Tullan Strand Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW-NW
Wind
E-SE
Surf Height
Whitewater rollers to overhead wedges.
Tide
Low is usually best, but sandbars shift and vary all the time.
Tullan Strand Surf Guide
Tullan Strand stretches out northward from Roughey Cliff. Because of the cliff, its positioning in Donegal Bay, and set up it breaks with the smallest hint of swell. On good days, swell bounces off the cliff and angles back toward the beach, creating a checkerboard of swell lines that create surfable waves for nearly the whole two kilometers of beach. Best peak is next to the cliff, that's where the crowd will be, usually a shreddable left and short right back into the cliff. All kinds of waves along this beach. Locals will jump off the cliff near the Faeiry Bridges, outcroppings of rocks that bridge over big holes in the cliff. If you're new, it's best to go from the beach. Cliff rocks are very sharp and the rip next to the cliff has claimed lives.
Ability Level
All Abilities
Beginner to advanced. Common to see surf schools pushing kids into waves next to surfers doing airs and pulling into little tubes.
Local Vibe
Doable
Usually a loud but jolly lineup, the premier peak can get busy very quickly. Keep your smile on. If you want peace and quiet walk down the beach.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
The premier peak next to the cliff can be very competitive. Usually when it's breaking everywhere else is too small. Breaks often too on the warmest and sunniest of days, which adds to the frenzy of the first peak. Strategy and patience are required to get good waves at the premier peak. The rest of the peaks going down the beach are all mellow, and also very similar. Easy to find your own space past first peak and the surf schools.
Spot Rating
Fun
Tullan is always there, a wave to surf even on the flattest summer day. Great for wave count and getting the shoulders going. Perfect learning wave too but it has to be very small.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
A lot of water moves around here, even when small. You are going to feel the burn if you are just starting out or if you are more of an expert.
Water Quality
Clean
Very clean.
Hazards
Deceptively dangerous. If you are a beginner make sure you are with a surf instructor. Strong rips at all sizes. Rip along cliff on south end always runs fast (it’s a fun way to get to the premier peak). The cliff is sharp and dangerous. Many have been lost going for a wee while camping. Stay out of the water if you are not a competent swimmer or surfer. No lifeguards. Weaverfish.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Park in the lot and scramble down the horse trail to the beach or the cliff access by the Bridges. Access to middle peaks just walk down the beach.
Bottom
Sand.
Best Season
Usually summer is best. All other seasons is surfed only on the smallest of days.
Do you have local knowledge about Tullan Strand?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]