Irlande
Dollymount Strand, located in Dollymount in Leinster, Ireland, is a 3-kilometer long beach with compact sand and easily accessible by car from the center of Dublin. It is a spot favored by local riders for its generous space and consistent conditions, particularly popular when the wind blows from the southeast.
The beach offers a well-defined and protected launch area, with conditions that vary significantly depending on the tide. It is an ideal place to progress or enjoy quiet sessions, thanks to its well-organized infrastructure and active community.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
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flatDollymount works best at low tide, where the water becomes very flat and accessible. At high tide, the water surface becomes more choppy, particularly with a southwest wind that tends to be gusty. The dominant wind comes from the southeast, making it onshore relative to the beach.
The launch area is clearly marked by two yellow poles and delineated by a kitesurfing sign. At high tide, these poles may be partially submerged, creating a bottleneck for riders entering and exiting the water. Once launched, you have plenty of space to ride comfortably away from the shore.
At low tide, you will need to walk a bit with your kite from the launch area to the water, but you will find small waves and smoother conditions. At high tide, the water near the pier is flatter as it is protected, which often attracts experienced riders looking for flat water. Ferry waves arrive regularly when ferries enter or exit Dublin port, offering opportunities for advanced riders who navigate far from the shore.
Ideal conditions at Dollymount occur with a southeast wind between 15 and 25 km/h, particularly at low tide. The southwest wind also offers excellent conditions, with a perfect side-shore orientation and generally flatter water near the pier.
The best months are March, April, May, September, and October, when the wind regime is the most stable and predictable. The most productive sessions usually take place in the late afternoon when the wind settles.
The water surface at Dollymount is generally flat at low tide, with a gradual depth that allows standing for several hundred meters. At high tide, the water becomes choppy, particularly with a southeast wind that generates small waves. The area near the pier is flatter as it benefits from natural protection.
Ferry waves arrive regularly, creating interesting opportunities for experienced riders. The water quality is clear, providing good visibility for safe navigation.
The current at Dollymount is generally weak, making the spot accessible to riders of all levels. However, one must remain vigilant near the Dublin Port channel, where the current can become stronger. Low tide is the ideal condition for riding, offering better visibility and easier control.
Recommended kite sizes vary depending on wind conditions. With a steady wind of 15-20 km/h, a kite of 13 to 17 m² is ideal for most riders. For windier sessions reaching 20-25 km/h, a kite of 11 to 14 m² offers better control.
Beginner riders should favor larger kites to facilitate launching and landing in the well-defined area. Experienced riders can use smaller kites to take advantage of ferry waves and more dynamic conditions.
The wind regime at Dollymount is dominated by southeast winds, which are the most consistent and predictable. Ideal directions include southeast, south, and southwest, with southwest providing a perfect side-shore orientation. The west wind is offshore, while the northeast is side-shore from the other direction.
Wind speeds generally range between 15 and 25 km/h, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 km/h during more active sessions. The wind is generally onshore at the beach, meaning it blows directly towards the shore.
The climate of the region is typically temperate oceanic, with temperatures ranging between 11 and 18°C depending on the season. The most active months for kitesurfing are March, April, May, September, and October, when wind conditions are the most consistent and predictable.
Winter requires a 5mm wetsuit with gloves and booties, while summer allows for a 3mm wetsuit. The kitesurfing season extends over 11 months, with viable conditions practically all year round.
The depth at Dollymount is gradual and progressive, with a compact sand bottom. At low tide, one can stand for several hundred meters, with a maximum depth of about 2 meters 200-300 meters from the shore. At high tide, the depth increases but remains accessible, reaching about 2-3 meters in the main navigation area.
This gradual depth makes the spot very safe for riders of all levels, allowing for easy launching and landing.
The water temperature at Dollymount varies significantly depending on the season. In summer (June to August), the water reaches about 13-15°C, requiring a 3mm wetsuit. In winter (December to March), the temperature drops to 8-10°C, necessitating a 5mm wetsuit with gloves and booties.
A wetsuit is recommended year-round, even during the warmest months, due to the oceanic nature of the Irish climate.
