Summer, and particularly the chances of a last-ditch Indian one, seems to be well and truly past. Which is wonderful news for those around the country who love nothing more than a good swell.

The Irish surfing season kicks off in September, carrying on in the icy winter waves right though until May – when a combination of the best waves and best chance of clear skies come together to create the best possible conditions for hanging 10 off the coast. Surfing may have come relatively late to our shores, but Ireland’s reputation as a surfing hotspot – albeit with some chillier waters – is growing year in, year out.

With stunning beaches, plenty of restaurants ripe for a spot of après surf, and plenty of break and reef points, catching a few waves this Autumn makes for a great weekend getaway. Just don’t forget your wetsuit.

Here is Newstalk’s pick of the top five places to go surfing in Ireland this summer...

5. Bundoran

With its twinkling lights, fairgrounds and fast-food restaurants, Donegal’s best site for good surf has a lot to offers families looking for a new type of holiday. The superb waves are within walking distance of the town, which gets much quieter outside of the peak summer season.

[Flickr/Jason]

4. Lahinch

The only problem with surfing in Lahinch is how well established it has become, meaning the sea can fill up very quickly, especially on Sundays. This is due entirely to the excellent quality of the waves in and around the village’s coastline.

With several beach and reef breaks dotted around the coast, the Atlantic here provides a varied selection of conditions for surfers, seasoned and nascent.

Lahinch also provides a wonderful night life and pub scene, with the chance to dry off while downing a pint, surrounded by the smell of a turf fire. 

[Flickr/Geoff Holland]

3. Tramore

Nestled on the south coast, Tramore’s surfing club is among the biggest and best established in the country. The waves are manageable for people starting off, and the town has a great seaside attitude.

The swells on the East coast do tend to be smaller than those pelting from the Atlantic, and the best waves in Tramore come with a low passing into the bay of Biscay, though those tend to be relatively rare.

But still, a great spot for beginners and seasoned surfers to come together.

[Flickr/Paul O'Farrell]

2. Portrush

Perhaps better known for its community of body boarders rather than surfers, Portrush in Northern Ireland has fantastic swells coming from the North Atlantic. Given that the prevailing winds are generally Southerly, the chances of having some big ones to catch with your board are very high.

Unashamedly family focus during the summer, the town also boasts some of the best night clubs in the North for older revellers.

[Flickr/Mari Ward-Foster]

1. Brandon

This Gaeltacht town on the Northern coast of the Dingle peninsula is perhaps the best kept secret in Irish surfing – although having hosted a number of professional competitions, the rest of the world is certainly taking notice. Windsurfers usually take up their spot in the Maharees, a sandy spot between the Brandon and Tralee bays. Listen out for reports of a good North swell and strong South wind, which combine for the best waves in the country.

[Flickr/Kiteboarding Ireland]

Every Tuesday on The Right Hook, travel writer Manchán Magan joins George in the Dublin studios of Newstalk, where he opens up the world to the rapt host. You can listen back to this week's segment below: