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.

November at Magheroarty offers consistent surf with an average swell height of 2.2m and a solid 11.8s period, indicating well-formed, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are W, WNW, and NW, contributing to the majority of rideable conditions, particularly in the 1.5–2.5m range. These swells produce clean, organized waves, though larger sets exceeding 2.5m (around 20% of the time) can be more challenging. Wind conditions are less ideal, with only 12% of days offering clean offshore or light cross-shore winds. The prevailing winds tend to come from the SSW to W quadrant, often blowing at 20–40kph, which can create choppy or textured surfaces. Stronger winds (30–50kph) occur frequently, further impacting wave quality. Surfers should target windows when W/NW swells coincide with lighter winds for the best sessions. While consistency is high, patience is required to score clean conditions.