Roundstone

'Gurteen Bay’ is Roundstone's most popular venue. Horseshoe-shaped and facing almost due south, it feels quite safe. There’s barely any current so it’s hard to get swept out to sea – and therefore rare, although not impossible. The water's usually super-flat, maybe a bit choppy in strong wind. When the wind really kicks in, you’ll need to watch out for shorebreak: it might look tame, but will break kit given the chance. Yet overall it's a great beginner spot, if perhaps a bit dull for experts as the water stays flat. The atmosphere is idyllic: dolphins have been known to swim with windsurfers here. Access is pretty good too; you can usually drive right down to the beach to rig up on grass or sand. To get here, take the main road out of town (towards 'Ballyconneely’) for about 10 minutes, turn left to 'Gurteen Bay’, then 'Dogs Bay’ is just beyond the campsite. Roundstone itself is a nice town – good food and great pubs that aren't generally too fussy about closing time. Then again, beware of the 'Surfers’ Curse’: the best conditions will always arrive the morning after an all-night party!