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Home/Beaches/Fingal County/Portmarnock Beach / Velvet Strand
Portmarnock Beach / Velvet Strand

Portmarnock Beach / Velvet Strand

Fingal County 5 km Sand

North County Dublin, near Portmarnock village, approx. 14-15km from Dublin City Centre. Adjacent to Malahide Beach and Baldoyle Bay.

Beach Gallery

Location

Access Information

Parking available (free, potentially limited) on Strand Road. Served by Dublin Bus routes 32B and 42. Portmarnock train station is approx. 50-minute walk.

Beach Details

Activities

  • Swimming
  • Walking
  • Kitesurfing
  • Fishing
  • Cycling/Rollerblading (on path)
  • Picnics
  • Sunbathing

Facilities

  • Toilets
  • Lifeguards (seasonal)
  • Food/Coffee/Ice Cream Kiosk/Trucks (seasonal)
  • Nearby Shops/Restaurants (White Sands
  • Lalis Bistro)

Environment

Sand dunes, adjacent to Portmarnock Golf Club, coastal suburban setting.

Conservation Status

Dunes are a protected conservation area. Adjacent to Baldoyle Bay SAC (Site Code 000199) and Malahide Estuary SPA (Site Code 004025).

Views

Howth Head, Lambay Island, Ireland's Eye, Dublin Mountains.

Wildlife

Sand dollars, various flora and fauna in dunes.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Site of early aviation milestones, including the first solo East-West transatlantic flight takeoff. Marked by 'Eccentric Orbit' sculpture.

Beach Tags

Reviews

Reviews Summary

Generally very positive reviews praising the beautiful, clean, long sandy beach, scenic views, and suitability for walks. Some mention litter issues in summer but highlight good local amenities.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

Lovely long stretch of a sandy beach, very popular with swimmers. The dunes are protected so you are not allowed to climb up them. Horses and dogs are allowed on the beach before 11am in the summer.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

This is a lovely beach with lovely views of Howth, Lambay Island. It’s good for long walks and it’s much better when the tide is out so there’s more space to walk. It’s an ideal location for a picnic, swimming or to sunbathe in.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

Stunning beach, great to stroll and picked up some lovely shells. Even found a few sand dollars. Parking is easy and free. Lots of dogs and beautiful scenery.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

I love this beach. Needs more bins, less littering but shops across the road are great, ice cream kiosk is legendary and White Sands does fab food. As does Lalis bistro

Visitor Review ★★★★★

We stayed at Port Marnock Hotel and took a walk on the beautiful beach below hotel. It is very level and goes for miles. Views of the off shore islands and rainbows abound.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

The best! Best coffee, croissants (ham & cheese 🤤) & toasties. Lovely space amongst the trees, free parking next door, lovely friendly young staff and complimentary treats for dogs. 10/10

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