Raghly Lighthouse (Sligo Coast)

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–May: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodJun–Oct: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Low volume due to the technical difficulty; can be competitive on peak weekend swells.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months are prone to heavy Atlantic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • Sharp reef
  • Submerged rocks
  • Heavy wave power
  • Strong currents
  • Isolated location
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vest

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.

Restrictions
  • 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.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: September to November for experienced wind and wave athletes.
Benbulben Mountain15km

An iconic flat-topped rock formation in the Dartry Mountains with dramatic views over the Sligo coastline.

Voya Seaweed Baths25km

Traditional Irish seaweed baths in the nearby village of Strandhill.

The Austies10km

A well-known seafood pub and restaurant offering views of the bay.

Rosses Point Coastal Walk12km

A scenic, accessible walking trail following the coastline with views of the lighthouses and Oyster Island.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.