Tullaghan Right (Leitrim)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Tullaghan Right is a right-hand reef point break on the short Leitrim coastline, known for producing fast, high-quality waves when conditions line up. The break is over an uneven reef with rocks and sharp limestone, so the take-off and entry/exit can be technical, especially because the wave can be sensitive to tide height. Wind is a key part of the session: south through south-east (and also south-west) winds are reported as optimal/offshore for grooming the wave faces. Wind reliability is described as fairly consistent, and moderate gusts can occur. When the wind and swell arrive together, the point can deliver clean, fast peeling walls. Swell is typically strongest from the northwest sector. Optimal swell height is reported around 1.0m to 3.0m, and the wave can hold size well—becoming heavy and serious on larger sets. Ride lengths are commonly described as normal around 50–150m, with good days reaching roughly 150–300m. This is not an “anyone can try it” spot: sources consistently emphasize it for experienced/advanced surfers only due to reef hazards, strong currents/rips possible (especially as swell increases), and the rugged access conditions. Access may require crossing private land, and the small parking area near the east end of the village can be a hassle—planning your approach around tide and access is strongly recommended.
- Right-hand reef point break
- Best on mid-to-high tide
- Offshore south/south-east winds
- Long, fast walls (often 50–300m depending on conditions)
- Right point-break that can produce long, fast walls
- South to south-easterly/south-westerly winds are generally optimal and offshore
- Rated as a regional classic with excellent wave quality
- Reef hazards (sharp rocks/uneven limestone reef) and fast power
- Small/shallow take-off zone can become dangerous at low tide
- Access involves crossing private land and parking can be difficult
- No dedicated rescue/lifeguards reported for the spot
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SE, SW
- Offshore directions
- S, SE, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — South to south-easterly winds are described as offshore/optimal for this reef point break; overall wind pattern is consistent with Atlantic frontal systems.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- The point can offer some protection from very strong southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rocks rather than a sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Described as big in one dataset; also characterized as small in another—conditions vary widely by swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky entry and exit; requires careful timing with the sets.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Rocky entry/exit and shallow reef make it demanding.
Through the year
By sport
What to expect for each.
Right-hand reef point break producing long, fast walls with occasional barreling on the right conditions; reef unevenness and rocks make it demanding.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Best at mid-to-high tide; low tide can become dangerously shallow.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as fairly exposed; the point can still provide some protection from very strong southerly winds.
- Wind Effect
- South and South-East winds are offshore, grooming the wave faces; optimal from southeast is noted.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles significant size well for experts, becoming heavy and serious.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Rated as excellent / regional classic.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as fast/powerful; also characterized as 'fast, ordinary' in one dataset.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Can hollow on the right day; generally described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Peels fast.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal sessions reported as about 50–150m; good days 150–300m; typical about 200m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal (about 50 to 150m), good day (about 150 to 300m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tullaghan Right (Leitrim) in the full forecast view.
Tullaghan Right (Leitrim) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–36 ktsGusts 58 kts
- Direction
- WSW237°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2436 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–3.9 m9s period
- Temperature
- 8–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tullaghan Right (Leitrim) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–36 kts, peaking around 36 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 58 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.4–3.9 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
- Rocks
- Reef
- Sharp limestone reef
- Strong rip currents possible (especially as swell size increases)
- Cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated local coastguard base noted in one dataset; RNLI Bundoran lifeboat station is reported for 24/7 search and rescue coverage for the bay area. Spot-level rescue availability is reported as none.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital services are reported in Sligo or Letterkenny; for emergencies call 112 or 999. (Bundoran area RNLI lifeboat station reported as providing 24/7 search and rescue coverage for the wider bay.)
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local lineup etiquette is emphasized; access and entry can be sensitive due to private land and a small take-off zone.
Rules of the spot
Experienced surfers only: reef hazards and fast wave power. Respect the local lineup; treat the take-off zone as sensitive and small.
- Private land access may be required
- Respect sensitive reef break conditions and the local lineup
- Check with locals before heading out due to private land access; respect the area.
- Watch the entry and exit points for a few sets before getting in.
- Low tide can be dangerously shallow—this wave works best around mid-to-high tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tullaghan village, Co. Leitrim
- Nearest Town
- Tullaghan
- Parking
- Street parking at the east end of the village; limited parking can make it a hassle—avoid blocking gates or local access.
- Access
- Access is via a short walk (about 5–15 minutes) across private land; parking is on street at the east end of the village.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Plenty of surf lodges, hostels, and hotels are available in the broader nearby area (Bundoran is referenced).
- Food & Drink
- Local pubs and cafes are located in Tullaghan and nearby Bundoran.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental shops are available in nearby Bundoran; specialized reef surfing gear support may be limited.
- Gear Storage
- Yes
- Gear Repair
- Minor/gear repair services reported in the nearby Bundoran area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Natural sea stacks and blowholes along the cliff walk with historical folklore significance
Local community art and light installations reflecting the town's maritime heritage
Some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering spectacular hiking trails
A famous pub known for live music and a hub for the local surfing community
Indoor seaweed baths and an aqua park featuring various slides and pools
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tullaghan Right (Leitrim)?
The best overall months at Tullaghan Right (Leitrim) are January. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Tullaghan Right (Leitrim)?
Tullaghan Right (Leitrim) works with S, SE, SW winds. Offshore directions are S, SE, SW.
What skill level is Tullaghan Right (Leitrim) suitable for?
Tullaghan Right (Leitrim) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.