Doolin Pier Development

Published on Westcoastsurfer.com December 2010

The proposal for the six million euro development of Doolin pier has been a controversial talking point among surfers for quite some time now. It is feared that the new pier which is set to accommodate an increased number of ferry operators to the Aran Islands will have a severely detrimental impact on what has become one of Europe’s best surfing waves at Crab Island, just off the Doolin coast.

Image courtesy of tokyosurfers.com

The new construction if it is to goes ahead as planned, will deem the wave un-surfable yet developers argue that the extra space at the pier will allow for more ferries thus attracting greater levels of tourism to the area as well as to the Aran Islands.While this may be true for the summer months, it is unlikely to significantly increase levels of tourism throughout the rest of the year.

The surge in visitors to the area during the summer certainly gives a seasonal boost to local economies. However, if the developers are to follow through with the current plan and design for the pier, they may in fact lose out. Without the consistent patronage of the surfers who flock to the area all year-round, local businesses are likely to feel their absence once the nomadic visitors have moved on.

Image courtesy of chewyblog.com

The impending threat to the wave at Crab has led to many efforts to protect it from obliteration. There has been huge national and international support on the issue including an online petition against the development, which has received over nine thousand signatures as well as backing from the California-based Save the Waves Coalition.

The surfing community in Ireland has grown considerably in recent years attracting people of all ages and backgrounds. As home to some of the best waves in the world, Ireland has also become a competitive surf-holiday destination. It is clear from campaigns such as that of ‘Discover Ireland’ that national tourism bodies recognise the value of surfing as a major tourist attraction in the country. And while the new pier at Doolin may well be aiding tourism in the Aran Islands, it is simultaneously destroying surf-tourism in the Clare area.

Image courtesy of westcoastsurfer.com

Despite certain attempts to encourage alternative plans for the pier which would satisfy both Clare County Council and the surfing community, it is looking more likely that developers will go ahead with the original design.

Irish surf website scoops young enterprise award

Oisin Halpin and Cian Brassil. All images courtesy of Westcoastsurfer.com

June 2011

WestCoastSurfer.com has won the prestigious NUI Galway Student Enterprise Award. The concept came from 20 year old I.T. student Cian Brassil who is an avid surfer himself. Cian saw a gap in the market for a comprehensive surf website based in Ireland and took the initiative to set one up.

Along with fellow NUIG student Oisin Halpin who recently joined the team, Brassil scooped the top prize of a €15K investment for the business as well as invaluable expert mentoring and guidance.


Runners up, LittleGreenWheels, a recycling centre for children and Algorithm, a facility aimed at helping students overcome the difficulties of returning to education after child birth, were awarded €2000 for their innovation. However, it was Brassil’s brainchild Westcoastsurfer.com that impressed the most.

Cian and co-worker Oisin Halpin were ecstatic with the win. Brassil recounts “I was so surprised, but delighted all the hard work paid off. We’ve put so much time and labour in to the site that it’s nice to get some recognition for our efforts.” The Award which was presented by the Minister of State for Small Business, John Perry T.D., NUI Galway President, Dr James Browne and NUI Galway Students’ Union President, Peter Mannion, should give a notable boost to the website.

It is clear that potential for greatness was always there, with the chairperson of the judging panel, CEO of Creganna-Tactx Medical, Helen Ryan announcing: “West Coast Surfer.com has huge growth potential and is well grounded in commercial reality with great opportunities for the West of Ireland.”


The young entrepreneur admits “I try to get out surfing at least once a week so I’m constantly looking up the forecast. There are a couple of great websites for that but I was always wondering why someone had not set up an Irish site that would give an insight in to some good surf spots, cover local and international surf news, have a place for people to buy and sell gear and just meet like-minded surfers.”

The Westcoastsurfer.com founder said “The idea for the website was always there but it was last Summer that I decided to give it a go.” Since it’s inception the website has flourished with top Irish Sufwear Brand, Emerald Surfwear on board as the primary advertisers for the site.

Judges were blown away by the WestCoastSurfer.com brand and its potential to draw investment to the domestic economy. The goal now is to design, build, promote, develop and manage the premier Irish surfing website.

Surf tourism is on the rise in Ireland and the achievements of Westcoastsurfer are bound to help this along further. Ireland is quickly becoming one of the top Surf holiday destinations in the world. Boasting one of the most beautiful coastlines and some of the best waves in Europe, not to mention the world, the west coast is truly a surfers paradise, without the sunshine!



For anyone who has not yet stumbled upon the site, Westcoastsurfer.com is a one stop shop for Irish surfers looking for information on the sport. It offers a detailed insight in to the Irish surf scene. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro you won’t be lost for articles to read, gear to buy or forecasts to scrutinise, not to mention the stunning gallery of pictures of the Irish coastline. Check out the site on www.westcoastsurfer.com.

by Lia Stokes