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.

October at Magheroarty offers solid surf conditions, with an average swell height of 1.9m and a healthy period of 11.0s, indicating well-organized, powerful waves. The dominant swell directions are from the NW, WNW, and W, with the highest frequency of rideable waves (1.5m+) coming from these sectors—particularly NW, where 7.35% of swells fall in the 1-1.5m range and another 7.05% in the 1.5-2m range. Larger waves (2m+) are most likely from W and NW directions, making these the prime setups for advanced surfers. Wind conditions are less consistent, with only 14% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds. The most favorable winds tend to come from ENE to E, but SW and WSW winds (often onshore) are more frequent, potentially creating choppy or messy conditions. Expect a mix of clean, powerful days when winds align, but be prepared for stronger onshore winds, especially from the S-SW quadrant, which can impact wave quality. Overall, October delivers reliable swell energy, though wind luck plays a key role in scoring the best sessions.