Malahide Marina | Dublin

Overview

Malahide Marina sits on the Broadmeadow estuary, the only natural inlet along Ireland’s east coast. With roughly 350 berths it is one of the largest marinas in Dublin Bay and a favourite stop‑over for visiting yachts from Ireland and abroad. The harbour is just ten minutes north of Dublin Airport, twenty minutes from the city centre and well‑served by the M1, M50 and public transport, making it an ideal base for both sailors and land‑based visitors.

The marina’s fully equipped boatyard includes a 30‑ton travel hoist, dry‑berthing, anti‑fouling services, boat valeting and a fuel berth that supplies marine diesel – a detail confirmed by Harbour Guides. Staff are on site 24 hours a day, so you can dock at any hour and still enjoy the full range of facilities.

History & Background

Malahide, affectionately known as “the village”, has long been celebrated for its tidy‑town charm and maritime heritage. The town’s coastal location has shaped its development, turning the marina into a hub for cruising the scenic Dublin Bay coastline. Over the years the harbour has grown from a modest slipway into a modern marina that supports both leisure and commercial sailing, while still retaining the intimate feel of a small fishing village.

Facilities & Services

Berths – ~350 wet and dry berths, accommodating vessels up to 75 m length and 4 m draft.
Boatyard – 30‑ton travel hoist, crane, mast stepping, hull wash, anti‑fouling, engine diagnostics, electronic installations (Garmin, radar) and full‑service repairs.
Fuel – Marine diesel supplied at a dedicated fuel berth.
Utilities – Electricity and fresh water on pontoons, free Wi‑Fi, shower and toilet facilities, laundry services.
Security – 24‑hour CCTV, gated access and on‑site staff.
TransEurope Membership – Berth‑holders receive a 50 % discount on visitor berthing at over 84 marinas across 11 European countries.

Boat Hire, Guided Tours & Charters

The marina works with local operators offering:

Guided sailing tours – Small‑group outings with experienced captains that showcase the best of Dublin Bay and the hidden coves of the Broadmeadow estuary.
Fishing charters – Day trips targeting species such as mackerel, pollack and bass.
Sunset cruises – Evening trips that provide spectacular views of Lambay Island and the Howth Peninsula as the sun dips below the horizon.
Kayak & paddle‑board rentals – Available at nearby beaches for a quick paddle on calm waters.

What to See & Do

On‑water activities

Sailing and cruising – The protected Broadmeadow estuary offers calm waters ideal for dinghy sailing, windsurfing and leisurely cruises.
Fuel and services – A dedicated fuel berth provides marine diesel, and the boatyard can handle everything from routine maintenance to major repairs.
Visitor moorings – Short‑term moorings are available for day‑trippers who want to explore the village without a permanent berth.

Shore‑leave attractions

Malahide Castle & Gardens – A 12th‑century castle set in 260 acres of parkland, with guided tours, a butterfly house and extensive children’s playgrounds. The castle grounds also feature a popular Fairy Trail, perfect for families.

Fairy Trail, Malahide Castle & Gardens – Courtesy Brigita Bond
Velvet Strand & Beach – Golden sands stretch for kilometres, perfect for swimming, beach walks or a quick dip after a day at sea.
Golf and tennis – The nearby Malahide Golf Club and local tennis courts provide sport lovers with easy options.
Dining and shopping – The marina centre sits amid a bustling village of cafés, pubs, restaurants and boutique shops. From traditional Irish pubs to gourmet eateries, there’s something for every palate.
Leisure centre and botanical gardens – Within walking distance you’ll find a modern leisure centre and the well‑maintained botanical gardens of the castle demesne.

Scenic moments

The marina’s promenade offers postcard‑perfect views of hundreds of yachts against the horizon, especially striking at sunset. From the quay you can also spot Lambay Island and the Howth Peninsula across Dublin Bay.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

Broadmeadow Estuary is a designated Special Protection Area. It supports a variety of wading birds and wildfowl, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers, especially during migration periods in spring and autumn. Seals are also regularly sighted from the promenade.

Rates & Fees

Short‑stay parking – Day parking at the nearby Westbury Malahide car park is €2.40 (hourly rates are charged on‑site; check the office for the current rate).
Berthing fees – A flat rate of €12.00 for boats staying up to five hours. Daily rates start from €3.90 per metre; monthly rates from €61.00 per metre (electricity and waste disposal are billed separately).
Fuel – Marine diesel sold at market rates.
Facilities – Shower, toilet, laundry and Wi‑Fi are included in the berth price.

Environmental Practices

Malahide Marina encourages responsible boating: waste‑water disposal is provided at designated points, anti‑fouling is performed using environmentally‑friendly products, and the marina participates in European ocean‑conservation projects through its TransEurope membership.

Events & Festivals

Malahide Has It – A summer street festival held each July featuring live music, food stalls and family activities.
Christmas Festival – The village transforms in December with a Santa parade, market stalls and festive entertainment.
TransEurope Member Events – Regular gatherings for berth‑holders, including boat‑care workshops and social evenings.

Nearby Attractions

Ardgillan Castle – A short drive north offers historic rooms, formal gardens and a children’s playground.
Burrow Beach – A sandy beach popular with walkers and surfers, just a few kilometres east of the marina.
Black Linn Loop – A scenic coastal walk on the Howth Peninsula, reachable by a short bus ride.
Ireland’s Eye – Small island off the coast, accessible via private boat hire for a quick wildlife spotting trip.

Practical Information

Malahide Marina is located at Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland. The on‑site office can be reached at +353 1 845 4129 and further details are available on the official website.

Service	Details
Berths	~350 berths (wet and dry)
Boatyard	30‑ton travel hoist, anti‑fouling, repairs, engine service
Fuel	Marine diesel available at a dedicated fuel berth
Opening hours	24 hours (staffed); office 08:00‑20:00
Admission	Free to walk the marina and promenade
Accessibility	Ground‑level promenade; staff‑assisted boatyard services
Wi‑Fi	Free throughout the marina
Parking	On‑site visitor parking (hourly fee – check with the office); Westbury Malahide day parking €2.40

Getting there

By road – Ten minutes from Dublin Airport via the M1/M50 routes.
By rail – Malahide DART station is a short walk from the harbour, linking directly to Dublin city centre.
By bus – Regular Dublin Bus routes serve the village and stop near the marina.
Parking – On‑site parking is available for visitors; fees are charged on a per‑hour basis (check the marina office for current rates). Day parking at Westbury Malahide costs €2.40.

Booking and berthing

While day‑time visitor moorings are generally available on a first‑come basis, long‑term berths should be booked in advance, especially during the summer cruising season. The marina’s 24‑hour staff can arrange paperwork and provide local advice on tide times, which are published on the Harbour Guides site.

Nearby amenities

The marina centre houses a small shop for provisions, a chandlery, and a café where you can enjoy a coffee while watching the boats glide in. Within a two‑minute walk you’ll find banks, ATMs, a post office, supermarkets and a range of eateries—from casual fish‑and‑chips shacks to fine‑dining restaurants.