Tullaghan Right (Leitrim)

Ireland4.5/5
Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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)
Great for
Advanced riders
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm or 6/5mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodJun–Sep: 4/3mm

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Right-hand reef point break producing long, fast walls with occasional barreling on the right conditions; reef unevenness and rocks make it demanding.

Point break
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).
Forecast

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.

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

  • Rocks
  • Reef
  • Sharp limestone reef
  • Strong rip currents possible (especially as swell size increases)
  • Cold water
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetWetsuitLeashBootsGlovesHood

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.

Restrictions
  • Private land access may be required
  • Respect sensitive reef break conditions and the local lineup
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair1km

Natural sea stacks and blowholes along the cliff walk with historical folklore significance

Bundoran Glow2km

Local community art and light installations reflecting the town's maritime heritage

Slieve League Cliffs60km

Some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering spectacular hiking trails

The Bridge Bar1km

A famous pub known for live music and a hub for the local surfing community

Waterworld Bundoran1.5km

Indoor seaweed baths and an aqua park featuring various slides and pools

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.