Mullaghmore Head Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Mullaghmore Head Surf Guide
Mullaghmore is among the top ten big waves in the world, surfed only by professional, and the most elite, cold tolerant big-wave surfers on the planet. Only a handful of surfers globally even want to surf a wave of this magnitude and most of them live in Ireland and have lots of experience in cold, heavy situations. Specialised boards, safety equipment and a safety network is required. It is an excellent spectator wave, an elevated view from a close and easily accessible headland makes for a wonder of the world spectacle on the biggest of winter swells.
Ability Level
Advanced
Top level big wave surfers only. Do not attempt to surf unless you have a lifetime of big wave experience and you have communicated with the locals.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
A tight-knit group of friends surf this wave. For a recognized big wave, the vibe is good. The locals keep it this way. If you are out there, you'll know everyone's name. If you don't, you should not be out there.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
A selection of some of the best big wave surfers in Ireland and the world. You will know your place.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Mullaghmore Head is a fearsome goliath of a barrel, but only for a handful of driven nutcases. It is among the big wave wonders of the world. Incredibly technical and long driving slab of a wave that has the highest consequences for failure.
Shoulder Burn
Exhausting
For how close it looks, it is a long paddle. Thirty minutes from rocks to line up easy.
Water Quality
Clean
Very clean.
Hazards
Every aspect of this wave is dangerous from the slippery cliff to hideous wipeouts. Reef is very shallow with a deep trench so it is common to collide with the reef with a long hold-down after. There is a safety network of rescue operators -- irishtowsurfrescue.com -- and communication with this body is encouraged. Life threatening injuries have occured here including spinal fractures, femur fractures and near-drowning experiences. It is due to excellent communication between surfers, rescue operators, and emergency services personel that no deaths have occured while surfing Mullaghmore Head.
Bring Your
Gun, Tow
Access
Parking all around the headland. Paddle out is a quick climb down the cliff and a long paddle out in the rip.
Bottom
Sharp, uneven limestone reef.
Best Season
Works on the biggest of winter swells.
Do you have local knowledge about Mullaghmore Head?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]