Doolin
Clare, Ireland
Reef breakAdvanced
A legendary trad music village on Clare's Wild Atlantic Way, Doolin's reef break has powerful, quality waves near the Cliffs of Moher and gives experienced surfers an alternative to busy Lahinch.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Wind
SE
Offshore
Tide
mid-high tide
LowMidHigh
Season
October–November
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right (primary)
Bottom
Rock reef
Shape
Solid, powerful right, fast-breaking reef wave with hollow sections on quality NW swells
Length
50–120m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: Rocky reef, powerful Atlantic swell, and cold Irish water require real experience.
Hazards
- •Rock reef, injury risk on wipeouts
- •Cold water (9–13°C, 5/4mm wetsuit minimum)
- •Remote reef, limited rescue access
- •Cliffs of Moher ferry boats operate nearby
Local Tips
- •Doolin is the departure point for the Aran Islands ferry and is also close to Aileen's big wave break, plan your Clare surf itinerary around this hub.
- •McGann's, McDermott's, and O'Connor's pubs in Doolin village host nightly traditional Irish music sessions, unmissable after a cold water session.
Location
53.0163, -9.3776