Cloughey
- Freeride, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Cloughey is a long sandy, tidal beach with generally shallow water that becomes deeper as the tide comes in. Multiple providers describe the riding as flat with small waves and chop, with small shore break, making it workable for early progression—especially for kitesurfing. The strongest alignment across sources is for east to Northeast wind, with a typical wind range around 15–25 knots during the core season. Providers differ on wind classification (thermal vs frontal systems), but they agree that the best months run from April through November and that NE conditions are the key for good sessions. For safety, there is no lifeguard service at the spot. Providers specifically warn to avoid the swimming area during summer peak and to be alert for hazards near the bay ends (rocks) plus buoys/markers and potentially hidden stones or shells depending on tide. Because it is a tidal beach, the beach can become very large at low tide, so plan launch, edges, and ride location accordingly. Conditions for water temperature and comfort vary strongly through the year: winter to early spring is cold (around single digits °C for water) while summer is warmer (mid-teens °C). Winter riding generally calls for thicker layers and protective accessories; in summer, thinner wetsuits are typically used. Overall, it’s described as a local, low-profile spot with good access from a long car park and space to set up on grass.
- Expansive long sandy tidal beach with adjacent grass for rigging/pumping
- NE/easterly wind focus with core months April through November
- Beginner-friendly setup thanks to shallow, flat-to-choppy water (with tide awareness)
- Expansive sandy tidal shoreline with a long setup/rigging area suitable for beginner progression.
- Typically reliable east/Northeast wind for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
- Good space for kitesurfing launches due to the long crescent beach and adjacent grass area.
- Tidal beach with shallow conditions at low tide; water depth can limit foiling (and affect riding comfort).
- No lifeguard service at the spot; summer swimming zones require extra caution.
- Obstacles at the bay ends and hidden rocks/stones at certain tides.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers conflict on classification (thermal vs frontal). Regional wind pattern emphasizes Atlantic frontal systems; spot-level sources also describe east winds as thermal.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Spot-level sources indicate moderate gusting at times and light gusts in other conditions.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 6–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Expansive fine sand on a long tidal crescent beach.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small — Small waves; generally not described as producing big, powerful surf.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Some chop is present in addition to generally flat water.
- Launch
- Big — Long crescent beach (~1.5 miles) with an adjacent grass area for pumping/rigging.
Through the year
Usually quiet; moderately busier on weekends and during summer holidays.
Late autumn and winter bring more frequent storms and rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat water with small waves and chop on a long sandy tidal beach; commonly described as excellent for learning and also usable for freeride, wave riding, freestyle, foil, and bigger-air attempts depending on conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 6–12 m²
Flat water and chop; good for freeride and slalom especially in cross-onshore conditions from the Northeast.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Foil-friendly at mid to high tide when depth is sufficient; can be too shallow at low tide for longer masts.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Mid to higher tide improves depth for foiling.
- Min Depth
- 1.0 meter
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Small waves on a sandy beach break; suitable for longboarders and beginners.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered
- Wind Effect
- Onshore-best (wind helps shape small waves rather than blowing them completely out).
- Bigger Swell
- Absorbs size (does not ramp up into bigger, powerful waves).
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cloughey in the full forecast view.
Cloughey wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–30 ktsGusts 48 kts
- Direction
- SSW213°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2430 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.8 m5s period
- Temperature
- 8–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cloughey is forecast for daytime winds of 7–30 kts, peaking around 30 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 48 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.2–1.8 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- swimmers
- buoys
- reefs
- rocks
- stones
- shells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — No lifeguards on duty at the spot; lifeguards are present only June–August (10:00–18:00) in the broader regional context.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level providers indicate no rescue availability.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest facilities on the Ards Peninsula; in emergencies contact Coastguard via 999/112.
Rules of the spot
Avoid riding too close to the swimming area during summer peak; check for seasonal restrictions and watch for swimmers and buoys.
- Seasonal restrictions April–August possible
- Seasonal swimming zones (summer): avoid riding near swimmers
- NE wind is best.
- Check for hidden rocks if riding toward the edges of the bay.
- Tidal beach: the shoreline gets very large at low tide—plan launch/ride position accordingly.
- Best conditions are typically low to mid-tide for flattest water and most space.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Belfast
- Nearest Town
- Cloughey
- Nearest Airport
- George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) ~45 km; Belfast International Airport (BFS) ~70 km.
- Parking
- Long car park with a grass verge suitable for gear preparation.
- Public Transport
- Public transport available via Translink bus services connecting the Ards Peninsula to Newtownards and Belfast, though a car is highly recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- Long car park grass pumping area
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation around the Ards Peninsula (B&Bs, guesthouses); visitors may also base in Belfast or Portaferry depending on transport.
- Food & Drink
- Cafe/restaurant nearby; local cafes and shops available in the town.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental exists mainly through mobile schools operating in the region; not described as a permanent setup on the beach.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Ards Peninsula is a scenic area known for coastal drives, bird watching, and quiet villages, with access to the Irish Sea and nearby Strangford Lough. It’s favored by wind-sports visitors when Easterly winds are favorable.
Sunniest and driest coastal area in Northern Ireland with beach and coastal walks.
Northern Ireland's only public aquarium and seal sanctuary located in nearby Portaferry.
An 18th-century house and celebrated gardens managed by the National Trust.
Coastal villages and historic church sites on the Ards Peninsula.
History of the Ards Peninsula and coastal heritage.
A motorsport venue hosting car and motorcycle racing events.
Local dining in nearby Ards Peninsula villages.
A local eatery known for traditional and contemporary dishes.
Beach access and coastal walks.
A historic estate with trails, farmyard, and Game of Thrones filming locations.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cloughey?
The best overall months at Cloughey are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Cloughey?
Cloughey works with NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cloughey?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cloughey: Kitesurfing: 6–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Cloughey suitable for?
Cloughey suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.