I've had some of my best surfs in Castlefreke. We camp down there every week. It's a class break. Best at mid tide preferably on the way in there is Lake side and the Tea room break. There is rarely crowds and little people if any on the beach paradise.
A great surfing spot. On a good day this is widely renowned as one of the best surfing sites in Munster. I am only a beginner and speaking from that point of view I would say approach this beach with respect, as it can be dangerous.
I'd give Castlefreke 2/5 for the past 10 years. The only good thing about it is the rip and it doesn't get crowded when it's dark. The wave is a dumpy closeout, shapeless and the wind is usually onshore like Tramore. It was great in the 80's.
It was always better ten years ago (yeh right). I’ve had some good and some bad surfs there. Basically it is a dangerous beach with waves that vary, there’s always somewhere else.
The last review is spot on. The only thing to add is if it's onshore, anything other then a north, north easterly or easterly wind forget it, the place can't handle an onshore. Suffering from inexperienced crowds.
19 times out of 20 its a big messy beach dump with some gnarly rips but just occasionally it can be as good as a top reef break. You need a southerly groundswell coming from a long way off with a light offshore.
It used be a lot better as I haven't seen it work lately! There is a lot of bad attitude in the water (crap surfers who think they are Slater or Occy, yeah right, go back to G.A.A!) It gets JAMMED on Sundays so better to go someplace else!
It's better just to head up the coast if you are looking for waves. It is usually smaller than up west and the prevailing winds can be a real problem. It can get very good but your chances of getting good waves are higher elsewhere.
I'm not from Ireland but I surfed this spot last fall and it was sick. It was head to a few overhead and only a few guys on it. I'd imagine it can't hold much swell because it's a straight beach break but no worries, just get it while it's good!
coldswell.com