Michelle McKeown: Why Ireland’s surf is just swell in the cold

Winter is prime time for surfing off Ireland's coasts — and here's why...

A surfer catches a wave in Garrettstown. Picture: Chani Anderson

Snowflakes on the beach, neoprene-clad adventurers in icy waters, and the relentless crash of Atlantic swells... surfing in Ireland during winter might seem like the realm of the brave (or slightly mad). But scientifically speaking, winter is the prime time for surfing on Ireland’s rugged coastline.

From oceanic physics to meteorological patterns, here’s why the science of waves makes the colder months the ultimate season for surfers.