There's an old saying around here that if there's no surf in Brandon Bay, there's probably no surf anywhere.

That's not entirely true, of course, but there's a good reason the saying has stuck.

Stretching for around 14 kilometres along the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula, Brandon Bay is often described as the longest continuous beach in Ireland. It's also one of Kerry's most consistent surfing areas, with miles of sand, shifting sandbanks and more peaks than you could reasonably check in a morning.

From the sheltered western end near Kilcummin to the more exposed breaks towards the Maharees, there's usually somewhere worth having a look.

You won't necessarily find world-class waves every day, but if you're after a few fun ones, Brandon Bay is a pretty good place to start looking.

What Makes Brandon Bay Special?

The beauty of Brandon Bay is its variety. As the coastline curves around towards the Maharees, the beaches pick up different amounts of swell and wind, meaning the conditions can change quite noticeably from one break to the next.

Most are fairly typical beach breaks, producing both lefts and rights over constantly shifting sandbanks. Some are mellow and forgiving, while others can get surprisingly powerful when the swell picks up.

Here's a quick rundown of the main spots, travelling from west to east.

Kilcummin

At the western end of the bay, Kilcummin is generally one of the gentler breaks, with mellow lefts and rights that can be ideal for beginners.

The waves tend to be best around low to mid tide, with the sandbanks near the small river mouth often providing the nicest shape.

Keep an eye out for the remains of an old shipwreck, The Port Yarrock, which becomes visible at low tide. It's an interesting bit of local history, but not something you want to discover with your fins.

Gowlane & Stradbally

Moving east, you'll find Gowlane and Stradbally, two of the most reliable beach breaks in the bay.

Both pick up plenty of Atlantic swell and can produce fun, punchy lefts and rights, with the sandbanks constantly changing.

They're particularly worth checking when the surf elsewhere is struggling, although strong swells can produce plenty of closeouts and some fairly exhausting paddling.

There's usually a peak somewhere along this stretch, but finding the best one might involve a bit of walking.

Stoney Gap

Situated between the caravan parks towards the Maharees end of the bay, Stoney Gap is another beach break that can produce decent waves on a northwest swell.

Low tide is often worth checking, when the banks can offer some enjoyable lefts and rights.

Like most of Brandon Bay, the quality depends heavily on the state of the sandbanks, so don't expect it to be firing every time you turn up.

Dumps

The name should give you a fairly good idea of what to expect.

Dumps is generally a more powerful, hollow beach break than its neighbours, with fast sections that can be great fun when the banks are working.

Low to mid tide is usually your best bet. At high tide, the waves can break heavily onto the stones, which is presumably how the place earned its rather appropriate name.

Mossies

Mossies is something of an exception to the rest of Brandon Bay.

Rather than another sandy beach break, it's a mellow left-and-right reef that works best around mid to high tide.

Don't be fooled by the word mellow, though. Getting out there involves a substantial paddle or a tricky approach via Garywilliam Point, and the reef itself has its own hazards.

It's one for experienced surfers who know what they're doing, rather than anyone looking for an easy paddle out.

When Does Brandon Bay Work Best?

Brandon Bay picks up swell from west through to north, which is one of the reasons it's such a reliable option throughout the year.

Southerly winds are generally favourable, although the shape of the coastline means the best wind direction varies from one break to another.

In summer, when the Atlantic is taking a bit of a breather, Brandon Bay can still produce enjoyable waves while other spots around the peninsula are struggling.

Autumn and winter bring bigger, more consistent swells, and the beaches can really come alive. Of course, bigger isn't always better, and strong swells can turn the whole bay into a mess of closeouts and whitewater.

The tides also make a difference, with some breaks favouring low water and others performing better as the tide fills in.

Our advice? Don't get too fixated on one particular spot. Have a look around, check a few banks and see what's working.

Sometimes the best wave of the day is a few hundred metres down the beach from where everyone else has paddled out.

A Word of Caution

While Brandon Bay has plenty of waves suitable for less experienced surfers, it's important not to underestimate the place.

Strong rip currents can develop along the beaches, particularly during larger swells, and the shifting sandbanks mean conditions can change considerably from one visit to the next.

Some spots, particularly Dumps and Mossies, have additional hazards from rocks, heavy shorebreaks and more demanding access.

The bay is also hugely popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, so be aware of other water users and give everyone plenty of space.

As always, take a few minutes to watch the conditions before paddling out, and choose a break that suits your ability.

Getting to Brandon Bay

Brandon Bay stretches along the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula, between the Cloghane area and the Maharees.

If you're travelling from Dingle town, the quickest route is usually over the spectacular Conor Pass, which drops down towards the western end of the bay.

On a clear day, it's worth stopping at the top for a look. From up there, you get a fantastic view of Brandon Bay stretching out below you, and you can sometimes get a pretty good idea of where the surf is looking best.

Once down the mountain, follow the R560 towards Castlegregory, with access roads leading towards the various breaks along the way.

Some of the beaches are reached by narrow tracks through the dunes, so please park responsibly, avoid damaging the dunes and respect any access restrictions.

Our Take

Brandon Bay might not have the dramatic barrels of Coumeenole or the long, peeling walls of Inch Reef, but what it lacks in glamour, it more than makes up for in consistency.

It's where you go when you just want to get in the water and catch a few waves, without spending half the day waiting for the perfect conditions.

We've had some fantastic sessions here over the years, often on days when we weren't expecting much at all.

If you're planning a surf trip to Kerry, feel free to drop into Dingle Surf in town. We've been surfing these waters since 2000, and we're always happy to share a bit of local knowledge.

Back to our Surfing in Dingle Guide

Explore more surf spots: Inch Strand & Reef · Coumeenole · Ballydavid · Garywilliam Point

Brandon Bay Photo © Florian Walsh Photography