Ballydavid is a surf spot located in Ireland that is mostly known for its big waves and challenging conditions. It’s an inconsistent deep-water break that really comes alive with a large northwest or north swell. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, but this spot is pretty much only for experienced surfers due to the tricky nature of the waves.

The waves here break over an uneven reef and are predominantly right-handers. It handles swell sizes of around 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) and is best when there’s a solid north or northwest swell. You’ll want to catch the waves during low, mid, or high tide, but keep in mind that the best conditions often come with a southeast wind. The take-off can be dicey, and once you’re up, a steep drop leads to a fast wall that can be quite testing, especially with long hold-downs and strong currents when the swell is big.

When you’re looking to line up, use the masts and the old coastguard lookout as your guide. Remember, this spot is for experts only, so make sure you’re ready for the challenge before paddling out. It doesn’t really break when small, but many claim it gets better the bigger it gets. Just be prepared, as it can be a testing ride.