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.

August at Magheroarty offers moderate surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.3m and a decent period of 9.1s, indicating relatively clean, well-spaced waves. The most consistent swells come from the W, WNW, and NW, with the majority of waves falling in the 0.5-2.5m range, providing surfable conditions for intermediate to advanced riders. Larger days (2m+) are less frequent but occur often enough to keep things interesting, particularly on WNW and NW swells. Wind conditions are hit or miss—only 20% of the time are they ideal for surfing, with lighter winds (10-20kph) predominantly coming from the NW or W. However, SW and WSW winds are common and can create choppier conditions. Overall, August is a decent month for surfing here, with a mix of manageable swells and occasional cleaner days when winds align. Patience is key, but there are enough rideable days to make it worth the wait.