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Portmarnock

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Portmarnock

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Take the DART train from Dublin; it's the most scenic, fastest, and stress-free way to arrive in Portmarnock.
The Velvet Strand is excellent for long walks, but be warned that the Irish Sea is cold year-round.
Walk all the way to Malahide along the beautiful coastal path for spectacular coastal views.
Parking near the beach fills up very quickly on sunny summer weekends, so arrive before 10 AM.

🍽 Food

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Fish and Chips

Grab a fresh takeaway portion from one of the local chippers near the beach and eat it on the sand.

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Full Irish Breakfast

Start your day with a hearty plate of bacon, sausages, and black pudding at the cafes along the main street.

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Seafood Chowder

A creamy, warming seafood soup served with traditional brown soda bread, widely available at local pubs.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Local Bakeries

Pick up freshly baked scones, pastries, and bread for a first-rate beachside picnic.

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Main Street Supermarkets

Great for gathering drinks and snack supplies before embarking on the long coastal hike towards Malahide.

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Northern Dunes of Velvet Strand

Walk towards the northern end of the beach to easily escape the main crowds and find a peaceful spot.

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Martello Tower

An iconic historic tower along the coast offering a quiet place to sit and observe the sea.

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Paddy's Hill

A scenic spot offering sweeping, panoramic views over Portmarnock, Malahide, and Lambay Island.

Portmarnock is one of the most popular coastal towns in County Fingal, located just north of Dublin. The town is world-renowned for its golfing heritage, hosting some of Ireland's most prestigious links courses. Beyond sport, Portmarnock features a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a great selection of restaurants and cafes featuring fresh local seafood. The jewel of the town is Portmarnock Beach, famously known as 'The Velvet Strand'. This expansive stretch of smooth sand is first-rate for swimming, kite-surfing, and long scenic walks. The extensive dune system provides a natural habitat for wildlife and is a beautiful area to explore. On clear days, the beach gives striking views of Ireland’s Eye and the Howth peninsula. The beach holds a unique place in aviation history, having been used as a runway for pioneering transatlantic flights in the 1930s. Today, Portmarnock is well-connected to Dublin city via public transport, making it a good spot for a getaway. Visitors enjoy the blend of natural coastal beauty, sporting excellence, and easy access to the capital.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Father Collins Park · Baldoyle Estuary Nature Reserve · Portmarnock Beach
Nearby: Howth (6 km)
Population: ~9.285