Magillian Point (Causeway Coast)
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) is a sheltered sandy beach break on the entrance of Lough Foyle, known for producing both left and right waves. The surf is reported as quite reliable overall, with summer tending to be flatter, while autumn and winter bring more consistent conditions. For surfing, the spot is described as manageable and sheltered, with surf quality varying by conditions (reported as good by one source and average by another). Waves are noted to break over shifting sandbars near the point entrance, which means the character of the break can change as the sandbars move. It’s also described as handling larger swells better than more exposed beaches because of its sheltered positioning. Wind is most often reported for the colder months (October through March), with offshore conditions for surf/wind stated as coming from the south. One source also notes the spot is relatively sheltered from westerly winds by the Inishowen Peninsula. Winds are not described as highly consistent overall, and gusting can occur (moderate gusts reported). Safety is a priority here: the mouth/entrance of Lough Foyle has very strong tidal currents, and shifting sandbars add to the risk. There are also military firing range exclusion zones that may restrict access, so riders should check the firing range schedule and obey any red-flag warnings. With very cold water and wind chill in the colder months, a thick winter wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and boots is strongly recommended.
- Sheltered beach break with both left and right waves
- Reliable surf for a cold-water spot outside of peak summer
- Offshore winds reported from the south
- Sheltered sandy beach break with quite reliable surf, including both left and right waves.
- Offshore winds are reported from the south, which can help grooming for surfing.
- Generally unlikely to be too crowded, even when surf is up.
- Very strong tidal currents at the entrance/mouth of Lough Foyle can be dangerous for swimmers and inexperienced surfers.
- Shifting sandbars can change conditions quickly.
- Military firing range exclusion zones and possible access restrictions.
- Cold-water conditions require appropriate thermal protection, especially in winter.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, W
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is reported as frontal in the spot data.
- Reliability
- average
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered from westerly winds by the Inishowen Peninsula.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Wave size reported as small by one source.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Water type is reported as chop; chop severity is not fully quantified beyond that.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for equipment setup.
Through the year
Typically quiet and uncrowded even in peak season.
October through March sees the most common major Atlantic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible but less common than surfing due to complex tidal currents at the mouth of the lough; suitable for experienced riders looking for space.
Large expanse for foiling, with caution required for strong tidal flow in the Foyle channel.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
Sheltered sandy beach break with reliable surf that can produce both left and right waves. Summer is typically flatter, while autumn and winter are more consistent.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, W
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered beach setting.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds are reported as from the south; wind direction is noted as best with south (or south/southeast) offshore winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles larger swells better than more exposed beaches due to the sheltered position.
- Wave Quality
- Reported as good by one source, and average by another.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Soft wave power reported.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Mushy wave shape reported.
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Slow peeling reported.
- Ride Length
- Ride length described as short.
- Ride Length Details
- Waves break over shifting sandbars at the point entrance.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) in the full forecast view.
Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–31 ktsGusts 53 kts
- Direction
- SW216°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2531 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–3.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 7–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–31 kts, peaking around 31 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 53 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.4–3.6 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
- Very strong tidal currents at the mouth/entrance of Lough Foyle
- Shifting sandbars
- Military firing range exclusion zones
- Very cold water and sub-zero wind chill
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level sources report no rescue availability; regional baseline indicates rescue is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 999 (UK) or 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism level reported as none.
Rules of the spot
Check the military firing range schedule; access to certain parts of the beach may be restricted when active. Look for red flags on the beach.
- Military range exclusion zones
- Be extremely mindful of the current pulling toward the mouth of Lough Foyle.
- Check the firing range schedule before heading out.
- In colder months, a thick winter wetsuit with hood, gloves, and boots is strongly recommended.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Londonderry
- Nearest Town
- Limavady
- Parking
- Parking available near the ferry terminal and Martello Tower.
- Access
- Accessible via the Point Road leading to the Magilligan-Greencastle ferry terminal.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and guesthouses available in the Benone and Limavady areas.
- Food & Drink
- Small cafe or seasonal snacks near the ferry terminal.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental centers for surfing and SUP are widely available nearby; specialized windsurfing and kitesurfing rental is more limited and may require prior arrangement.
- Gear Storage
- Limited public storage; storage is reserved for school clients or local club members.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Causeway Coast is known for dramatic coastal scenery and a strong outdoor water-sports culture supported by clean beaches.
UNESCO World Heritage site with distinctive basalt formations and visitor facilities.
Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring interlocking basalt cliff columns.
Iconic medieval castle ruins perched on a cliff edge.
An 18th-century rotunda overlooking the Atlantic at Downhill Demesne.
Coastal walking on the North Antrim Coast, including cliff exploration and potential access to beachbreaks/reef spots.
Guided coastal exploration including cliff jumping and cave swimming.
Local restaurants and bars in Portrush and Ballycastle serving Irish cuisine.
World-famous whiskey distillery offering tours and tastings.
Visitor experience with coastal access, walks, and viewing areas for the basalt formations.
Traditional seaside amusement park in Portrush.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Magillian Point (Causeway Coast)?
The best overall months at Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Magillian Point (Causeway Coast)?
Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) works with S, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) suitable for?
Magillian Point (Causeway Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.