Overview
The sand at Portmarnock is firm enough to take off from – and twice in the 1930s that is exactly what happened. This long beach on Dublin’s north coast, known as the Velvet Strand for its fine, silky sand, served as a makeshift runway for two record-setting transatlantic flights before settling into its present life as a popular Dublin beach. It runs for kilometres from the village of Portmarnock towards Baldoyle, and Malahide beach lies along the same stretch of coast.
From the shore the view sweeps across the Irish Sea to Howth Harbour, Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island, with the Dublin Mountains behind. Wide, flat sand and dunes make it an easy coastal stretch for a family day out. Use the public paths to the sand and keep off fenced dunes.
The two flights
On 23 June 1930 the Australian aviator Charles Kingsford Smith pointed the Southern Cross down the strand and lifted off to make the second-ever westbound crossing of the Atlantic. Two years later, on 18 August 1932, the Scottish pilot Jim Mollison took off from the same sand in his Heart’s Content to complete the first solo westbound transatlantic flight. A steel sculpture, Eccentric Orbit, stands at the northern end of the beach and traces the flight paths; it also marks a third, abandoned attempt, the 1933 flight of Faith in Australia. A nearby limestone and bronze monument carries a relief of the Southern Cross and the story of the 1930 launch.
Shifting sands and shipwrecks
The strand is a restless place. Shifting sands have uncovered 19th-century shipwrecks on the beach from time to time, a reminder that this coast was as dangerous to sailors as it was useful to aviators.
Ecology and wildlife
The dunes behind the beach are a protected habitat. They support specialised dune flora, including sea lavender, sand sedge and pyramidal orchid, which thrive in the nutrient-poor, shifting sand. Birdwatchers do well here: wheatears, stonechats and terns arrive to nest or feed in spring and early summer, while autumn brings curlews and oystercatchers to the shoreline. Keeping to the public paths and off the fenced dunes helps hold back erosion and protects the plant community.
What to see and do
Coastal walking and cycling
The flat shoreline and coast paths suit long walks and jogs, with continuous views of the Howth peninsula and the offshore islands.
Water sports and swimming
Steady breezes make the beach popular for kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing, while calmer near-shore water suits kayakers and canoeists. Fingal County Council publishes seasonal lifeguard and flag information. Swim only in a lifeguarded area while staff are on duty, and follow the current bathing notices. Currents can shift quickly, so heed any red flags.
Dogs
Follow the council’s beach bye-laws for dogs, including the summer lead requirement in reserved bathing areas.
Food and refreshments
Portmarnock village and nearby Malahide have plenty of options for a coffee or a proper meal. Check what is open before you go, as beach kiosks and vans vary with the season.
Getting there
The station is some distance from the beach. Use the TFI journey planner to compare bus and DART connections. Keep residential entrances and local roads clear if you drive.
Nearby Attractions
- Portmarnock Golf Club – A championship links course with sweeping sea views. (Portmarnock Golf Club)
- Malahide Castle – A medieval fortress with extensive demesne gardens and a nature reserve.
- Howth Peninsula – Reached by DART, with cliff walks, sea caves and seafood restaurants.
- Ardgillan Castle – A historic estate among woodland and coast, north of Portmarnock. (Ardgillan Castle)
Come early on a weekday for emptier sand. And after a big storm it is worth a look to see what the tides have moved – on this beach you never quite know what the sand will give up next.