Clare, Munster, Ireland
Crab Island in County Clare, Ireland, is a half hour paddle out to sea from the small harbour town of Doolin. Out there in the deep blue is one of Ireland’s best waves. Crab Island is where Irish surfers (comfortable in waves of consequence) go for the ride of their lives.
Crab jacks up fast into a giant, hollow tube and breaks with diabolic power over a shallow limestone slab. Below 5ft the wave is negotiable, but still for the experienced. Above that and it is a heavy wave. It is also one of the best, well-formed tubes in Ireland and the entire U.K.
Crab Island is a little fickle. It does not handle anything but a light easterly blowing and needs a solid west swell to break. It’s a cold, cold water wave. Wetsuits are a must, gloves and hoodie optional. August to September is the best time to visit.
If you are in the area and not in the pub, Doolin Point, back closer to land is also a respected break. It is a right hand point that gets big, but not as big or as intimidating as Crab Island.
The surrounding landscape in Doolin and the epic waves make for the postcard perfect image if Irish surfing. There are a few accommodation options in Doolin and the nearby town of Lehinch, which also has more surfing options.
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