Dunmoran Strand is an uncrowded beach that offers a good surfing experience, mainly for beginners and intermediates, especially when there’s some swell in the water. Located on the north-facing coast of Sligo, this spot tends to pick up more swell than many around it. The beach is sheltered from big swells and strong SW winds, making it a decent option for a varied surf session. Access is straightforward, with a parking lot at the east end of the strand.
This spot generally handles swells ranging from 3ft to 5ft (about 1m to 1.5m) and works best with W and N swell directions. When the conditions align, you can find both left and right beach breaks here. Dunmoran tends to surf best on low, mid, and high tides, with a preference for southwest winds. Generally, you’ll get a consistent wave, with multiple peaks depending on swell size, direction, and sand placement. On bigger days, you might want to be cautious as rips can form at any size. It's suitable for all types of surfboards, including shortboards, funboards, longboards, and fish.
The crowd factor can vary; it gets its share of local surfers on a good day, but there are usually some empty peaks to catch away from the main group. It's worth noting that Dunmoran is considered a training ground for some of Ireland’s best surf talents, making it a reliable place to improve your skills. Just be sure to keep an eye on the conditions and the tide, and enjoy the friendly family vibe in the area.
