The Surf Window

Portstewart Strand

Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Beach breakIntermediate

One of Ireland's great unspoiled beaches, Portstewart Strand is a 2-mile golden sand bay managed by the National Trust where consistent Atlantic swells create quality beach break and the dune system behind the beach is one of Ireland's finest.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–N 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

S

Light to SE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the long beach

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: All levels
  • •Why: Long beach with varied peaks accessible to all surfers

Hazards

  • •Rip currents in bigger swells
  • •Cold water, 7–12°C
  • •The drive-on beach (National Trust permit) creates unusual beach user conflicts

Local Tips

  • •National Trust operates a drive-on scheme, cars on the beach is a unique feature
  • •The dune system behind the beach is a nationally important habitat, stay on marked paths
  • •Portstewart town has the North Coast's finest ice cream at Morelli's, a 100-year tradition

Location

Map showing the location of Portstewart Strand in Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

55.1942, -6.7158