• ABOUT THE SPOT

Surfing in Garretstown Beach, Cork, Ireland

Skill Level:
All Surfers
Best Wind Direction:
North, Northeast
Ideal Swell Direction:
Southwest
County Cork is situated in the South-West Region of Ireland and it is the largest of all Irish counties. The climate here, like the rest of Ireland, is classified as a maritime climate, usually with cool summers, mild winters and abundant rainfall. Cork enchants visitors with its beautiful landscapes, historic towns and magnificent coastline. In addition, it provides with a number of sporting and leisure activities to perform and remember forever.

Kinsale is a picturesque town that nestles at the mouth of the River Bandon, just 25 km/15.5 mi south of Cork city. It is considered to be the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, with a number of restaurants, pubs and cafes that caters to every taste and budget. Garretstown beach is located close to Kinsale and it is popular to the water-sport lovers. It is an exposed beach and point break that works best around low tide.

Offshore winds blow from the north, northeast and the ideal swell direction is from the southwest. In addition, the swell sizes can start from 1 m/3 ft and the beach break offers both left and right hand waves. The location accommodates both the complete novice and the advanced surfer. It should be mentioned that, the best tide movement is rising and falling tides and the ideal tide position is low and mid tide.

In summer, the wind blows offshore at 21%, in autumn the wind blows at 17%, in winter at 19% and in spring at 18%. Note: be careful of rocks and groynes.