Stoney Gap
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Rarely crowded; summer months see more recreational beach users but surfers and kiters are spread across the bay
Winter months (December to February) bring the strongest storms and highest rainfall
By sport
What to expect for each.
Works best with south-westerly winds; reported as a clean Atlantic swell wave-riding spot that suits wave riding and freeride.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Well-known wave sailing destination with side-shore conditions for jumping and riding when Atlantic depressions roll in.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.7 m²
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
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.
- 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.
From the spot
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.
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
- 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
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.