Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate to Expert
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Maghery is a reasonably exposed point break in Donegal that produces right-hand waves over a rocky (and in places sandy) bottom. Multiple sources emphasize that the surf is inconsistent overall, with better usability when you time it to the lower tide. Across the year, spring and early autumn are highlighted as the most relevant windows. One dataset points to April as the best month, while another identifies September through November (plus April) as months with better prospects. Wind is described as mostly frontal/low-pressure-driven, with typical strengths in the mid-to-high teens up to around 30 knots. Hazards are the standout safety issue at this specific launch: rocks at the point and submerged boulders are repeatedly mentioned, and conditions can become heavy and close out on larger Atlantic swells. Because of this, the spot is generally characterized as best suited to intermediate-to-expert surfers, and partner surfing is recommended given its quiet nature and isolation. Water temperatures are cold year-round, with winter roughly in the 8–10°C range and late summer warming to the mid-teens. Expect wintery weather patterns to bring frequent Atlantic storms, so plan for significant chill and volatility, and use a full winter wetsuit approach (including hood/boots/gloves when conditions are coldest).

  • Low tide is the best tide for the point break
  • Right-hand waves wrapping from the rocky point into the bay
  • Quiet, low-profile local scene
  • Winter rock hazards and cold-water conditions
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Reasonably exposed point break
  • Best at low tide with workable right-hand waves
  • Generally very low crowd levels
  • Works during spring and autumn windows (especially around April and September–November)
Heads up
  • Inconsistent surf
  • Strong rock hazards (rocks and submerged boulders)
  • Can get heavy and close out on large Atlantic swells
  • Cold water; winter conditions require proper thermal protection
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NW, W
Offshore directions
E, ESE
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Wind Type
Frontal
Reliability
medium
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
April, September, October, November
Shadow Zones
Possible sheltering from surrounding headlands depending on exact direction.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Rocks — Rocks and a mixed rocky/sandy setup around the point.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Wave size described as medium in enrichment.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach entry with a rocky point at the southern end.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
8–15 °C
Water Temperature
5–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Apr: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodJan–Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay–Nov: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Generally very low crowds year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see frequent Atlantic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A reasonably exposed point break with inconsistent surf. It is best at low tide and features right-hand waves over a rocky/sandy bottom; conditions can become heavy and close out on larger Atlantic swells.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Low — Low tide is the best tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Sources conflict between exposed vs semi-sheltered; the point is generally described as reasonably exposed.
Wind Effect
East and Southeast winds provide clean offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can become heavy and close out on massive Atlantic swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Waves break along the rocky edge of the point and wrap into the bay.
Ride Length Details
Ride length described as medium; waves wrap into the bay from the point edge.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Maghery in the full forecast view.

Maghery wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
10–40 ktsGusts 63 kts
Direction
WSW238°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2440 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
1.3–8.2 m10s period
Temperature
8–15 °C

Over the next 7 days, Maghery is forecast for daytime winds of 10–40 kts, peaking around 40 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 63 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 1.3–8.2 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Rocks
  • Cold water
  • Inconsistent conditions
  • Isolation
Ability Level: Intermediate to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestHoodWetsuitBootsGloves

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional guidance notes limited rescue availability, with emergency rescue provided by the Irish Coast Guard and RNLI.

Rules of the spot

Local Tips
  • Wait for the lower tides to see the point break at its best.
  • The spot is often quiet, so surfing with a partner is recommended.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Dungloe
Nearest Town
Dungloe
Parking
Limited parking available near the beach access area.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and holiday rentals in Maghery and Dungloe.
Food & Drink
Local pub and small shop in Maghery village.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Maghery?

The best overall months at Maghery are April, September, October, November.

Which wind directions work at Maghery?

Maghery works with NW, W winds. Offshore directions are E, ESE.

What skill level is Maghery suitable for?

Maghery suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.