Map
Tullan Strand
Today's Surf Conditions at Tullan Strand
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Tullan Strand is a sprawling two-kilometer stretch of sand that juts northward from Roughey Cliff in County Donegal, a spot that punches above its weight thanks to a unique position within Donegal Bay. Even modest swell pulses are amplified here, with waves bending around the bay and reflecting off the cliff face to create a dynamic, multi-lane playground. On a good day, you'll find sets peeling for hundreds of meters, with the best peaks clustering right against the cliff—an area that draws a crowd when conditions align. The main wave near the cliff offers playful lefts and short rights that wrap back into the rock, while the rest of the beach offers a menu of peaks suited to everyone from beginners to seasoned rippers. The magic happens with swell from the SW through NW, handling sizes from 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters). A sandy bottom and a preference for low to mid tides keep things consistent, while wind from the E to ESE grooms the surface into clean, lined-up faces. Expect both lefts and rights, with strong rip currents that can catch you off guard—especially near the cliff. Beginners are better off paddling out from the wider beach, where softer shoulders and mellower waves provide a forgiving introduction. Access is straightforward: park in the lot and either scramble down the horse trail to the sand or take the cliff path by the Fairy Bridges. If the premier peak feels too competitive, a short walk down the beach reveals quieter, less pressured peaks. The local vibe is energetic and friendly, especially around the busy first peak. Tullan Strand delivers a high wave count and plenty of stoke, but respect the shifting currents—it's a deceptively tricky spot for the unwary.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (October - March)
The North Atlantic roars to life during these months, with frequent low-pressure systems tracking across the Atlantic and firing powerful swell trains towards the Irish coast. Tullan Strand, with its West-North-West exposure, is perfectly positioned to capture the dominant W to WNW groundswells that dominate this period. Average wave heights range from 1.5m to 1.8m, with periods consistently in the 11-12 second range, often pushing into the long-period powerful territory. The chance of offshore winds from the E to SE quadrant is at its seasonal peak, especially during high-pressure ridging, making for clean, glassy conditions at times. This is the prime window for solid, pumping surf at Tullan.
Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)
Transitional months where the intensity of the winter storms begins to wane, but there’s still plenty of action. April sees average heights drop to 1.1m, but the period remains respectable at 10.7s, offering fun-sized waves. May is smaller at 0.9m and shorter period, but lighter winds and more sunshine can make it good for longboard sessions. September marks the return of autumn swells with heights averaging 1.1m and periods back up to 10.2s, as the first major storms of the season develop. The window for clean conditions can be narrow, but when the wind aligns from the east, the quality can be exceptional.
Low Surf Season (June - August)
Summer settles in, and the North Atlantic calms down significantly. Average swell heights hover around 0.8-0.9m with periods dropping to 8.5-8.9s – typically windswell or weak groundswell. The dominant swell direction remains W to WNW, but the energy is lacking. More critically, the wind regime shifts, with onshore westerlies becoming more frequent, ruining the wave quality. Offshore winds from the E to SE are less common (ideal wind percentages drop to 16-19%). This is the least reliable period for quality surf at Tullan Strand, suited mainly for small-wave gear or longboards on the rare clean day.
Detailed Surf Information for Tullan Strand
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Tullan Strand with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
