Trawmore Bay (Claggan)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Mixed
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Trawmore Bay (Claggan) is a tidal, sandy kitesurfing spot on the Belmullet peninsula with clean water and typically flat conditions that can include small waves and some chop. The water is shallow in many areas, especially at low tide, which makes the bay highly tide-dependent for depth and riding area—conditions can change significantly across the tidal cycle. Wind is generally from the south through west (S, SSW, SW, and W/WSW), and the spot is described as relying on Atlantic frontal systems rather than a strong thermal pattern. Wind direction and local exposure make it a practical destination when these SW/S winds are active, with higher wind reliability reported during autumn and winter months. For kitesurfing, riders commonly use the wide, shallow sandy areas for freeride and freestyle/foil styles. At low tide the bay can become extremely flat but very shallow, while at higher tide chop increases. This makes tide timing important, both for keeping enough depth for your chosen sport and for managing how long you may need to walk with gear. Safety considerations are dominated by stones at/near the bay edges, the strong tidal range, and the remoteness of the location. A wetsuit is required year-round due to cold Irish conditions, and it’s advised to check tide times carefully so you don’t end up in overly shallow pools or a difficult return walk.

  • Tidal flats with flat water and clean conditions
  • Wind from S–SW (and often W/WSW) with good autumn/winter reliability
  • Wetsuit required year-round; strong tide dependence for access and depth
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foilWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyle
What's great
  • Shallow, flat-to-flat-with-chop water with clean water and tidal access.
  • Good south-to-west wind options with generally reliable wind during autumn and winter.
  • Wide sandy/tidal flats can provide space for flexible riding
Heads up
  • Very tide-dependent shallow water (depth can limit hydrofoils and affect walking/access).
  • Remote location and limited/no on-site rescue.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
S, SSW, SW, WSW, W
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Wind is dominated by Atlantic frontal systems rather than a strong thermal pattern.
Reliability
high during autumn and winter months
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Shadow Zones
Minor turbulence can occur if the wind has too much easterly component due to inland hills.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Mixed
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Small — Small waves; chop can increase around higher tide.
Chop Level
Light chop — Chop reported; low tide tends to be extremely flat.
Launch
Small — Tidal flats and shallow launch area; wide sandy beach as the tide recedes.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
8–17 °C
Water Temperature
6–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Apr: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesMay–Dec: 4/3mm or 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesJun–Sep: 4/3mm or 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves
Crowds by Season

Generally very quiet and uncrowded year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see frequent Atlantic storms and rain.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Shallow, flat-to-flat-with-chop water with small waves. Tidal access can make the water extremely flat and shallow at low tide; higher water brings more chop. Best winds are south to west (S–SW/SSW/WSW/W).

FreestyleFreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Flat water that can be good for transitions and freeride/slalom, especially when tide is mid-to-high to ensure enough depth for fins.

FreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
4.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable during mid-to-high tide. Caution required at low tide because large areas become too shallow for hydrofoils.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
requires mid-to-high tide for safety
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Trawmore Bay (Claggan) in the full forecast view.

Trawmore Bay (Claggan) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
7–40 ktsGusts 60 kts
Direction
WSW237°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2440 kts
Windy days
6/712 kts or more
Waves
0.4–2.1 m7s period
Temperature
9–15 °C

Over the next 7 days, Trawmore Bay (Claggan) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–40 kts, peaking around 40 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 60 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.4–2.1 m with a period of about 7s. 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

  • stones
  • tidal range
  • remoteness
  • some stones and rocks at the edges of the bay and near the entrance
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsGlovesHoodImpact vestLeashHarness

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated rescue availability at the spot (wider-region rescue is limited/contingent on services and conditions).
Emergency Info
Belmullet is the nearest town for medical assistance. For emergencies, dial 999 or 112.

Rules of the spot

Standard right-of-way rules apply; respect coastal conditions. Check for hazards at the edges of the bay and be mindful of tidal effects and remoteness.

Restrictions
  • Gear access and riding depth are strongly tide-dependent.
Local Tips
  • Wetsuit all year needed due to Ireland’s cold conditions.
  • The spot is highly tidal: at low tide the water recedes leaving very shallow pools—check tide times to avoid a long walk back with gear.
  • Check the tide times to ensure you don’t have a very long walk back with your gear.
  • If riding when depth is marginal, be cautious at low tide (especially for foiling).

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Belmullet
Nearest Town
Bangor Erris
Parking
Parking available at the end of the access road near the beach.
Access
Head towards Belmullet from Ballina. After Bangor Erris, you'll meet a small village with a church, graveyard and pub. Turn left immediately before the pub. Drive for less than a mile and turn right at grotto (Statue of Our Lady), and continue on that road until you hit the beach.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and B&Bs available in Belmullet and the surrounding Mullet Peninsula.
Food & Drink
Local pubs and shops located in Glencastle and Belmullet.
Equipment Rental:
No equipment rental reported at the spot itself.
Gear Storage
No gear storage reported.
Gear Repair
No dedicated gear repair reported.
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 Trawmore Bay (Claggan)?

The best overall months at Trawmore Bay (Claggan) are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Trawmore Bay (Claggan)?

Trawmore Bay (Claggan) works with S, SSW, SW, WSW, W winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Trawmore Bay (Claggan)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Trawmore Bay (Claggan): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.

What skill level is Trawmore Bay (Claggan) suitable for?

Trawmore Bay (Claggan) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.