Quick Facts
Overview
High in the north, on the border with Northern Ireland, is the insider tip for those who are fed up with overcrowded line-ups and don’t shy away from cooler temperatures: the surf camp in the cosy coastal town of Bundoran.
Bundoran is the ideal place to learn to surf. The waves are constant, the beaches are long and fun is never missing out. Beginner-friendly beach breaks and big wave spots: everyone will find its paradise. The surf lodge is just a few minutes’ walk from the best surf beaches and reefs.
Dare something new and visit one of the most constant surfing destinations in Northern Europe. The extremely hospitable locals, beautiful waves and the well-deserved Guinness after surfing make every trip to Ireland unforgettable. Bundoran is the place where your surfing adventure begins!
4 REASONS FOR A SUDDEN RUSH SURF TRIP TO IRELAND:
- Uncrowded surf spots on idyllic beaches, still a secret tip!
- Waves for all levels, from beginner to pro
- Perfectly located surf camp with a family atmosphere and weekly BBQ evenings for guests and locals
- Beautiful nature and extremely hospitable locals, here you feel at home from the very first moment
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Accommodation
The camp base is very centrally located, next to a supermarket and various pubs & restaurants. The rooms are clean and cozy, with comfy beds, bathroom and TV. We also have a private car park, a kitchen, barbecue facilities and board/wetsuit rooms.
On request, we also offer the following accommodation options, suitable for groups and families:
Surfers Chalet
The Surfers Chalets behind the lodge are suitable for 4-6 people and are equipped with kitchen, living room and terrace.
Surf Apartment
The Surf Apartment is located next to the lodge and has space for 4-6 people. It has a private kitchen and a living room.
Cottages
Book for you and your friends a spacious and well equipped holiday home with 3-4 rooms, only 5-10 minutes walk from the town center.
Surf
The beaches around Bundoran offer perfect conditions for beginners and advanced beginners to ride their first waves and deepen what they have already learned. The daily program depends on the surfing conditions and the level of participants. Basically, you drive at 10 am to the appropriate beach for the surf course, where you surf until noon with the coach. The course is open to everyone, with a maximum number of participants of 8 surfers per coach. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to continue practising independently under the supervision of a surf coach.
All surf coaches have many years’ experience with surf teaching (instructor & lifeguard license) and very good local knowledge. The team can already rely on more than 10 years of experience in the field of surf coaching.
Advanced surfers can also benefit from the great know-how of the surfing team: On request the accommodation can be booked without surfing course, the locals will provide you with the necessary information about the best spots on site and advise you regarding to swell, wind, tide etc. So, you can quickly connect to the local scene. The best waves can be found by advanced surfers in spring and autumn.
The water temperature peaks at 14-17°C in August and then drops to 8-10°C in February. In August a 4/3 mm wetsuit + 3 mm boots is enough, but for longer sessions and windier days a 5/3 mm wetsuit is recommended. In the winter months, a 6/5/4 mm or a well-fitting 5/4 mm wetsuit (both with hoodie) is required, along with Gloves and 5 mm booties.
Other activities
The surroundings of Bundoran offer you the opportunity to spend your time besides surfing with many exciting and different activities: kayaking, horseback riding, golf, high ropes course, bowling, seaweed baths, windsurfing, cinema or go-kart can comfortably be organised for you.
In addition, Bundoran is the ideal starting point to explore the beautiful coastline and the hinterland of North-West Ireland.
A typical day at the surf camp
8.30 am – 9.30 am / Continental Breakfast at the surf lodge
9.45 am // Meeting with the coach/guide to discuss the morning program.
10 am // Select a suitable board and put on neoprene (dressing room right next to the camp)
10.15 am / The camp bus takes you to the beach The main places for the course are Tullan Beach, Rossnowalgh and Streedagh. Each spot offers different wave forms and works best at different conditions.
10.30 am / Arrival on the beach with Coach & Equipment. The coach will usually do a short lesson/refresh on the beach and explain the conditions before going into the water.
12.30 pm / At the end of the surf course we go back to the surf camp for lunch.
1 pm / Lunch at surf camp.
2.30 / The surf guide will take you to the best beach of the day, where you can continue to work on your surfing skills under supervision. If someone has no desire or energy for a second surfing session, alternative activities (excursions, hikes, bike rental, etc.) can be organized.
6:00 pm / Chilling at the surf camp. Dinner at the camp (kitchen is available) or in a restaurant. Party-hungry people can discover the nightlife or go for a relaxing evening in the camp. On Saturday 7 pm there is a popular BBQ in the backyard of the surf camp.
Prices
5-Day Surf Camp Package
5 nights accommodation in a shared room or in a private single/double room with breakfast, 4 days surf course (lessons in the morning & freesurf-session in the afternoon), surfboard & wetsuit, transport to/from the beach, free use of all facilities such as WiFi/Wii/Netflix, barbecue, TV.
7-Day Surf Camp Package
7 nights accommodation in a shared room or in a private single/double room with breakfast, 6 surf course (lessons in the morning & freesurf-session in the afternoon), surfboard & wetsuit (also available before/after lessons), transport to/from the beach, 1x BBQ in the Surf Lodge, free use of all facilities such as WiFi/Wii/Netflix, barbecue, TV
Arrival
There is the possibility to hop on a bus from Dublin to Ballyshannon. From there its only 5 kilometers to Bundoran, go by bus or taxi. The bus to Ballyshannon departs directly from Dublin Airport.
There is also the possibility to take the train from Dublin to Sligo and get from Sligo by bus to Bundoran (approx. 30 km).
Further information
Climate: Warmest months: July and August
Distance to the sea: 500 meters