County Mayo, with its intricate shorelines jutting into the North Atlantic Ocean along the west coast of Ireland, provides the surfing enthusiast with ample opportunity to catch a wave.

Beginners and seasoned surfers alike can hit the beach and enjoy the waves and stunning scenery that the shoreline of Mayo has to offer.

The water sport has made the transition from a once in a lifetime experience to a way of life for many Irish people and Mayo and the west of Ireland in particular has embraced the culture with a growing number of surf schools and clubs being established.

There are several Mayo regions that are perfect for surfing such as Achill and Louisburgh, as well as Easkey, which is in neighbouring County Sligo and a short drive from Ballina.

Easkey has a rich surfing history and is recognised internationally as a surfing hotspot. The devoted surfer can don their wetsuit and brave the water all year round. Lessons are available to newcomers to the sport and wetsuits and surfboards can be provided.

Waves break over the rocks rather than sand in two locations at Easkey, creating faster breaks and a more challenging outing for experienced surfers. The area also has offshore winds in its favour, which are preferred by surfers.

Windsurfing, kitesurfing and a range of other location-specific water sports can be enjoyed in Mayo.