Kilmore Quay
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kilmore Quay is a coastal kitesurfing spot characterized by clean water with choppy texture and, at times, small waves. Wind is most often reported from the south-west sector (S through W), with spot reports emphasizing especially reliable conditions in the autumn and winter when Atlantic depressions are frequent. Launch and riding require extra attention because the beach sits adjacent to the working harbor and marina infrastructure. Reports highlight hazards including pier/harbor wall proximity, submerged rocks toward the eastern end of the beach, ferry activity for the nearby islands, and strong tidal currents—particularly near the harbor entrance and the channel that runs toward the Saltee Islands. For timing, reports consistently point to tide awareness: conditions are often best at mid-tide, while high tide can reduce usable launch space. Wind-shadow turbulence is also reported downwind of the harbor wall/buildings, so riders should plan for variability in gusts and localized flow. Gear and conditions are weather-driven year-round: summer use commonly centers around a lighter suit, while winter months call for thicker neoprene and additional cold-water protection (boots and gloves are commonly recommended for December through March). Because access and whether kitesurfing is permitted can depend on local rules, riders should confirm authorization/permits before going out.
- Clean water and a consistent south-westerly wind window.
- Popular with the South East kitesurfing community, especially in SW winds.
- Safety emphasis around the working harbor (traffic + tidal currents).
- Regional seasonal pattern: winter months bring more storms and heavy rainfall.
- Clean water with a mix of chop and small waves.
- Useful south-westerly to westerly wind directions with high reliability in autumn and winter.
- Nearby village amenities (parking, food and drinks) and a seasonal lifeguard presence.
- Harbor proximity and active maritime traffic increase hazards—avoid the harbor entrance/active harbor area.
- Tidal currents can be strong near the harbor channel/entrance; best results often depend on tide.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — South-westerly to westerly winds with a frontal/gradient character; seasonal high reliability in autumn and winter per spot reports.
- Reliability
- High during autumn and winter months due to frequent North Atlantic depressions.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach reported near the eastern launch area.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small waves reported.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Chop conditions reported for the water.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach east of the marina and harbor wall; 'Little Beach' noted as primary launch spot.
Through the year
Can be busy with tourists in July and August, but rarely crowded with kiters.
Winter months (November to March) are the peak season for storms and heavy rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Chop and small waves with south-westerly to westerly winds. Reports emphasize strong harbor proximity—launch and riding should stay clear of the active harbor area and maritime traffic.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for freeride and bump-and-jump, especially in SW winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Area east of the harbor can be suitable for wingfoiling, but riders must be mindful of the harbor wall and depth at low tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly reported for the area east of the harbor.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Occasionally receives enough swell for a rideable beach break, but quality is described as poor and rides tend to be short.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide is noted as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Reported as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- South winds are on-shore; west winds are cross-shore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out or become very messy with high wind.
- Wave Quality
- Poor — Wave quality described as poor.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Surf wave power described as soft.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Wave shape described as mushy.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Peeling is described as slow.
- Ride Length
- Short — Short rides reported/expected.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kilmore Quay in the full forecast view.
Kilmore Quay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–35 ktsGusts 52 kts
- Direction
- SW226°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2435 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–4.3 m7s period
- Temperature
- 9–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kilmore Quay is forecast for daytime winds of 10–35 kts, peaking around 35 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 52 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.9–4.3 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Pier and harbor wall
- Active harbor traffic (fishing boats and ferry)
- Submerged rocks at the eastern end of the beach
- Strong tidal currents, especially near the harbor entrance and channel toward the Saltee Islands
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue is limited but backed by RNLI and Coast Guard coverage for the coastline.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Wexford Town; Coast Guard station is located in Kilmore Quay. In Ireland, use the universal emergency number 999 or 112.
Rules of the spot
Avoid the harbor entrance/active harbor or marina area; give way to all commercial and fishing vessels. Check local regulations and whether a permit or local authorization is required.
- No riding inside the active harbor/marina area
- Check local regulations for permitted access (permit or local authorization may be required)
- Best at mid-tide (high tide can limit launch space).
- Use the primary east-of-marina launch area known locally as the 'Little Beach'.
- Watch for ferries to the Saltee Islands and keep well clear of the harbor channel.
- Confirm that kitesurfing is allowed and whether a special permit/local membership is required.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Wexford
- Nearest Town
- Kilmore Quay
- Parking
- Public parking near the harbor; can be busy and may have fees during summer.
- Public Transport
- Limited; local bus service connects coastal villages to Wexford Town, but a private vehicle is highly recommended for transporting equipment.
- Access
- Accessible via road to Kilmore Quay; beach is near the harbor/marina parking areas.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Guesthouses, local B&Bs, and holiday rentals in the village.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous seafood restaurants and pubs in the village (seafood-focused).
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local schools (details often via appointment).
- Gear Repair
- Basic sail and kite repairs can be found through local schools; major repairs may require sending gear to specialized lofts.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Kilmore Quay is a gateway to local wildlife and coastal nature, with the nearby Saltee Islands being a well-known excursion destination.
Famed bird sanctuaries accessible by boat; home to puffins, gannets, and seals.
Sand dune system with extensive coastal walks.
Charter boat fishing for cod, pollack, and bass.
Local seafood restaurant specializing in fresh catch from the harbor.
A peaceful garden overlooking the sea, dedicated to those lost at sea.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kilmore Quay?
The best overall months at Kilmore Quay are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at Kilmore Quay?
Kilmore Quay works with S, SSW, SW, WSW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Kilmore Quay?
Recommended equipment sizes at Kilmore Quay: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Kilmore Quay suitable for?
Kilmore Quay suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.