The journey begins at Portmarnock Beach, known as the Velvet Strand, a sweeping 5km stretch of golden sand that has drawn visitors for generations, famously featured in aviation history as the departure point for Alcock and Brown’s 1919 transatlantic flight. Starting at the beach’s main access point near Strand Road, walkers can feel the soft sand underfoot and take in panoramic views towards Ireland’s Eye and, on clear days, the distant Howth Head. A 15-minute amble along the shore, with waves lapping gently and seabirds soaring overhead, sets a tranquil tone, perfect for pausing to admire kite-surfers or the occasional seal bobbing offshore.
From the beach, a ten-minute walk inland along Strand Road leads to the heart of Portmarnock village, where the quaint charm of local shops and cafes beckons. A brief detour down Carrickhill Road reveals St Anne’s Church, a modest yet elegant 19th-century structure whose simple architecture reflects the village’s understated heritage. The churchyard, with its weathered gravestones, offers a peaceful moment to reflect on Portmarnock’s past, its quiet ambiance a contrast to the lively coast nearby.
Continuing the loop, a 15-minute stroll along the coastal path towards Baldoyle Road brings walkers to the Portmarnock Golf Club, a world-renowned links course established in 1894, often ranked among Ireland’s finest. While the fairways are reserved for golfers, the surrounding paths offer glimpses of its manicured greens and dunes, framed by the sea and distant Lambay Island. The area’s natural beauty, with wild grasses swaying in the breeze, invites a leisurely pace, and sharp-eyed visitors might spot artefacts from the club’s storied history, like old scorecards displayed in local lore.
A 12-minute walk back towards the village via Blackberry Lane leads to the Portmarnock Dunes, a designated nature reserve where conservation efforts protect rare flora and fauna. This tranquil spot, with its sandy hillocks and sea views, offers a chance to spot skylarks or orchids, especially in spring or summer, adding a touch of wilderness to the tour. The flat, accessible paths make it ideal for all ages, though sturdy shoes are wise for the occasional uneven ground.
The tour concludes back at the Velvet Strand, a short ten-minute walk along Strand Road, where the seafront’s timeless beauty invites one final pause. Visitors can linger at a nearby cafe, such as the Beachcomber, for a coffee or a bite, or simply sit on the sand, reflecting on the journey’s mix of nature and history. Spanning roughly three kilometres, this walk captures Portmarnock’s essence, its iconic beach, quiet village charm, and coastal serenity. A light jacket is recommended for the sea breeze, and checking tide times ensures safe beach walking. For those with extra time, a detour to nearby Malahide Castle, just a short drive away, offers a deeper dive into the region’s history, but this compact tour perfectly encapsulates why Portmarnock remains a cherished gem of Dublin’s north coast.
Ireland county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Ireland’s County Dublin:
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
