Skerries South

Skerries South (South Strand of Skerries) is a large, sandy, clean-water beach on Ireland’s east coast, well known for kitesurfing in easterly directions (NE through SE). Conditions are typically choppy, with small waves, and the beach provides extensive space at mid to low tide—making it especially workable for progression and freeride sessions. Wind performance is centered on northeasterly and easterly winds, with the strongest months generally falling in March, April, May, September, and October. Typical wind strength is reported around 12–25 knots, and gustiness is described as moderate. Wind reliability is medium, and the spot can be affected by wind shadowing for certain directions. Tides play a major role in how usable the shoreline is. At high tide there is effectively no beach because the water comes right up to the wall, which also increases the risk of gear ending up on the road. For kitesurfing, mid-tide is strongly favored to maintain sufficient launching/landing beach width. For safety, the main concerns are rocks at both ends of the bay (including areas near Red Island and Shenick Island), especially when they sit just beneath the surface at higher water. During summer, kitesurfing is restricted in designated swimming zones. Rescue is supported by local coastal services, and the nearest major emergency department is Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. In terms of other water sports, windsurfing and wingfoiling are reported as viable in easterly winds, while surfing is generally not reliable and is mainly rideable only during heavy winter easterly gales. Winter cold is a key factor year-round; thick wetsuits are commonly used in colder months.