Overview
The sand at Portmarnock is firm enough to take off from – and twice in the 1930s that is exactly what happened. This long beach on Dublin’s north coast, known as the Velvet Strand for its fine, silky sand, served as a makeshift runway for two record-setting transatlantic flights before settling into its present life as one of the capital’s most popular beaches. It runs for kilometres from the village of Portmarnock down towards Baldoyle, joining Malahide beach in a near-continuous sweep of sand, and it is a Blue Flag beach, held since 2022 for water quality and safety.
From the shore the view sweeps across the Irish Sea to Howth Harbour, Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island, with the Dublin Mountains behind. Wide, flat sand and protected dunes make it one of the most accessible coastal stretches in Dublin.
The two flights
On 23 June 1930 the Australian aviator Charles Kingsford Smith pointed the Southern Cross down the strand and lifted off to make the second-ever westbound crossing of the Atlantic. Two years later, on 18 August 1932, the Scottish pilot Jim Mollison took off from the same sand in his Heart’s Content to complete the first solo westbound transatlantic flight. A steel sculpture, Eccentric Orbit, stands at the northern end of the beach and traces the flight paths; it also marks a third, abandoned attempt, the 1933 flight of Faith in Australia. A nearby limestone and bronze monument carries a relief of the Southern Cross and the story of the 1930 launch.
Shifting sands and shipwrecks
The strand is a restless place. In 2024, shifting sands uncovered four 19th-century shipwrecks on the beach, adding to thirteen wrecks already known to lie under Portmarnock’s sand – a reminder that this coast was as dangerous to sailors as it was useful to aviators.
Ecology and wildlife
The dunes behind the beach are a protected habitat, recognised with a Green Coast award. They support specialised dune flora, including sea lavender, sand sedge and pyramidal orchid, which thrive in the nutrient-poor, shifting sand. Birdwatchers do well here: wheatears, stonechats and terns arrive to nest or feed in spring and early summer, while autumn brings curlews and oystercatchers to the shoreline. Council management focuses on holding back erosion and keeping the plant community intact.
What to see and do
Coastal walking and cycling
The flat, well-maintained promenade suits long walks, jogs and cycling. A popular route runs south towards Malahide, roughly nine kilometres, passing a historic Martello Tower with continuous views of the Howth peninsula and the offshore islands. It is largely traffic-free and manageable for most fitness levels.
Water sports and swimming
Steady breezes make the beach a hub for kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing, while calmer near-shore water suits kayakers and canoeists. Swimmers should use the designated zone on the north side, near the toilets and lifeguard station, where the shallow gradient works well for families.
Horse riding
Local equestrian centres run guided beach rides along the sand, typically between May and September. Book ahead, especially on peak summer weekends when the beach fills up.
Food and refreshments
Grab a coffee from the Fireman Sands truck at the top of the beach or the Beach Brew kiosk on the Coast Road. For a proper meal, Portmarnock village and nearby Malahide have plenty of options, from McHugh’s Wine & Dine in Portmarnock to Malahide’s restaurants.
Seasonal and safety notes
- Lifeguards operate through the summer season, from early April to the start of October. Check the posted noticeboard for current flag status.
- Water quality is usually rated Excellent, but bacterial alerts can follow heavy rain. Check beaches.ie before swimming.
- Currents can shift quickly. Stay within the designated zone and heed any red flags.
- The beach is open 24 hours, but toilets and kiosks run mainly in daylight hours.
Practical Information
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open daily – beach accessible 24 h |
| Admission | Free of charge |
| Public toilets | At the bottom of the steps on the north side of the beach |
| Parking | Free along the coast, though busy days may bring a charge; a free car park near Portmarnock Golf Club is a 5-minute walk |
| Public transport | DART to Portmarnock station (about 25 minutes from Dublin Connolly), then a 10–15 minute walk; bus routes 32, 42 and 102 also serve the area |
| Accessibility | A beach mat and accessible parking are provided near the main entrance by Fingal County Council; the promenade is flat, but the dunes are uneven |
| Dog policy | Dogs must be on a lead during peak hours (10am–6pm), June to September |
Nearby Attractions
- Portmarnock Golf Club – A championship links course with sweeping sea views; it has hosted the Irish Open nineteen times. (Portmarnock Golf Club)
- Malahide Castle – A medieval fortress with extensive demesne gardens and a nature reserve.
- Howth Peninsula – Reached by DART, with cliff walks, sea caves and seafood restaurants.
- Burrow Beach – A quieter, family-focused strand a short bus ride north. (Burrow Beach)
- Ardgillan Castle – A historic estate among woodland and coast, north of Portmarnock. (Ardgillan Castle)
Come early on a weekday for a parking space and empty sand. And after a big storm it is worth a look to see what the tides have moved – on this beach you never quite know what the sand will give up next.