TRAVEL: Catching the waves in Mayo

Mayo’s intricate shorelines jutting into the vast North atlantic ocean create the perfect playground for surfers of all levels. While the view from the beach is impressive, surfers out on the water have the privilege of seeing a side of the coastline many miss out on. The expanses of long sandy beaches, the jagged cliffs and dramatic skies all lend to a very special encounter with Mother Nature.

The watersport has made the transition from a once in a lifetime experience to a way of life for many Irish people and Mayo and the west of Ireland in particular has embraced the culture with a growing number of surf schools and clubs being established. There are several Mayo regions that are perfect for surfing such as achill and Louisburgh, as well as Easkey, which is in neighbouring County Sligo and a short drive from Ballina.

Easkey has a rich surfing history and is recognised internationally as a surfing hotspot. The devoted surfer can don their wetsuit and brave the water all year round. Lessons are available to newcomers to the sport and wetsuits and surfboards can be provided. Waves break over the rocks rather than sand in two locations at Easkey, creating faster breaks and a more challenging outing for experienced surfers.

The area also has offshore winds in its favour, which are preferred by surfers. other surfer magnets are the surfing beaches of Bertra, an arm of land extending into Clew Bay, and the windswept beaches of beautiful Belmullet or at Keel strand, a longstanding favourite among surfers.

Mayo is also an idea destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing and a range of other location- specific watersports. Why not try your hand, or rather your foot, at stand up paddle boarding while you’re there?