Stoney Gap

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Wave, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves
Spot Type
15–30 kts
Wind Range

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Stoney Gap is an exposed sandy beach break on the Dingle Peninsula near Castlegregory, with clean water and a coastline that can produce fairly consistent surf. It’s described as able to work at almost any time of year, with best surfing conditions reported at mid tide and with an optimal northwest swell direction. For kitesurfing, the spot is reported to perform best in south to southwest winds (S, SSW, SW), aligning with spring and early autumn months (March, April, May, September, and October). Reported wind strength ranges broadly, and riders commonly target wave riding and freeride styles, with recommended kite sizes spanning roughly 7 to 12 m². Safety planning is important: the area is exposed to Atlantic conditions, with hazards reported including rip currents, cold water, and powerful swell during larger events. Stones/rocks near the gap entrance and along the high-tide line can also create local hazards, so careful entry/launch awareness is needed, particularly when water levels are higher. Cold-water readiness is essential year-round. Winter conditions call for a proper winter wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and boots, and seasonal temperature ranges confirm that even summer remains cold by typical standards. Overall, it’s a well-regarded spot for riders who are comfortable with ocean conditions and can self-manage in the absence of lifeguards.

  • Best wind months: March to May and September to October
  • Surf works best on mid tide with northwest swell
  • Exposed conditions with cold water—plan for winter-appropriate kit
Great for
Kitesurfing waveKitesurfing freerideSurfing shortboardWindsurfing wave
What's great
  • Consistent exposed beach break that can work through much of the year
  • Best kitesurfing winds are south to southwest (S, SSW, SW), with reliability in spring and autumn
  • Clean Atlantic water reported
  • Parking is available, though it can be limited nearby
Heads up
  • Cold water year-round (winter requires heavy insulation)
  • Exposed ocean conditions
  • Risk from rip currents and powerful swell on larger days
  • Submerged stones/rocks near the shore can create hazards, especially at high tide
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SSW, SW
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Atlantic frontal systems dominate; spot is reported as best with S to SW winds.
Reliability
high during autumn and spring
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Reported gustiness is moderate.
Best Months
March, April, May, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves
Beach
Sand — Sand reported.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium — Sources describe small to medium waves; another description lists small waves.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space for rigging and launching; also described as a simple sandy beach with easy self-launch.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Launch is described as easy in one source and moderate in another.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
9–17 °C
Water Temperature
8–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Dec–Nov: 5/4mm + Boots, HoodApr–Sep: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded; summer months see more recreational beach users but surfers and kiters are spread across the bay

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (December to February) bring the strongest storms and highest rainfall

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Works best with south-westerly winds; reported as a clean Atlantic swell wave-riding spot that suits wave riding and freeride.

FreerideWaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Well-known wave sailing destination with side-shore conditions for jumping and riding when Atlantic depressions roll in.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.2–5.7 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for experienced wingfoilers seeking wave action; beginners usually prefer flatter waters nearby.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly is reported as yes.
Min Depth
2 metres
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Exposed beach break with fairly consistent surf that can work throughout the year; reported wave quality is good and it is less crowded on some days.

Beach break
Optimal Swell
NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Mid tide is repeatedly listed as best.
Shelter
Exposed — Open, exposed beach break.
Wind Effect
East winds provide cleaner offshore conditions for surfing.
Bigger Swell
Can close out during very large Atlantic winter swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality reported as good.
Wave Power
Moderate — Reported as moderate wave power.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Reported as peeling.
Peel Speed
Medium — Reported as medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Medium — Reported as medium ride length.
Photos

From the spot

Wavind Team
Wavind Team
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Stoney Gap in the full forecast view.

Stoney Gap wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
7–32 ktsGusts 53 kts
Direction
SW236°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2432 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–2.5 m8s period
Temperature
10–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Stoney Gap is forecast for daytime winds of 7–32 kts, peaking around 32 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 53 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.4–2.5 m with a period of about 8s. 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

  • Rip currents
  • Cold water temperatures
  • Powerful Atlantic swell
  • Submerged stones near the shore
  • Some stones and rocks near the gap entrance and high tide line
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsHoodGlovesImpact vest

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — Spot-level data reports no rescue availability at the beach.
Emergency Info
Emergency services available via 999 or 112; University Hospital Kerry is the nearest major hospital in Tralee.
Localism / Vibe
None — No localism reported.

Rules of the spot

Conditions are exposed ocean conditions with cold water; wetsuit and self-rescue readiness are strongly advised. Expect strong swell on larger days.

Local Tips
  • Works best for surfing on a mid tide with an East wind.
  • Kitesurfers should be comfortable with wave riding and self-rescue in ocean conditions.
  • Use a winter wetsuit with a neoprene hood, gloves, and boots.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Tralee
Nearest Town
Castlegregory
Nearest Airport
Kerry Airport (KIR)
Parking
Parking is available at Stoney Gap; limited parking on the roadside and in small pull-offs near the dunes is also reported.
Public Transport
Limited rural bus service from Tralee to Castlegregory; a private vehicle is highly recommended for transporting gear between different sides of the peninsula.
Access
From Tralee west on N86. Before Camp onto R559 and follow signs to Castlegregory. Drive further north and follow signs to Fahamore. In Sandy Bay turn left and drive westwards to the ocean.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English, Irish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and holiday rentals in Castlegregory and Fahamore; camping popular in the wider Brandon Bay area.
Food & Drink
Local pubs and cafes are located in Castlegregory and near Sandy Bay.
Equipment Rental:
Rental gear for windsurfing and surfing is available through nearby schools in Sandy Bay; kitesurfing rental is more restricted to supervised sessions (regional information).
Gear Storage
Available at major schools for a daily or weekly fee (regional information).
Gear Repair
Minor repairs can often be handled by local watersports shops in the area.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Stoney Gap?

The best overall months at Stoney Gap are September, October, November. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Stoney Gap?

Stoney Gap works with S, SSW, SW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Stoney Gap?

Recommended equipment sizes at Stoney Gap: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.

What skill level is Stoney Gap suitable for?

Stoney Gap suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.