Warrenpoint
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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)
- Confined launch area, especially near high tide
- Very strong tidal currents in Carlingford Lough
- Cold water year-round
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
Rarely crowded with riders; promenade can be busy with pedestrians in summer.
Winter months see frequent storm systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Flat to chop water suitable for freeride/foil; sources also describe slalom windsurfing when winds are from the south-east.
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
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.
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
- Strong tidal currents within Carlingford Lough
- Currents
- Rocks
- Limited beach space
- Proximity to road and sea wall
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.
- Launch area becomes very small or disappears at high tide.
- Avoid the beach when crowded with pedestrians.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
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 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.