Tra Mor (Sheephaven Bay)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- 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
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
Rarely crowded due to the walk; slightly busier on sunny weekends in summer.
Winter months are prone to heavy Atlantic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A consistent beach break in Sheephaven Bay; highly regarded for cleanliness when Southern winds are offshore, with a 2 km walk limiting crowds.
- 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.
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.
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
- Isolation
- Cold water
- Large shore break during swells
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.
- No vehicle access to the beach
- Sensitive dune environment requires staying on paths
- 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
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.
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 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.