Surfing in Ireland

Surfing is one of the fastest growing sports in Ireland. In total we have 5 blue flag beachs which are at a very high standard. Together the surfing and skateboarding industrie world wide is worth $7.2 Billion Dollars. Many costal villages whos main income of fishing can become booming  hubs for the surfers that come here every year. There is millions to be made and manny towns and villages are looking into the option of Artificial Reefs that will cause large enough waves to surf on and attract new business to a quite area.
 Ireland is actually one of the key surfing area's in europe but is sometimes overlooked due to the weather and cold water. Its waves can sometime be surprising. On the 13th December 2011 a bouy recorded the largest wave since records began. It measured an amazinf 20.4 Metres in height. This isn't just a freak occurance. This picture shows a man surfing a 15 Metre wave off the coast of clare (some of the best surfing spots are on the west coast.

Picture and Information: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1213/breaking25.html

 You have to weigh up the odds though. Many towns are getting these new features and surfers will either go for the cheapest option or the place with biggest waves so even if you get a artificial reef there is no gaurentee that you will bring in enough tourists to break even. The average cost of a Artificial Reef is (depending on size and type) between $20000 to $60000

Locations In Ireland:

• Bundoran, Donegal Bay
• Carrownisky, Louisberg, County Mayo
• Keel Beach, Achill, County Mayo
• Rossnowlagh, Donegal Bay
• Portrush, Antrim
• Dingle Peninsula, Kerry
• Lahinch, Co. Clare
• Spanish Point, Co. Clare
• Doolin, Co. Clare
• Rosslare, Co. Wexford
• Easkey, Co Sligo
• Aughris, Co Sligo
• Dunmoran, Co Sligo
• Strandhill, Co Sligo
• Streedagh, Co Sligo
• Inniscrone, Co Sligo
• Mullaghmore, Co Sligo
• Dunlaughin, Co. Galway

(list from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_surfing_areas#Ireland)