The Surf Window

Cushendun

Antrim, Northern Ireland

Beach breakIntermediate

At the mouth of the Dun River on the Glens of Antrim coast, Cushendun is a picturesque National Trust village where Game of Thrones was filmed and where occasional north swells create modest but fun beach break in an extraordinary setting.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–NE 1–2m at 10–12s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Feb

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and river mouth break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Small peaks at the river mouth and beach

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Beginner to intermediate
  • •Why: Small, manageable waves, better for exploring than serious surfing

Hazards

  • •River mouth currents
  • •Very remote, limited services
  • •North Channel weather is extremely variable

Local Tips

  • •The Game of Thrones Stormborn's Caves are behind the beach, filming location for Melisandre scenes
  • •The village's National Trust cottages are beautiful Cornish-style design, unusual for Ireland
  • •The Glens of Antrim behind the town are some of Ireland's most beautiful highland scenery

Location

Map showing the location of Cushendun in Antrim, Northern Ireland

55.1252, -6.0423