Gorgeous Irish village that's a lesser-known 'surfer's paradise' with perfect conditions

Ireland, known worldwide for its stunning landscapes, rich history, friendly locals, and captivating folklore , is a magnet for tourists. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, the Emerald Isle ranked as the 13th most visited country globally in 2021, with over 11 million holidaymakers.

Yet, an often overlooked facet of Ireland's tourism appeal is its burgeoning reputation as a surfer's haven . With approximately 3,172 kilometres (1,970 miles) of coastline, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast, Ireland is gaining recognition among the global surfing community as a prime spot for tackling challenging waves.

Lahinch, a small village in County Clare, is particularly revered by surf enthusiasts . Nestled on the Atlantic coast, this village of around 600 residents boasts ideal conditions for surfing.

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Known for its strong winds and waves, this western Irish gem also attracts kitesurfers and windsurfers. Lahinch's status as a water sports paradise was further cemented in 2006 when 44 surfers set a world record by riding a small wave together.

The Co Clare village of Lahinch has been highly recommended as a surfing destination on the r/ireland subreddit. One social media user wrote: "Lahinch for surfing is great. There's surf vans and surf shops literally everywhere along the beach so you'll have no bother renting or getting lessons.

"Just a heads up there's not much else in Lahinch bar a cafe, a restaurant, and public toilets. Also no changing rooms but if you've surfed before you're probably well acquainted with changing in public lmao The restaurant at the end of the promenade is actually really nice for post-surf food."

Another person was just as effusive in their praise: "Seconding this. Lahinch might be my favourite spot I've ever been for surf lessons. It's so consistent, wonderfully pretty, and uncrowded (compared to many other surf destinations," they said.

Catering to the high amount of surf tourism, there are several local surf schools. All ages and abilities are covered. One of these schools, Lahinch Surf Experience, was praised to the hilt on Tripadvisor by several social media users.

"Our son had a 2-hour surf lesson with Lahinch Surf Experience and he loved every second of it. It was his first time surfing and his instructor was so patient with him and really had a lovely way with the kids. He had great craic and learned something also. Great job Lahinch Surf Experience," one person wrote.

Another review enthused: "Such a brilliant experience for our 3 kids (age 11, 9 and 8). The day was a bit grey and looked a bit choppy and the kids were a little unsure. As soon as James got them down to the beach and started talking to them they were all smiles. Could not believe they were all up catching wave after wave. They are all hooked now!!"

Surfing's surge in popularity across Ireland is evidenced by the launch of the National Surf Centre in Strandhill, Co. Sligo last June. Failte Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Sligo County Council project that the Wild Atlantic Way surfing hotspot will draw 50,000 visitors annually by 2033.

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An American filmmaker has also shone a spotlight on Ireland's surf scene with a documentary delving into its origins, which aired in the United States and Ireland this autumn. Directed and produced by Irish-American Sean Duggan, the film includes interviews with pioneering surfers who helped establish Ireland's reputation in the global surfing community.

Rewind about 50 years, and Ireland was an undiscovered surf destination, known only to a handful. English surfer Roger Steadman recalls: "Nobody thought Ireland had waves like California or Hawaii, so why should there be anybody surfing? ".

For American surfer Kevin Naughton, the allure of Irish waves is unmatched. "The waves there were as good as the waves I've surfed in Central America or anywhere else in the world," he remarks in the documentary. "But there were no crowds. There'd be nobody, not even other surfers."

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