Skerries North

Ireland3.7/5
KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop, Small waves, Ocean
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Skerries North is a tidal, sandy kitesurfing and wind-based watersports beach on the north edge of Skerries. Conditions are generally small-wave with a chop that can increase depending on wind angle and tide, and water quality is described as clean. Water depth can vary significantly with the tide, with more accessible space and more predictable depth when riding at mid to low tide, while very low tide can make the waterline shallow and require a longer walk. Wind is most reliably on north to easterly directions (N through NE/E and also including ENE). Typical strongest months are March, April, May, and September and October, with winter still offering riding opportunities but with much colder water and a need for a thick wetsuit. Wind is described as moderate in reliability and can include moderate gusts. The nearby town and harbour structures can introduce turbulence on winds from southerly or westerly angles, so choosing your window matters. Safety considerations are important at this spot: hazards include the mole/harbour wall to the south and rocks at the northern end of the beach, plus tidal currents that can be strong near the harbour entrance. During summer, there can be swimmers, so you should respect swim areas and avoid kiting too close to the harbour entrance. Local tips emphasize avoiding the harbour wall because it can create wind shadows and dangerous proximity, and planning for the changing shoreline at different tides. For gear, expectations are seasonal—winter can be very cold with thick wetsuits (often with boots and gloves), while summer riders may use a shorty or lighter setup (often a long wetsuit is still common). The area also has practical logistics including access via the N1 from Dublin and pay-and-display parking near the seafront and harbour, supported by seasonal lifeguard presence and emergency access via 112/999.

  • North to easterly wind window (March–May and September–October).
  • Tidal sandy beach with deeper water than the nearby south beach but strong depth changes.
  • Harbour-wall and rocks hazards plus potential strong tidal currents near the harbour entrance.
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freerideWingfoil downwindAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Reliable north to easterly wind window (especially March–May and September–October).
  • Clean, sandy environment with manageable wave size (small waves) and deeper water on the north beach.
  • Good intermediate suitability with nearby support and local instruction options.
Heads up
  • Strong tidal range makes beach width and water depth change significantly; at low tide water can be shallow and the walk can be long.
  • Turbulence near harbour structures—avoid the harbour wall/mole and stay clear of wind-shadow/danger zones.
  • All-year riding is possible but winter can be very cold; choose wetsuit thickness accordingly.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NNE, NE, ENE, E
No-go directions
SW, W, WSW, WNW, NW, NNW
Wind Range
12–30 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Prevailing frontal winds described for the area; spot works best on north to easterly directions.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Gusts described as moderate.
Best Months
March, April, May, September, October
Shadow Zones
Town and harbour can create turbulence on southerly or westerly winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Small — Small-wave conditions; can be choppy depending on wind and tide.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Chop with varying severity by wind angle and tide.
Launch
Medium — North beach area of Skerries; sandy beach that narrows significantly at high tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–21 °C
Water Temperature
5–20 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Feb: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesJun–Sep: 4/3mm or 3/2mmApr, May, Oct: 4/3mm or 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Can be busy with beachgoers in July and August; kite community active year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

Late autumn and winter (November to February) are prone to higher rainfall and stronger Atlantic storm systems.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Tidal north beach in Skerries offering small waves with chop; works on north to easterly winds. Intermediate-friendly with sandy bottom and deeper water than the nearby south beach, but water depth varies strongly with tide and can be shallow at low tide.

FreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for freeride and foil windsurfing in north to easterly winds; tidal walk to the water can be long at low water.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Foil-friendly at mid to high tide; avoid shallow rocks at low tide with significant tidal range.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly at mid to high tide.
Min Depth
approx 1.5 meters depending on tide height
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

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

Skerries North wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–26 ktsGusts 45 kts
Direction
SW219°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2526 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
0.2–1.9 m4s period
Temperature
8–17 °C

Over the next 7 days, Skerries North is forecast for daytime winds of 5–26 kts, peaking around 26 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 45 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–1.9 m with a period of about 4s. 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

  • mole
  • rocks
  • tidal currents (can be strong near harbour entrance)
  • groynes
  • swimmers in summer
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHelmetImpact vestGloves

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguard presence is seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Yes — Emergency rescue via local RNLI lifeboat station in the harbour (24/7 for the coastal area).
Emergency Info
Emergency numbers in Ireland: 112 or 999. Skerries Coast Guard station is nearby; local RNLI lifeboat station provides 24/7 emergency rescue for the coastal area.
Localism / Vibe
None — No localism noted.

Rules of the spot

Respect swim zones during summer; avoid getting too close to the harbour entrance and watch for wind shadows near harbour structures.

Restrictions
  • Check whether kitesurfing is allowed; may need special permit or local organization membership.
Local Tips
  • Best at mid to low tide for more beach space; at very low tide the walk to the water can be long.
  • Avoid the harbour wall/mole as it creates wind shadows and can put you in dangerous proximity.
  • Sandy bottom with deeper water on the north beach, but water depth varies with tide—plan for shallow areas at low tide.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Skerries
Nearest Town
Skerries
Nearest Airport
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available along the seafront and near the harbour.
Public Transport
Accessible via Dublin–Belfast commuter rail (Irish Rail) and Dublin Bus 33 service
Access
From Dublin, take the N1 north and follow signs to Skerries; the north beach is at the north end of town.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Various guesthouses and B&Bs available within Skerries town.
Food & Drink
Numerous restaurants and cafes located directly adjacent to the harbour and north beach.
Equipment Rental:
Available through local schools or nearby shops in Dublin.
Gear Repair
Some basic repairs may be available through local kite schools.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A vibrant seaside town with an active watersports community, plus historic mills and coastal scenery.

Skerries Mills1km

Fully restored 12th-century flour mill complex with two windmills and a watermill.

Ardgillan Castle and Demesne5km

A large country house and parkland offering views of the coastline and structured gardens.

Coastal Walks0km

Scenic walking paths along the cliffs and shoreline connecting Skerries to Loughshinny.

Skerries Harbour Bars1km

Seafood restaurants and traditional pubs on the waterfront.

Skerries Playground0.5km

Large public playground near the South Strand beach.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Skerries North?

The best overall months at Skerries North are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Skerries North?

Skerries North works with N, NNE, NE, ENE, E winds. No-go directions are SW, W, WSW, WNW, NW, NNW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Skerries North?

Recommended equipment sizes at Skerries North: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–30 kts.

What skill level is Skerries North suitable for?

Skerries North suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.