Aileens
Aileens is Ireland's most dramatic big wave—a right-hand reef break that detonates beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's west coast. The setting is almost unreal: massive Atlantic swells breaking in front of ancient sea cliffs with birds circling above. When it's on, Aileens produces some of the most powerful waves in the Atlantic, with the added challenge of freezing water and hostile weather.
Aileens surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (280°)
- Direction range
- 250° - 310°
- Size range
- 7.6m - 15.2m
- Ideal size
- 9.7m - 12m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Jet ski or paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Aileens?
Aileens is a big-wave spot in Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Aileens?
In 2007 Easkey Britton became the first woman to ride the big wave below the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs above starred as the 'Cliffs of Insanity' in The Princess Bride, and around 30,000 pairs of seabirds, puffins included, nest on them at peak season.
What swell works best at Aileens?
Aileens picks up swell from the WSW round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 7.6m and keeps going up to about 15.2m, with the sweet spot around 9.7 to 12m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Aileens?
An E wind is dead offshore at Aileens, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Aileens?
Aileens isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Aileens?
The most reliable run of swell at Aileens comes Sep to Mar. There's a second window in Apr too. Rare/inconsistent.
Is Aileens good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Things to watch for: shallow water at low tide and sharp, shallow reef (booties help).
How do I get to Aileens?
The nearest airport on our list is SNN, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Jet ski or paddle.
What other surf spots are near Aileens?
The closest breaks we track are Lahinch (6.6 km) and Riley's (9.1 km), handy when Aileens isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr
Rare/inconsistent
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Lahinch
🇮🇪 Ireland's surf capital • Atlantic consistency • Complete town
Riley's
🎓 Aileens training ground • Cliff trek access • Often too shallow
Easkey Right
🍀 Sligo's quality right • Handles solid size • Celtic perfection
Mullaghmore Head
☘️ Ireland's beast • Steps meet slabs • Inflatable vests mandatory
Pampa Point
🥶 Donegal solitude • Cold water commitment • Irish gem
Bundoran Peak
🇮🇪 Ireland's premier reef • A-frame peaks • Wild Atlantic Way
Plan a trip around Aileens
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