Warrenpoint

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
Freeride, Foil
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Chop
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Warrenpoint is a shallow, small beach area on Carlingford Lough offering clean water that can range from flat to chop. For wind sports, the primary setup is kitesurfing—especially freeride and foil—where riders benefit from east to southeast winds (E, ESE, SE) and a generally manageable in-water profile near shore. The key constraint at Warrenpoint is safety around tides and launch space. Multiple sources emphasize strong tidal currents within Carlingford Lough, and the launch area can become very small or disappear at high tide. Local guidance is to check tide times carefully and aim to launch toward low or mid-tide to preserve enough beach room and reduce exposure to peak mid-tide flow. Water temperature is cold year-round, with winter conditions requiring thick protection. In summer, a lighter long wetsuit is commonly workable, but overall comfort still depends on current and conditions. Gear guidance across sources points to using appropriate thermal protection plus impact protection (and helmet/boots depending on conditions). Wind reliability is described as moderate, and there can be wind turbulence depending on wind direction due to the surrounding terrain. The promenade can be busy with pedestrians in summer, so launching etiquette and beach awareness are important to avoid interference on a limited launch footprint.

  • Shallow, clean water with flat-to-chop conditions
  • Best wind directions: E, ESE, SE
  • Intermediate-friendly when riders manage tides and currents
  • Confined launch area—launch planning by tide is critical
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilKitesurfing strapless
What's great
  • Clean water with shallow flat-to-chop conditions
  • Works with east to southeast wind directions (E, ESE, SE)
  • Good conditions for freeride/foil (and strapless for kitesurfing)
Heads up
  • Confined launch area, especially near high tide
  • Very strong tidal currents in Carlingford Lough
  • Cold water year-round
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, ESE, SE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Sources describe both frontal and gradient/“funnel” style winds in this area.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
Shadow Zones
Mountains to the north and west can cause significant turbulence in those directions.

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop
Beach
Mixed — Sources differ: sand vs pebble/mixed beach material.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Flat — Flat to choppy conditions are described depending on state of the lough.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Chop is referenced, with flat-to-choppy water most commonly described.
Launch
Small — Small/limited launch space; self-launch is reported as easy in favorable conditions, but space can shrink significantly at high tide.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
7–16 °C
Water Temperature
4–20 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Nov–Mar: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesApr, Oct: 4/3mmMay–Sep: 3/2mm to 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Rarely crowded with riders; promenade can be busy with pedestrians in summer.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months see frequent storm systems.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Shallow to flat-and-chop conditions on the lough, generally best with east to southeast winds (E, ESE, SE). Water is clean, but the spot demands comfort with tidal currents and a confined launch area.

FreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Flat to chop water suitable for freeride/foil; sources also describe slalom windsurfing when winds are from the south-east.

FreerideSlalomFoil
WingfoilingSkill Level

Shallow wingfoiling is possible, but riders must account for currents. Foil-friendly conditions are described, with sheltered/deeper water referenced within the lough.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
2 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Warrenpoint in the full forecast view.

Warrenpoint wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–23 ktsGusts 44 kts
Direction
SSW212°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2423 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Temperature
7–16 °C

Over the next 7 days, Warrenpoint is forecast for daytime winds of 5–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 44 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. 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

  • Strong tidal currents within Carlingford Lough
  • Currents
  • Rocks
  • Limited beach space
  • Proximity to road and sea wall
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Impact vestWetsuitBootsHelmet

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Rescue availability is listed as no for this spot; emergency numbers are 999 or 112.

Rules of the spot

Avoid the beach when it is crowded with pedestrians; launching at high tide can make the launch space very small or disappear.

Restrictions
  • Launch area becomes very small or disappears at high tide.
  • Avoid the beach when crowded with pedestrians.
Local Tips
  • Check tide times carefully; currents can be very strong mid-tide.
  • Launching is best done toward low or mid-tide to ensure enough beach space.
  • Winter requires a thick wetsuit due to cold.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Newry
Nearest Town
Warrenpoint
Parking
Public parking is available along the promenade and near the town center.
Access
A1 south from Belfast to Warrenpoint.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Hotels and guesthouses are available within the town of Warrenpoint.
Food & Drink
Numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants are located within walking distance of the beach.
Equipment Rental:
No local rental shops directly on the beach.
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 Warrenpoint?

The best overall months at Warrenpoint are June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Warrenpoint?

Warrenpoint works with E, ESE, SE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Warrenpoint?

Recommended equipment sizes at Warrenpoint: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Warrenpoint suitable for?

Warrenpoint suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.