Magillian Point (Causeway Coast)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing bodyboardSurfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • 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.
Heads 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
7–16 °C
Water Temperature
4–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMar–Oct: 4/3mmJun–Sep: 3/2mm to 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Typically quiet and uncrowded even in peak season.

Storm/Rain Season

October through March sees the most common major Atlantic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Possible but less common than surfing due to complex tidal currents at the mouth of the lough; suitable for experienced riders looking for space.

FreerideFoil
WingfoilingSkill Level

Large expanse for foiling, with caution required for strong tidal flow in the Foyle channel.

Foil Friendly
Yes
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Beach break
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • 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
Recommended Safety Gear
HarnessHoodGlovesBootsImpact vestLeashWetsuitKnife

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.

Restrictions
  • Military range exclusion zones
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

The Causeway Coast is known for dramatic coastal scenery and a strong outdoor water-sports culture supported by clean beaches.

Best time to visit: October to April can suit experienced riders when swell and wind intensify.
Giant's Causeway25km

UNESCO World Heritage site with distinctive basalt formations and visitor facilities.

Giant's Causeway25km

Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring interlocking basalt cliff columns.

Dunluce Castle20km

Iconic medieval castle ruins perched on a cliff edge.

Mussenden Temple5km

An 18th-century rotunda overlooking the Atlantic at Downhill Demesne.

North Antrim Coast walks

Coastal walking on the North Antrim Coast, including cliff exploration and potential access to beachbreaks/reef spots.

Coasteering NI20km

Guided coastal exploration including cliff jumping and cave swimming.

Portrush and Ballycastle dining

Local restaurants and bars in Portrush and Ballycastle serving Irish cuisine.

Old Bushmills Distillery22km

World-famous whiskey distillery offering tours and tastings.

Giant's Causeway visitor experience

Visitor experience with coastal access, walks, and viewing areas for the basalt formations.

Curry's Fun Park18km

Traditional seaside amusement park in Portrush.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.