Beautiful beaches just north of Dublin
The neighbouring areas of Malahide and Portmarnock (both have their own DART stop) offer a wealth of seaside vistas, sandy beaches and exciting things to do from exploring castles to putting on the greens of a championship golf course.
The pictureque village of Malahide combines an old-world feel with modern conveniences. As you stroll down cobbled streets, you can satisfy your appetite whether you crave heritage, great cuisine or lively entertainment.
Situated 16 kilometres north of Dublin by the Broadmeadow Estuary and the Irish Sea, Malahide (translated as ‘the sandhills of the Hydes’) has a rich history, with evidence of first settlers around 6,000 BC.
St. Patrick visited in 432 AD, followed by the Vikings in 795 AD and then the Danes settled there the late 9th century.
The last Danish King of Dublin, McTurkill, retired to Malahide in 1171 but was executed for rebellion and his lands were given to Sir Richard Talbot, a Norman Knight who built the first stone castle in Malahide around 1250.
The village developed around the castle and by the nineteenth century, it was well known for its safe harbour and many successful local industries developed around the sea.
A visit to Malahide Castle and Gardens is a must and the Toots road train ferries visitors around many other sights.
Portmarnock is on the coast between Malahide and Baldoyle. The name translates as ‘the port of St. Marnoch (or Mernoc).’
Excavations have revealed traces of settlers from Neolithic times and the remains of a ring fort are visible from the air to the south of the village.
Portmarnock’s beach, nicknamed ‘the Velvet Strand’ for its smooth stretch of sand, is popular with walkers, bathers and both kite and wind-surfers.
This beach has a special place in aviation history.
It was the starting point for two pioneering flights, the 1930 flight of Australian aviator, Charles Kingsford Smith and his crew on the second, westbound transatlantic flight to circumnavigate the globe, and in 1932 British pilot, Jim Mollison, undertook the first solo westbound transatlantic flight.
The renowned Portmarnock Golf Club is based at the sandy peninsula to the south of the village and dates back to 1894. In the 1990s another links course designed by German golfer, Bernhard Langer, was added.
The challenging course, one of Ireland’s best, has hosted tournaments such as the Irish Open. Both Malahide and Portmarnock overlooking the Irish Sea have an abundance of amenities and a strong local community.
For more information see malahide.ie and portmarnockwaves.com.
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