Live wind
Water & wetsuit
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About this spot
Rossnowlagh, on Donegal Bay, is one of Ireland's best-known surf beaches: a long, wide crescent of firm sand facing west into the Atlantic. It catches the steady stream of W and SW depressions that cross Ireland, and the waves here are famously clean and well-shaped — it is one of the birthplaces of Irish surfing. The beach is so wide and firm that cars are traditionally allowed to drive onto it.
W, SW and NW winds blow side-onshore and are the working directions; S works with care. Easterly winds blow off the land and are dangerous. The tidal range is large (around 4 m): at low tide the beach is enormous and the waves break further out; at high tide the shore break can get heavy. Rip currents form between banks in bigger swell. The Atlantic water is cool year-round (roughly 9–15 °C).
There is parking on and behind the beach, the Sand House Hotel and a surf school with rental right on the beach. Good for intermediates and up; in small summer swell beginners can learn with the school. In big winter swell it is experts only.
3-day forecast
Speed / gusts in knots. Colour = rideability for this spot. Bottom row = recommended kite size for your weight — not recommended outside this spot's 14–32 kn range.
Conditions
- Water
- waves, choppy
- Depth
- Shelves gently; large tidal range changes the break
- Seabed
- sand
- Skill
- intermediate, expert
- Beginners
- Not for beginners — intermediate and up
- Wind range
- 14 kn – 32 kn
Access & parking
Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal — off the N15 south of Donegal town.
Parking: Parking behind and on the beach.
Amenities
- Surf school & rental
- Hotel & café on the beach
- Drive-on beach
Needs local verification: Details compiled from general sources and not yet confirmed by local riders — check launch, parking and current rules on site. No spot-specific webcam verified; links go to Windy's nearby cams and wind map.
Local hazards
- Rip currents in bigger swell
- Heavy shore break at high tide
- E winds are offshore
- Cool Atlantic water year-round