Combining a stag-do and a surf trip on a tight budget proved to be more difficult than expected, but the best man had managed to get everyone organised and we were on the plane to Ireland. Seven had left in the advance party carrying boards and gear. The remaining three, including myself, were flying into Knock. A bit far north for Dingle we thought. We were right. Nearly 6
Spectacular backdrop at Brandon Bay
hours after landing, we finally got there, met the others and raced to Brandon Bay to grab a surf at Dumps on Friday night. After a morning that had seen a 3ft surf at the fabled and fickle Inch Reef, the sun was now setting as we surfed 4ft Dumps against the beautiful Brandon Bay and a golden sky.
evening surf check, Brandon Bay
Bic, Dumps
Bic Carving at Dumps, Brandon Bay
We headed back over the Conor Pass as the light faded. The drive across the peninsula is breathtaking, and hair raising, with narrow passes hugging the cliff edge - we were happy to arrive back in one piece ready for a few pints in Dingle.
Some acrobatics in the fish and chip shop left some of us wearing tartare sauce - but a quick change and we were down in Murphy’s Bar sipping the first pints of the dark stuff. We enjoyed a night of strange pubs displaying shoes, pubs selling tools, and crazy Irish musicians, before heading back to rest for Saturday’s surf.
Sequence, Bic cover up at Coumeenoole
As forecast, the wind had picked up to 25mph North Westerlies on Saturday, and the number of viable surf spots became quite limited. The full Irish breakfast with black and white pudding was polished off and we headed off to check the point at Ballydavid. It was way too windy and we retired for a coffee and a game of pool in the local, discussed tactics and headed to Coumeenoole.
Boyzone play one of the pubs in Dingle
Just what we were looking for. Coumeenoole was a couple of foot, but sheltered slightly from the wind. What wind did get through was blowing offshore. The rain stopped its relentless downpour from the morning, the sun nearly came out, and with nobody else around, the boys enjoyed a small, clean and hollow surf with just friends in the water. The tide rushed in and a few hours later we were driving back to Dingle. Tonight was the big stag night and we wanted to be out on the town a little earlier than the 11.00pm start we had managed the night before. Sure enough we were fed with Irish stew and Guinness and out on the town before 8. It was a great night out with frendly locals.
Sunset at Brandon Bay
Sequence: Mark tucing under at Coumeenoole
Sunday morning was a bit fuzzy, but we got the Irish breakfast down us, settled up with the great people at Murphy’s Bar and B&B and headed to Brandon Bay for a last blast surf before heading back. It was onshore and messy, but we got wet one last time.
The two parties split again, and we headed back for a flight from Shannon while the others made the long drive to Rosslare for their ferry back. After considering so many other locations, we were all glad we chose Ireland. A stag-do and surf trip on Dingle? Pure Genius.
Beanie, Coumeenoole
checking Coumeenoole
Damon, Coumeenoole
Dean, Coumeenoole
Bic, Coumeenoole
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