Surf Businesses in Northern Ireland

Surf schools, shops, camps and board repairs in 1 surf town across Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast is a surf region with a real sense of place. Facing north into the Atlantic, it picks up swell from storms passing between Iceland and Ireland and turns it into quality waves on sandy beaches, framed by white cliffs, castles and some of the most famous scenery in the British Isles. The surf community here is tight knit and welcoming, and the coast is less crowded than many better known surf areas.

Portrush and the Causeway Coast

Portrush is the surf capital of Northern Ireland. The town sits on a headland with a beach on each side: East Strand, which runs towards the Whiterocks cliffs, and West Strand, which is closer to the town centre and harbour. Between them they offer options for most wind directions. A short drive away, Portstewart Strand, Castlerock and Benone add miles of sand to the choice, and the Giant's Causeway is just along the coast for the flat days.

Portrush is also known around the world for golf, having hosted The Open Championship, so it has plenty of places to stay and eat and is easy to reach from Belfast and Derry.

When to surf in Northern Ireland

The most consistent surf arrives from autumn to spring, when North Atlantic low pressure systems send swell onto the coast. Southerly winds blow offshore on north facing beaches, which helps clean up the waves. Summer is smaller and more suitable for lessons, with lifeguards on the busiest beaches. The water is cold for much of the year, so a 5mm wetsuit with boots and gloves is standard from late autumn into spring.

Learning to surf here

The wide, sandy beaches around Portrush make it a good place to learn, and local surf schools run lessons for all ages and abilities. Ask them about conditions and which beach is best on the day.