Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Tra Mor is a remote, sandy beach break in Sheephaven Bay with straightforward access only by foot via a roughly 2 km dune hike from the Horn Head area. The run to the lineup naturally limits crowds even when conditions are good, but it also adds risk: the beach is isolated and the water is exposed to Atlantic weather. Surf works best toward high tide and is rated as a beach break with the best month in January. When the wind turns offshore from the south/SW sector, conditions are often especially clean and well groomed. The break can handle a wide range of Atlantic swell and is described as consistent, with multiple peaks along the beach on good days. Safety is a key consideration. Rip currents are described as common—particularly near headlands and during larger swells—and the combination of remote access, strong rips, and cold water makes it most appropriate for surfers who can manage offshore-energy impacts. Large shore break can also be present during swells, and on massive sets the wave can close out even though it generally holds size until around the 3 m mark. For preparation, plan on winter water temperatures and come equipped for cold-water surfing. Wetsuit protection is emphasized (including neoprene hood, gloves, and boots in winter), and you should check the tide and avoid surfing alone due to the remoteness and rip-current risk.

  • High tide is best
  • Clean/offshore grooming with S/SW winds
  • Remote, dune-walk access keeps the crowd small
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Consistent Atlantic beach break that can pick up almost any swell
  • Often very clean and groomed when Southern winds are offshore
  • High tide is the preferred tide
Heads up
  • Remote access involves a 2 km hike, which limits convenience and crowding can make supervision harder
  • Strong rip currents are common, especially near headlands and during large swells
  • Cold water and exposed conditions mean a winter setup is typically necessary
  • Can close out on massive swells
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SW, SE
Offshore directions
S, SW, SE
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Driven by Atlantic frontal systems; generally exposed to North Atlantic weather.
Reliability
Moderate for offshore grooming; highly exposed to Atlantic weather.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April
Shadow Zones
High cliffs of Horn Head can create wind shadows in certain easterly or westerly directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Golden sand / sandy beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium — Working swell described around 1.0–2.5 meters.
Launch
Big — Very wide, sandy beach with ample space, though requiring a hike to reach.
Launch Difficulty
Easy — Beach access is easy once at the beach, but reaching it requires a hike.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
8–16 °C
Water Temperature
5–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodApr, May, Jun: 4/3mm or 5/4mmJul, Aug, Sep: 3/2mm or 4/3mmOct, Nov, Dec: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded due to the walk; slightly busier on sunny weekends in summer.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months are prone to heavy Atlantic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A consistent beach break in Sheephaven Bay; highly regarded for cleanliness when Southern winds are offshore, with a 2 km walk limiting crowds.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, NW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
High
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
South and Southwest winds provide perfectly groomed offshore conditions.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on massive swells, but generally holds size well until around 3 meters.
Wave Quality
Excellent
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Can produce long, peeling walls on good days with multiple peaks along the beach.
Typical Ride Length
50–100 m
Ride Length Details
Can produce long, peeling walls on good days with multiple peaks along the beach.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay) in the full forecast view.

Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
8–32 ktsGusts 58 kts
Direction
SW235°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2432 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–5.9 m9s period
Temperature
7–15 °C

Over the next 7 days, Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–32 kts, peaking around 32 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 58 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.7–5.9 m with a period of about 9s. 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
  • Isolation
  • Cold water
  • Large shore break during swells
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitHoodBootsGlovesLeash

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regionally supported by RNLI stations in nearby areas; Irish Coast Guard has aerial and shore-based units.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital is Letterkenny University Hospital; call 999 or 112 for Coast Guard.

Rules of the spot

No specific local rules beyond general ocean safety and respecting the remote environment.

Restrictions
  • No vehicle access to the beach
  • Sensitive dune environment requires staying on paths
Local Tips
  • The hike takes 20-30 minutes through sand dunes; pack light.
  • Do not surf here alone due to the remoteness and strong rips.
  • Check the tide as the beach is best towards high tide.
  • Stay on paths to protect the sensitive dune environment.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Letterkenny
Nearest Town
Dunfanaghy
Nearest Airport
Donegal Airport (CFN) ~50 km; City of Derry Airport (LDY) ~65 km
Parking
Small car park available at the start of the trail on the road to Horn Head.
Public Transport
Limited coastal access; regional bus services available (car recommended for equipment transport)
Access
Accessible only by foot via a roughly 2 km trail (approx. 30 minutes) from the parking area near Horn Head.
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
English, Irish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses, hotels, and hostels are available in Dunfanaghy town.
Food & Drink
No facilities at the beach; pubs and cafes are located in nearby Dunfanaghy.
Equipment Rental:
Surf shops in Dunfanaghy offer rentals, but you must transport them to the hike start.
Gear Storage
None available.
Gear Repair
Basic repair kits available at shops in Dunfanaghy.
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 Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay)?

The best overall months at Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay) are January. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay)?

Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay) works with S, SW, SE winds. Offshore directions are S, SW, SE.

What skill level is Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay) suitable for?

Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.