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.

June at Magheroarty offers surfable conditions, though not consistently ideal. The average swell height is 1.2m with a decent period of 9.4s, providing reasonably clean and organized waves. The best swells come from the W, WNW, and NW directions, which dominate the distribution—these angles deliver the most frequent rideable waves, particularly in the 1-2m range. About 19% of the time, the wind aligns favorably for surfing, typically light (0-20kph) and offshore or cross-offshore from the northeast quadrant. However, the prevailing wind directions (SW, WSW, W) often bring onshore or side-shore breezes at moderate speeds (10-30kph), which can create chop, especially on bigger days. Smaller, cleaner sessions are more likely with northerly or easterly winds, but these are less frequent. Larger swells (over 2m) are rare but tend to originate from the W/NW. Overall, June is a mixed month—expect rideable waves regularly, but prime conditions rely on wind cooperation, which is hit-or-miss. Patience and timing are key.