watch out for the old Dublin double-decker bus they’ve commandeered on Keel Beach and visit the coffee shop.
Pure Magic is a centre of impassioned stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) and kite-surfing fuelled by decadent French cuisine. This is a genuinely overlooked tourism gem.
The Adventure Islands offers surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding, sea kayaking, dinghy sailing, scuba diving and more from the pier in Westport House and Collanmore Island in Clew Bay.
Achill Surf is based on Achill Island’s 3km-long Keel beach with free transport from Westport every day in summer. For €40 per day you get bus transfer, board/boat and wetsuit hire, one surfing and one kayaking session, or two surfing/kayaking sessions, instruction and refreshments. (Five-days for €175)
Surf Westport is a fine school on the uncrowded, beautiful Carrowniskey Beach looking onto Clew Bay Islands.