Magheroarty - surf spot statistics

Magheroarty in Ireland is a swell-rich spot with consistent waves for much of the year, though the best conditions for surfers are typically found during the autumn, winter, and early spring months. The highest-quality waves occur from October through March, when ground swells dominate (59-88% frequency) and mean swell sizes range from 1.9m to 2.7m. These months offer powerful, clean waves, particularly in January and February when ground swells reach 88%, and swell heights average 2.6-2.7m. However, wind conditions are often challenging, with bad onshore winds occurring 86-90% of the time in these peak swell months, meaning surfers must time their sessions carefully around wind shifts. From April to September, the swell mix shifts toward wind swells (56-78% frequency), resulting in smaller, less consistent waves (1.2-1.6m). While summer months like June and July see poor ground swell contributions (15-27%), they do offer slightly better wind conditions (19-21% good winds) compared to winter. However, the waves are generally weaker and less ideal for advanced surfers. For the best balance of solid swell and manageable winds, late autumn (October-November) can be a strong choice, as ground swell remains dominant (59-73%) with slightly lower wind interference than mid-winter. Ultimately, committed surfers will prioritize winter months for larger, cleaner waves despite frequent onshore winds, while summer may appeal to beginners or those looking for more relaxed conditions.

Magheroarty in April offers fairly consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.6m and a solid period of 10.9s, indicating well-organized, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are NW, WNW, and W, providing the cleanest and most rideable conditions, particularly in the 1–2.5m range. Larger swells (2.5m+) are rare but occur occasionally from the NW quadrant. Wind conditions are less favorable, with only 18% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the E to SSE). The most common winds come from the SW to W, often blowing onshore at moderate speeds (10–30kph), which can create choppy conditions. While April isn’t the most consistent month for perfect surf, the strong NW swells and occasional clean days make it worthwhile for experienced surfers who can handle variable wind and larger swells. Watch for windows of lighter ESE or NE winds for the best sessions.