Ireland · Ireland
Elly Bay, Ireland
15.6kts
SSW · Wind season
Elly Bay offers flat water and consistent wind, but Irish tidal currents and cold demand respect. Not a carefree spot—it rewards attention.
- 15.6kts
- Average wind
- 243
- Windy days / year
- 08:00–11:00
- Peak wind hours
- SSW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Dublin
- Coordinates
- 54.1605, -10.0909
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
65%
rideable
22.2 kts
Feb
82%
rideable
19.4 kts
Mar
71%
rideable
18.7 kts
Apr
55%
rideable
19 kts
May
45%
rideable
15.7 kts
Jun
73%
rideable
17.2 kts
Jul
53%
rideable
16 kts
Aug
73%
rideable
18.8 kts
Sep
70%
rideable
18.1 kts
Oct
65%
rideable
20.6 kts
Nov
72%
rideable
19.7 kts
Dec
74%
rideable
21.8 kts
Best wind directions
- SSW
- SW
- WSW
- W
- S
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Strong Atlantic currents and tidal flows requiring awareness of drift
- Cold water temperatures increasing hypothermia risk year-round
- Shallow flat water areas with submerged rocks and seaweed patches
- Variable wind gusts common in Irish coastal conditions
What that means for you
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Local beach facilities and parking near launch area
- Nearby villages with accommodation and food options
- Equipment rental shops serving the Irish kitesurfing community
Local tips
Check the Irish Meteorological Service for accurate wind forecasts as coastal wind patterns can be unpredictable. Plan sessions around tidal windows for optimal conditions and safer navigation of shallow areas.
Launch & beach
Flat water conditions make Elly Bay ideal for beginners. Launch from the beach into the bay, with SSW-W winds providing consistent conditions; check tidal charts as strong tides can affect launch safety.
Local etiquette
Respect other water users including swimmers and fishing boats common in Irish bays. Keep clear communication with other kiters and yield to those already riding.
What to wear
5/4mm or 6/5mm wetsuits are essential year-round; water temps rarely exceed 14°C. Add booties and gloves from November through March for protection against cold Atlantic conditions.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstrong days, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 4/3 mm full wetsuit with boots.
- On land
- Insulated jacket and beanie — layer up.
Derived from the spot's latitude (cold-temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Flat water straight off the beach. No chop, no shore break—that's why beginners come here. But flat doesn't mean forgiving. Tidal currents push harder than you'd expect, and submerged rocks in the shallows demand you stay aware.
The bay is sheltered enough to learn on. The Atlantic side is where complications live. You'll spend half your session in 3-4 feet of water, navigating around seaweed beds and shallow obstacles. It teaches you to look ahead and plan for drift.
Wind & Conditions
242 windy days a year. SSW to westerly winds dominate, with reliable sessions February–April and September–November. Irish coastal wind gusts hard and sudden—don't trust buoy forecasts onshore. Check the Met Service before committing.
The Water
Cold year-round. A 5/4 wetsuit is baseline; winter demands 6/5. Tidal flow here is strong—plan for drift or you'll wash downwind. The shallows mean falls have consequences but not catastrophic ones.
Who It's For
Beginners who want flat water and don't mind cold. Anyone learning to work with tidal currents instead of fighting them. Intermediate kiters can session tricks on smooth water when wind is up, but this isn't a progression ground.
Not for people wanting a relaxed session. You're reading conditions the whole time.
Access & Scene
Nearby villages have food and shops. Straightforward beach access. You'll see local Irish kiters focused on getting sessions in, not tourists. Show up, check the tides, launch, work the drift.
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