Yank looking for info

CaliMon

Hey, I'm a Californian (Santa Cruz - yes I hate George Bush and Sarah Palin even more) traveling on business in Dublin and have a few free days next week (24 Oct), am considering heading over to the west for some possible surfing, swell permitting. I've heard good things but don't have much specific info - guess I'll probably go to Lahinch unless anyone can make a better suggestion - anyone know of a place to rent a board and wettie? I don't want to bring my own (it's pricey on the airlines and they tend to get badly dingedhttp://static.boards.ie/vbulletin/images/smilies/mad.gif), really don't want a foamie, and I'm a longboarder. Any lowdown on a good place to sleep/eat/drink/chill in the vicinity would be awesome too. Happy to return to the favor for anyone wanting beta on Cali.

Many thanks.

cornbb

Ben's Surf Clinic in Lahinch rent out hard boards (Bics I think) but I'm not sure about longboards - http://www.benssurfclinic.com/

There are a few other shops and schools in Lahinch that you could try emailing:
http://www.lahinchsurfshop.com/
http://www.lahinchsurfschool.com/
http://www.oceanscene.ie/
http://www.greenroomlahinch.com/

There are plenty of places to eat and sleep in Lahinch although you might want to stay in Galway city (1.5 hrs drive from Lahinch) if you want a livelier nightlife.

Another popular west coast spot is Strandhill in Sligo, I've never surfed there so maybe someone else could give advice. Or you could try Brandon Bay in Kerry. Jamie Knox does rentals - http://www.jamieknox.com/surfingrental.html although the quality of the surf is maybe not as good as it is elsewhere in the west.

lg123

this is another option but probably not the best if you are on your own. carrownisky is 25 mins outside westport in Mayo http://www.surfmayo.com/

emmet has a few long boards to rent there.