Stradbally
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Stradbally is a low-profile kitesurfing and wave-riding spot in Brandon Bay (near Castlegregory), set on a wide sandy beach. Water quality is described as clean, with small-to-medium wave conditions that can support wave-focused riding. For kitesurfing, the most consistent winds are in the SSW to WSW sector, with the best months listed as March, April, May, and September and October. Typical wind speeds are given as roughly 15–30 knots, and winds are described as steady, with very exposed Atlantic exposure. Kite sizes commonly used are around 7–12 m², and the spot is primarily aimed at intermediate riders. Safety considerations are significant because the area can develop rip currents during larger swells, and conditions involve cold water year-round. Lifeguards are listed as none, and rescue is noted as not available; riders should plan accordingly. A key practical point is to check the tide, since the beach can become very narrow at extreme high tide. Beyond kitesurfing, the beach is also described as usable for windsurfing and wingfoiling. Surfing is characterized as a beach break with peeling waves, cross-shore grooming in SW winds, and conditions that may close out when swell becomes very large. Overall, Stradbally is best approached as an Atlantic winter-swell style beach: cold, exposed, but straightforward to access and launch from when the wind and tide line up.
- Very wide sandy beach for easy setup and launch
- Best kitesurfing winds from the SSW–WSW sector
- Intermediate-focused wave riding on clean water
- Wide sandy launch area makes launching and landing straightforward
- Clean water with no major obstacles reported
- Reliable SW/Westerly wind window in spring and autumn
- Cold water year-round
- Rip currents can form during larger Atlantic swells
- No lifeguard coverage
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SSW, SW, WSW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Predominantly SW sector frontal/gradient winds are noted for the spot.
- Reliability
- High during autumn and winter months
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Providers describe small waves and also medium waves depending on swell.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach providing ample space for setting up and launching gear even at high tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Quiet year-round; more surfers visit during summer weekends
Rain is frequent throughout the year; winter months bring frequent Atlantic depressions and storms. October to March is higher storm frequency.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Small to medium waves suitable for intermediate riders; works best in SSW, SW, and WSW winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
World-class wave sailing when the Atlantic swell hits the bay; works well in southwesterly and westerly winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.7 m²
Suitable when swell is small to medium; sandy bottom and lack of rocks make it beginner-friendly for learning to foil in waves.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A reliable beach break producing fun, peeling waves; it can be slightly more sheltered than the northern end of the bay.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Southwest wind is cross-shore and grooms the waves nicely.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when the swell exceeds 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Stradbally in the full forecast view.
Stradbally wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–29 ktsGusts 55 kts
- Direction
- SW235°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2429 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–5.6 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Stradbally is forecast for daytime winds of 6–29 kts, peaking around 29 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 55 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.0–5.6 m with a period of about 10s. 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 during large swells
- Cold water temperatures
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is University Hospital Kerry in Tralee.
Rules of the spot
Respect local fishermen and maintain distance from any beach users during busy summer days.
- Check the tide as the beach becomes very narrow at extreme high tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Castlegregory
- Nearest Town
- Castlegregory
- Parking
- Limited parking available at the end of the access road near the dunes
- Access
- Access: 6 hours from Dublin, look for Castlegregory.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages available in Castlegregory and Maharees.
- Food & Drink
- Pubs and small grocery stores are located in Stradbally and Castlegregory.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear for windsurfing and surfing is available in nearby Maharees.
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 Stradbally?
The best overall months at Stradbally are March, April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Stradbally?
Stradbally works with SSW, SW, WSW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Stradbally?
Recommended equipment sizes at Stradbally: 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 Stradbally suitable for?
Stradbally suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.