Gearóid McDaid’s Gold Medal Win: A Boost for Surfing and the West of Ireland
Huge congratulations to Sligo’s own Gearóid McDaid, who made waves by winning gold at the 2025 European Surfing Championships in Santa Cruz, Portugal (24/07/2025). In a thrilling final, McDaid outperformed top surfers from across Europe, cementing his place as one of the continent’s elite wave riders.
This is a phenomenal personal achievement—but it also shines a spotlight on something bigger: Ireland’s growing reputation as a world-class surfing destination, especially along the Wild Atlantic Way. For Sligo and the wider west coast, McDaid’s win is more than a medal—it’s a reminder of the economic power of surf tourism.
Surfing and Sea-Based Tourism: A Local Economic Engine
A recent report by the University of Galway’s Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit (SEMRU) reveals just how vital marine and coastal recreation is to Ireland’s economy:
- In 2022, marine and coastal tourism generated €1.2 billion in turnover, making it the third-largest ocean sector in Ireland.
- It supported over 18,000 jobs, more than all other ocean economy sectors combined.
- Surfing, kayaking, and sailing were the most common activities offered by marine tourism providers.
And Sligo is punching well above its weight. Despite its relatively short coastline, Sligo ranks fourth nationally in the number of marine and coastal recreational businesses, with 22 providers offering everything from surf schools to sea kayaking and wildlife tours. The county’s Atlantic-facing beaches, like Strandhill and Easkey, are already internationally known among surfers—and McDaid’s win only strengthens that reputation.
National Surf Centre: A Flagship for the Future
In 2023, Sligo’s surf scene got a major boost with the opening of the National Surf Centre in Strandhill—Ireland’s first purpose-built surfing facility. Developed by Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Sligo County Council, the €3 million centre is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors annually by 2033, generating more than €34 million in regional revenue and supporting local jobs.*
This state-of-the-art facility positions Strandhill—and by extension, Sligo—as a world-class surfing destination, offering infrastructure that matches the quality of its waves.
Ripple Effects: Local Businesses Benefit Too
The SEMRU report also highlights how marine recreation supports a wider web of local businesses:
- 88% of marine tourism customers buy food and drink locally.
- 72% use local accommodation, and 75% shop locally.
- The average business in this sector employs 7.3 staff, often in rural areas where job opportunities are limited.
In short, when someone comes to Sligo to surf, they’re not just riding waves—they’re fuelling the local economy with Surfonomics studies showing that surf tourists spend twice as much as average tourists.
The Coastline as a Lifestyle Magnet
It’s not just tourists who are drawn to the west coast. Increasingly, the coastline is a key factor for people relocating to the region for work and lifestyle.
As Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission (WDC), explained on the Irish Stew Podcast, the west of Ireland offers a compelling mix of “scenic beauty, vibrant communities, and world-class surfing.” With the rise of remote work and digital hubs, more people are choosing to “work smarter and live better” in places like Sligo.
Mulrooney, a Strandhill native and lifelong surfer, believes the region’s natural assets—like its surf breaks—are not just tourism drivers but key to attracting talent and investment with Connected Hubs helping make this possible by linking co-working spaces across the west, enabling professionals to live by the sea without sacrificing career opportunities.
What’s Next?
Gearóid McDaid’s win is a golden opportunity—not just for Irish surfing, but for reimagining the west coast as a hub for sustainable, year-round marine tourism and remote living. As development continues in infrastructure, training, and promotion—Sligo and the west can ride this wave of momentum into a brighter economic future.
See Gearóid’s Instagram celebrations here.
published 25th July 2025
