Few places in the world can still boast crystal clear waters, empty stretches of golden beaches sweeping up over the green fields to the purple hills of Donegal. If your idea of heaven is Atlantic breakers rolling in on miles of spotless sands and a backdrop of yellow gorse bushes with smoke curling up from the cottage chimney and a friendly hello as you head for the water, then Donegal is for you!

For watersports enthusiasts the waters around the Donegal coastline and the lakes within present world-class conditions for water based activities all year round and with miles and miles of golden beaches and breathtaking scenery, Donegal offers the visitor the true pleasure of enjoying the great outdoors.
 
The fastest growing sport dominating Donegal’s coastline is surfing with many enthusiasts travelling from afar to seek out Ireland’s enchanting emerald waves. The relentless action of the mighty Atlantic Ocean together with the diversity of Donegal’s beaches is an irresistible combination that produces great surf all year round. The waves here offer something for everyone from first timers to the down right foolhardy, and with some of the most consistent surf in Europe, Donegal is a true surfers paradise. Newcomers will find the surfing buzz highly addictive and with many excellent surf schools across the County, learning to surf is sure to be the highlight of your holiday!  The windswept north and west coasts of Donegal are a favourite with surfers, with a multitude of reefs, points and stunning sandy beaches, whilst the Sheephaven bay area is fast becoming recognised for the quality and diversity of surfing breaks to be found there.

Away from the crowds, nestled amongst stunning blue flag beaches and situated on a tidal estuary is Dunfanaghy. As a picturesque and unspoilt holiday destination, its stunning location makes it ideally placed for surfing with an unrivalled diversity of beaches for the travelling surfer.

Dunfanaghy is also home to Narosa an ISA approved surf school and, having travelled the world over in search of the perfect surfing spot, the Narosa team have concluded that there are few places to rival the quality, diversity and consistency of surf in such breathtaking and historic surroundings. With qualifications from Ireland, the UK and Australia their coaches are amongst the most qualified in Europe, enabling them to not only help you “catch your first wave dude ” but share their understanding of the ocean and passion for surfing in Ireland. This year adding to the popular kids camps and beginners lesson schedule is a dedicated surfboard test centre, yoga surf weekends and high performance coaching!
 
In the south of the County, famous breaks, including ‘The Peak’ in Bundoran, offer a challenge to the most experienced surfer, whilst the gentler beach break waves at Rossnowlagh Strand provide the perfect beginners wave. Rossnowlagh is home to Ireland’s largest surf club, it is here you will find the Britton family who instil the bohemian culture of a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. These days they share their stoke for surfing through Finn McCool’s surf school, playing host to surfing competitions and the surf life saving championships.

Bundoran has become synonymous with surfing in Ireland and in June it is celebrated in the Surf and Music Festival of ‘Sea Sessions’. With world-class reef breaks a large number of the top competitive surfers will come to visit its shores. In the centre of the town you can sit at the Bridge Bar and enjoy watching the surfers at the peak, a classic left hander that can run a couple of hundred yards on a good day! Bundoran Surf Co. is one of the areas best-known surf school, offering lessons, rentals and various events throughout the year. Approved by the Irish Surfing Association they provide surfing instruction for all ages and abilities with all lessons being fully insured and with equipment provided. Transport to and from the beach is included together with changing facilities, hot showers, and a hot drink after the session. Kids surf camps are held at Easter and throughout the summer with accommodation available in the Bundoran Surf Lodge which is run by local surfers so you will be able to get all the details you need on where and when to surf.
 
The waves that break year round on the Donegal coast are a national treasure and you’ll see how the seaside villages embody the surfing vibe with cafe’s, surf shops and art galleries springing up with the tide! There’s much to be learned from getting suited up, grabbing a board and diving into the Atlantic Ocean! So go and explore what Donegal has to offer, above all enjoy the Craic!