Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Raghly Lighthouse (Lighthouse 1) is an exposed reef break on the Sligo coast where surf can work year-round, but it typically peaks during autumn and winter. The break is reef-based with significant hazard potential: the reef is shallow and conditions can become especially demanding when the swell is larger. Wind-surfing conditions are strongly directional here. East winds are described as clean/offshore and favorable for the surf, while West winds tend to make things messier. For the classic setup, sources emphasize an East wind paired with a solid West swell, and the spot is noted for power and heaviness when it connects. Surf quality is described as very powerful and often excellent, with hollow/fast sections (and also described as peeling). Ride lengths are typically medium, with fast, intense runs that can reach roughly 50–100 meters depending on swell connection. The right-hand nature of the wave is repeatedly highlighted. Safety-wise, prioritize careful entry and local knowledge: the hazards include sharp and submerged rocks plus strong currents during larger swells. There’s no lifeguard presence reported. Rescue coverage is described as limited overall for the area, so surf with conservative judgment, and follow localism guidance—only a few riders can fit comfortably at the peak.
- Exposed reef break; works year-round with best conditions in autumn–winter
- Favorable: East wind + West swell
- Fast, heavy right-hand reef waves with hollow sections
- Main hazards: rocks/submerged reef and strong currents
- Exposed reef break with reliable surf year-round, best in autumn–winter
- Can hold large Atlantic swells well
- East wind with West swell combination is key for clean, offshore-friendly surf
- Parking available at the harbor slipway
- Expert-only, technical reef break
- Rocks and submerged hazards; depth can vary significantly
- Strong currents and powerful heavy-wave energy, especially on larger swells
- Low current wind reliability for consistency
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ENE
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Type
- Gradient
- Reliability
- Low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- The cliffs and lighthouse structure can create local turbulence in certain North directions.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Can build to significant size on Atlantic swells.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entry near the harbor or a paddle out from the slipway.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Rocky/difficult entry and paddle-out options; shallow reef and strong-current exposure.
Through the year
Low volume due to the technical difficulty; can be competitive on peak weekend swells.
Winter months are prone to heavy Atlantic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef break with reliable surf year-round, best in autumn–winter. Known for fast, heavy right-hand waves over a shallow reef; conditions require an East wind and a solid West swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- W
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- East winds are clean/offshore; West winds are onshore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles large Atlantic swells well, maintaining a clean face and heavy barrel.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Also described as good.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful — Powerful/heavy reef break; can hold significant Atlantic swell.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Also described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Fast, intense ride; can offer 50–100 meters depending on swell connection.
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer a fast, intense ride of 50–100 meters depending on swell connection.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast) in the full forecast view.
Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 9–36 ktsGusts 53 kts
- Direction
- SW233°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2436 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–2.8 m9s period
- Temperature
- 8–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 9–36 kts, peaking around 36 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 53 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.4–2.8 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- rocks
- Sharp reef
- Submerged rocks
- Heavy wave power
- Strong currents
- Isolated location
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — RNLI Sligo Bay station at Rosses Point; Irish Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter based at Sligo Airport.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services: dial 112 or 999. Nearest major medical facility: Sligo University Hospital in Sligo Town.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Priority should be given to locals; the peak is small and can only accommodate a few riders at a time.
- Exposed reef break with shallow hazards—only attempt if you have expert-level reef/strong-current experience.
- The peak can fit only a few riders at a time.
- Check the harbor for the safest entry point.
- Best surfed at mid-tide to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef.
- Match an East wind with a West swell for the best conditions.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sligo
- Nearest Town
- Raghly
- Nearest Airport
- Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
- Parking
- Small parking area available at the Raghly Harbor slipway.
- Access
- Follow signs for Raghly Harbor from the main road; the spot is located near the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Irish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Bed and breakfasts are available in the surrounding Grange and Lissadell areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local pubs and cafes are located in the nearby village of Grange.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated gear storage is limited.
- Gear Repair
- Yes
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An iconic flat-topped rock formation in the Dartry Mountains with dramatic views over the Sligo coastline.
Traditional Irish seaweed baths in the nearby village of Strandhill.
A well-known seafood pub and restaurant offering views of the bay.
A scenic, accessible walking trail following the coastline with views of the lighthouses and Oyster Island.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast)?
The best overall months at Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast) are September, October, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast)?
Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast) works with E, ENE winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast) suitable for?
Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.