Mullaghmore Head
Mullaghmore Head is Ireland's premier big wave slab—a terrifying left that combines Teahupo'o's thick lip with Shipstern's mutant steps to create one of Europe's most challenging waves. When massive North Atlantic swells wrap around the Irish headland, Mullaghmore produces ledging barrels in the 30-50 foot range that defy physics. The wave breaks close to shore, allowing dramatic spectating from the cliffs. Cold water, hostile weather, and serious consequences make this a proving ground for Europe's bravest.
Mullaghmore Head surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (292°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 315°
- Size range
- 3m - 15.2m
- Ideal size
- 5.8m - 9.4m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (168°)
- Offshore range
- 123° - 213°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Paddle/jet ski
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Mullaghmore Head?
Mullaghmore Head is a big-wave spot in County Sligo, Ireland, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Mullaghmore Head?
On 8 March 2012 surfers from around the world rode waves up to 15 m here, thrown up by a storm system nicknamed the 'Viking storm'. Easkey Britton's tow surfing here in February 2011 made her the first Irish woman nominated for the Billabong XXL Awards.
What swell works best at Mullaghmore Head?
Mullaghmore Head picks up swell from the W round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 3m and keeps going up to about 15.2m, with the sweet spot around 5.8 to 9.4m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Mullaghmore Head?
A SSE wind is dead offshore at Mullaghmore Head, and anything from the ESE round to the SSW 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 Mullaghmore Head?
Mullaghmore Head is at its best around high tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Mullaghmore Head?
The most reliable run of swell at Mullaghmore Head comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Few XXL days/winter.
Is Mullaghmore Head 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: sharp, shallow reef (booties help).
How do I get to Mullaghmore Head?
The nearest airport on our list is SNN, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive. Paddle/jet ski.
What other surf spots are near Mullaghmore Head?
The closest breaks we track are Pampa Point (1.3 km), Bundoran Peak (11 km) and Easkey Right (38 km), handy when Mullaghmore Head isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Few XXL days/winter
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Pampa Point
🥶 Donegal solitude • Cold water commitment • Irish gem
Bundoran Peak
🇮🇪 Ireland's premier reef • A-frame peaks • Wild Atlantic Way
Easkey Right
🍀 Sligo's quality right • Handles solid size • Celtic perfection
Aileens
🦅 Beneath the Cliffs of Moher • Towering backdrop • Atlantic power
Lahinch
🇮🇪 Ireland's surf capital • Atlantic consistency • Complete town
Riley's
🎓 Aileens training ground • Cliff trek access • Often too shallow
Plan a trip around Mullaghmore Head
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