Mullaghmore
Sligo, Ireland
Reef breakExpert
One of Europe's most spectacular and terrifying big wave venues, Mullaghmore Head in County Sligo produces enormous, square-lipped slabs on the biggest Atlantic winter swells, drawing elite tow-in surfers from around the world.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalWNW (300°)
WindowWSW–N (240°–360°)
Size6-12ft
Wind
E
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
September–April
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Left
Bottom
Rock ledge
Shape
Massive, thick-lipped slab, the wave jacks up violently over a rock ledge and throws an enormous curtain of water
Length
50–150m (but the drop and pit are what matters)
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert (big wave specialists/tow-in teams only)
- •Why: One of the coldest, heaviest, and most remote big wave environments on Earth, only the best-prepared should be in the water.
Hazards
- •Extreme cold, water temperature as low as 8°C in winter
- •Rock ledge beneath the wave, impact injuries are catastrophic
- •Remote location, emergency services are over an hour away
- •Massive hold-downs under tonnes of white water
Local Tips
- •Mullaghmore village is a beautiful, remote corner of Ireland even on flat days, the castle on the headland and the scenery are outstanding.
- •Spectators watch from the sea wall or boat, the best view of the wave from land is the pier, but be prepared to get soaked by spray.
Location
54.4664, -8.4486