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Lahinch
This little seaside town has become one of Irelands premier surf centres. There are about three surf shops, a couple of surf schools and PLENTY of pubs to be found here. Besides that you´ll find all kind of restaurants, some hotels, B & B´s and the odd fashion shop. This beach lovers infrastructure has evolved not only because of the quality of the beaches but is also a result of the proximity to Shannon airport which makes this place very easy accessible for British and mainland European Surfers too.
The river coming down to sea here created a large sand beach bordered by dunes. Just behind the dunes there´s a golf course that prevents access. But in town there is a large parking in front of the sea world aquarium that allows easy access to the beach. Needless to say that you have to pay and display here.
South of town the cliffs beginn and make access to the sea difficult again. Just outside town you´ll find a small parking lot. From here you can climb down to a reef and bolder beach – and I mean climb because it´s not an easy task getting down those slippery cliffs.
Just around these cliffs another little beach is the last easy access to sea at this area otherwise dominated by step cliffs.
Surfing: the wide sand beach offers easy beach break type waves that are good for beginners. To the left a string of reefs deliver some very nice lefts that can provide long rides with the right conditions. On a good day this can get magic for shortboarders and longboarders alike. The reefs are not too gnarly and work best with low to mid tide. High tide only sees surfable waves with bigger swells and getting in and out of the sea then gets difficult as there will be not much beach left in front of the cliffs.
Windsurfing: due to the steep cliffs it´s very rare to get it right. The wind has to come exactly with the right angle – which is south southwest – and still then it will be gusty. Experts only!
kiteboarding: same thing as with windsurfing. Best chances are at the large beach north of town.
more pics in the galleries (about Lahinch and its surf)
accurate swell and weather forecast:
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