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.

In July, Magheroarty offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.2m and a decent period of 9.0s, indicating relatively clean, well-spaced waves. The predominant swells come from the west-northwest (WNW) and northwest (NW), contributing to most of the rideable waves in the 0.5-2.5m range, with the highest frequency around 1-2m. Wind conditions are favorable only 21% of the time, as the dominant winds from the southwest (SW) and west-southwest (WSW) often create onshore or cross-shore chop, reducing wave quality. Cleaner sessions occur during lighter winds from the north or northeast, but these are less frequent. While not big-wave territory, July provides consistent waist-to-head-high surf, best when winds align offshore or are light. Expect a mix of workable days and wind-affected sessions, with the best conditions occurring when WNW/NW swells coincide with favorable wind patterns.