a small, sheltered gem on the eastern shore of Lough Swilly.
It is a fantastic alternative for winging and windsurfing when the open Atlantic coast is too wild. For wing foilers, the bay offers relatively flat water and a sense of safety, surrounded by the dramatic hills of the Inishowen Peninsula. The community is very local, and the spot is often shared with sailors from the nearby clubs. The advantage of Dunree is the safety; it is far more enclosed than the open sea, making it a great place to practice new moves on a foil. The historic Dunree Fort overlooks the bay, adding to the atmosphere. The negative is the size; it is a relatively small area, so you will be doing a lot of turns, and it can be gusty in certain wind directions. Ideal Wind: NW, W (Blowing straight into the bay) Viable Wind: SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
NW, W, N (Sheltered Swilly sessions)
15-22 knots for stable flight and small swell; 25 knots + for advanced wave riding with 3m or smaller wings.
Best at Mid Tide (+/- 2 hrs) for foil clearance and to avoid rocky patches. Access is restricted at other tidal states.
14 Day - Tide Calendar for Dunree Bay →Overall
A fantastic alternative for winging when the open Atlantic coast is too wild.
Vibe & Crowds
Local and low-key. A quiet spot often shared with small-boat sailors. Low. Usually very uncrowded. A safe and scenic flat-water alternative.
Suitable For
The protection from heavy swell makes it a great place to practice moves in safety.
Negatives & Hazards
Submerged rocks near the headlands; can be gusty due to the surrounding hills.
Dunree Bay
Open in Google MapsParking is available at the Dunree Fort car park; a short, steep walk down to the small sandy beach.
Best at Mid-Tide. At low tide, it can be shallow and rocky near the shore.
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at support@knotnow.co.uk
Wind and weather forecasts for Dunree Bay are provided to help you plan your sessions. Conditions at this coastal location can change quickly, so always check the actual conditions when you arrive and trust your judgment. These forecasts are for recreational planning—always prioritize safety and verify conditions yourself before heading out. Tidal predictions for Dunree Bay are based on the nearest primary station at CRANFORD BAY (11.68km away). Local conditions can vary from these predictions due to coastal topography and weather effects. Always verify tidal conditions on arrival—these predictions are for planning purposes only, not for navigational use or critical safety decisions.