April 2010

For a beach that’s only a 30 minute drive from Dublin city, Portmarnock has a nice, get away from it all feel to it. Yes, it’ s very much an urban environment, but when you get onto that long expanse of beach and look over to Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye you can quickly forget the city stresses.

Portmarnock beach is both long and wide. It must be at least 4 kilometres in length and is great for walkers. There is plenty of space for children to play and it’s also a popular location for kite flyers, horse riders and the occasional wind surfer. The water is shallow and good for children swimming as they aren’t out of their depth too quickly.

As you go up the beach you move more into grassy, sand dune territory where you can find some shelter. Otherwise the beach is open and exposed.

The beach also has the advantage of being backed onto by the world famous Portmarnock Golf Club and you can scramble up the dunes to peek into this  still men only domain.

The area is well served with a couple of hotels.  There is also a good, free public car park and decent toilets at the entrance . Blue Flag beach.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

The beach is buggy accessible but we didn’ t see a wheelchair access.

Directions

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From Dublin city it’s about a 30 minute drive on the R106 along the seafront and then a sign-posted left turn onto the R105. Follow this road through Portmarnock village and then watch out for a car park on your right just past the Portmarnock Golf Hotel.

Also served by Dublin Bus check www.dublinbus.ie for details.