(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“I would suggest you look at the Ordnance Survey map (number 57). You will see Liscannor beach (not surfable) faces South, LeHinch(or La Hinch) beach faces South West and the cliffs below La Hinch face west. The large-scale map of Ireland erroneously indicates La Hinch beach faces West.
[editor replies: Jim. I stand corrected. It's odd that so many maps have it wrong, but satellite images confirm sheet 57 has it right and your description is accurate. We will revise our content accordingly.]”
Jim from IRELAND - 09 Sep 2011
Lahinch Strand Ratings
Overall: 4.0. Based on 13 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.5(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.8(1: Lahinch Strand is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 4.2(1: Lahinch Strand is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Clare. 5: the best break in Clare). |
Difficulty Level: 2.5(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.9(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Lahinch Strand can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.2(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Lahinch Strand, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.2(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Lahinch Strand are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.1(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.6(1: Often too crowded. 5: Lahinch Strand is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.8(1: Getting to Lahinch Strand requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.6(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.7(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Lahinch Strand for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.4(1: Camping at Lahinch Strand is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.6(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Lahinch Strand is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 4.8(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.9(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Lahinch Strand, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Lahinch Strand where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Good site, but why oh why do all the websites insist the beach faces west? It faces south west, which is the best swell direction.”
Jim from IRELAND - 08 Sep 2011
Nearest