Overview
Malahide Marina sits on the Broadmeadow Estuary, the only natural tidal inlet along Ireland’s east coast. With around 350 berths, it is one of the busiest and best-equipped harbours on Dublin Bay, serving as a regular stop-over for visiting yachts and a home port for local sailors. Located just ten minutes from Dublin Airport and a short walk from the DART station, the marina is a convenient gateway to the north coast. Visitors can dock, handle all maintenance needs, and step straight into a village known for its castle, beaches, and waterfront dining.
Facilities & Boatyard Services
The marina’s boatyard operates around the clock, making it a practical choice for both short visits and extended stays. Key services include:
- Berthing: Wet and dry berths accommodate vessels up to 75 m in length with a 4 m draft.
- Maintenance: A 30-ton travel hoist, crane services, mast stepping, hull washing, anti-fouling, and full mechanical and electrical repairs.
- Fuel & Utilities: Marine diesel is available at a dedicated fuel berth. All pontoons provide electricity and fresh water.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, shower and toilet blocks, laundry facilities, and a chandlery for last-minute supplies.
- Security: Gated access, 24-hour CCTV, and on-site staff ensure peace of mind for berth-holders.
- TransEurope Membership: Registered berth-holders receive a 50% discount on visitor berthing across more than 84 marinas in 11 European countries.
On the Water & Shore Leave
The sheltered waters of the Broadmeadow Estuary provide calm conditions for dinghy sailing, paddle-boarding, and leisurely cruising. The marina works with local operators who arrange guided sailing trips, fishing charters targeting mackerel and bass, and evening cruises along Dublin Bay toward Howth. Short-term visitor moorings are available for day-trippers who prefer to explore the area by foot.
Once ashore, the marina’s promenade leads directly into the heart of Malahide. Within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find the 12th-century castle and its 260-acre demesne, which features a butterfly house, children’s playgrounds, and a well-known fairy trail.
The nearby Velvet Strand offers wide golden sands for swimming and coastal walks, while the village itself is lined with independent cafés, traditional pubs, and boutique shops. For those seeking sport, Malahide Golf Club and local tennis facilities are just a short drive away.
Wildlife & The Estuary
The surrounding Broadmeadow Estuary is a designated Special Protection Area, making it a notable spot for birdwatchers. The tidal mudflats and reed beds support wading birds, wildfowl, and migratory species, particularly during spring and autumn passes. Grey seals are frequently spotted resting on the sandbanks or swimming near the harbour entrance, best viewed from the promenade with binoculars.
Practical Information
- Berthing Fees: Short stays (up to five hours) cost €12.00. Daily rates start at €3.90 per metre, with monthly rates from €61.00 per metre. Electricity and waste disposal are billed separately.
- Parking: Visitor parking is available on-site with hourly rates. Day parking at the nearby Westbury Malahide car park is €2.40.
- Admission: Walking the marina, promenade, and surrounding village is free.
- Accessibility: The promenade is ground-level and paved. Boatyard services can be arranged with staff assistance.
- Booking: Day-time moorings are generally first-come, first-served. Long-term berths should be reserved in advance, particularly between May and September. The 24-hour office can handle check-ins and provide tide information.
Getting There
- By road: Approximately ten minutes from Dublin Airport via the M1 and M50.
- By rail: Malahide DART station connects directly to Dublin city centre and is a five-minute walk from the harbour.
- By bus: Several Dublin Bus routes serve the village, with stops within walking distance of the marina.
Events & Community
The marina is woven into the local calendar. During summer, the village hosts Malahide Has It, a street festival with live music and food stalls, while December brings a Christmas market and parade. The marina itself regularly organises berth-holder gatherings, boat-care workshops, and social events that reinforce its reputation as a tightly knit sailing community.
If you’re arriving by boat, check tide times in advance and allow extra time for the estuary’s shallow approaches. For land-based visitors, arrive early on weekends to secure parking and enjoy the promenade before the summer crowds arrive.