Velvet Strand, Portmarnock
About Velvet Strand, Portmarnock
The Velvet Strand at Portmarnock is a magnificent Blue Flag beach on the north Dublin coast, a five-kilometre sweep of fine golden sand with views to Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island. Lifeguarded in summer with free parking, it is a long-standing favourite for swimming, walking and watersports, and has a place in aviation history as the launch point of early transatlantic flights.
Get directions to the car park
This opens the verified car-park pin — never the beach itself or a mid-route point.
📍 Get directions to the car park
Pin confirmed at 53.4305, -6.1085. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.
Activity suitability
- Swimming — Supervised only
- Surfing — Beginner
- Walking — Long walk (3km+)
- Lifeguard (summer) — Yes
Facilities
- Toilets — Yes
- Car park — Free
- Disabled access — Partial
- Lifeguard — Yes
- Shower
- Café nearby
Facilities confirmed from the relevant local authority and Fáilte Ireland. Source.
Water quality
EPA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check beaches.ie for the current rating.
Where to stay nearby
Accommodation near this beach coming soon — we are building our Dublin guide now.
Where to eat & drink
The nearest pub or café from TopPubs.ie will appear here as the Dublin guide is built.
Nearby walks
Coastal walking routes from IrishWalks.ie will appear here soon.
Audio story
A 60–90 second audio story of this beach is coming to AudioToursIreland.ie.
Nearby golf
Coastal golf courses within 15km from GolfIreland.ie will appear here.