Portmarnock to Malahide Coastal walk Guide
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A lovely stroll less than 20 km from Dublin city Centre.
Less than 20 km from Dublin city centre, Portmarnock and Malahide are excellent destinations for a day trip. These two charming seaside towns aren’t really on the itinerary of most visitors passing through Ireland.
Although, they are one of the locals’ favourites looking to get away on the weekend for a lovely stroll along the beach with the family.
If you are in search of some local experiences to escape the usual things to do in Dublin, the coastal walk along Portmarnock beach that links both towns should delight you.
Here is a short but complete guide to walking from Portmarnock beach to Malahide, or vice et versa!
Portmarnock Beach CoastaL walk | What you need to know
Distance: 9 km
Time: 2 hours one way
Difficulty: Easy
Starting point: You can walk from Malahide to Portmarnock or vice et versa. The coastal walk can start/end at Malahide beach cark park or a bit before the Portmarnorck Golf club.
Both towns are within the same Dart line, so, if you are coming from Dublin city centre via public transport, you can jump off at one train station, walk along the Coastal path to the other town’s Dart station and take the train back to town.
If you are driving and plan to walk the entire length from one town to another, you can also take the bus or the train back to where you parked.
Terrain: The walk follows the main road along a flat pedestrian path for about 50% of the time, and then onto the sand for the other half.
Map: You can save and use my interactive map offline. To do so, connect to your google account and Save the map below (there is a “star” near the title that you can press). Click on the itinerary or pins, for more information.
What can you see on the Portmarnock coastal walk?
The main attraction is Portmarnock beach itself. This is one of the longest beaches near Dublin that can be walked from end to end. It is the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll, go for a run, make sandcastles with the kids or walk your dog!
Along the coastal path, there are also a few enjoyable viewpoints from where you can admire Howth Peninsula, Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island.
Make sure to notice the Martello Tower just north of the beach. This one was converted into a house!
Where should you start, Malahide or Portmarnock?
Well, this is the eternal question, isn’t it? I am sorry to say, but this is up to you, really! There isn’t any difference in terms of elevation whether you start the walk from Malahide or Portmarnock.
The walk is quite flat all the way, so you may choose where to start from depending on how and when you will get there, if you wish to lunch or have dinner at a specific place before or after the walk, etc.
Personally, I prefer to start in Portmarnock in the morning, so I can have lunch in Malahide and head back home mid-afternoon. I use Public transports from the Dublin city centre, which means I can take the train to Portmarnock and come back from Malahide.
If you drive, you will need to think about where to park and what itinerary is best for you. In the next section, you will find more details on how to organise your day trip to Portmarnock beach.
Swimming: Tips & Safety
- If you want to go for a dip in the Irish sea, head to the north side of Portmarnock beach, near the public toilets. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
- Even if Portmarnock is a Blue Flag beach, make sure to check the lifeguard notice for any warnings, and stay within authorised swimming areas.
- A bit more north, High Rock is a popular swimming and jumping spot.
- Visit the website beaches.ie to check the water quality, tidal times and lifeguard information
- Note: It is not recommended to swim at Malahide beach because of the strong tides and underwater currents. There is a red flag all year long, do not venture. Head to Portmarnock beach instead.
How to get to portmarnock & Malahide
Driving
Where to park in Malahide
- There is a free parking at Malahide Beach. The entrance is located opposite Oscar Taylor Bar & Restaurant. Make sure to arrive early to find a spot easily. At worse you will have to be patient and wait for someone to leave!
- There is also Pay-and-Display on-street parking available along the coast road.
Where to park in Portmarnock?
- There is a car park right before the Portmarnock golf club. It is free and only 5 min walk to the beach
- You can also park at the Dart station. It is €3.50 per day if you pay by Mobile. And €4.50 if you pay at the Machines.
- If you want to head directly to the Velvet strand (sandy beach), you can park at the Portmarnock beach public car park on Strand Road.
Public Transports
Bus: Route 42 leaves from Talbot Street in Dublin city, towards Sand’s Hotel in Portmarnock, via Malahide.
Dart: The northbound Dart towards Malahide stops at Portmarnock train station. You can leave from any Dart station in town (Pearse, Tara, etc.) – It’s €2.40 one way with the Leap Card for an adult and €3.30 without.
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I help you explore Ireland like a local with insider tips, detailed itineraries, and practical advice.
HEY THERE! I’M JEN…
Funder, Author & Photographer behind travelirelandtoday.com
Ireland has been my home for the last 12 years. Before settling here, I spent years backpacking around the globe, visiting 65+ countries. Along the way, I discovered my love for hiking, photography, and crafting budget-friendly itineraries.
Through this website, I share the best things to do and see in Ireland, detailed hiking guides, and practical tips to help you plan your perfect Irish adventure. Let’s make your trip unforgettable!
