Nature spot · County Dublin
Velvet Strand, Portmarnock
The EPA does not monitor this beach for bathing water, so there is no water-quality record. Check locally and follow the signs before you swim.
Velvet Strand, Portmarnock is a long sandy beach, backed by wonderful dunes which harbour fascinating flora. It is located in Portmarnock, County Dublin and is popular for walking, horse riding and bathing.
Velvet Strand, Portmarnock is a wide strand of sandy beach located in Portmarnock, north County Dublin. The beach is 8km in length and stretches all the way to Baldoyle, adjoining Malahide Beach. It has a lovely view of the Dublin Mountains and Howth Harbour.
Along the beach there is a path which leads to Malahide and used by many people every day. It is a great way of exercising, walking, cycling or even roller blading. Toilets are on site, dogs are allowed on a lead. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Lifeguard information is displayed on the noticeboard at the beach.
Outdoors in County Dublin this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, light winds, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct14° / 8°Drizzle
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 7°Scattered clouds
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 13°Scattered clouds
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 3.9 km awayInis Mac NeasáinIreland's EyeIslandIreland's EyeIreland's Eye, a small rocky island north of Howth Harbour, is home to the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement.
Nature spot · 4.2 km awayIreland's Eye FerryIslandDublinIreland's Eye Ferry in Howth, County Dublin provides the only ferry service that lands directly on Ireland's Eye. Escape to this beautiful island and explore its natural beauty. The ferry crossing time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Nature spot · 6.4 km awaySt Anne's Park and Rose GardensGardenClontarfThe former home of the Guinness family, St Anne's Estate provides extensive public parklands and rose gardens just outside Dublin city centre. Covering 112 hectares, the park provides playing pitches, golf, tennis courts, a Saturday market, playground, café and more. It is also very close to Dollymount Strand, a coastal bird sanctuary.