Golf, swimming and more

Portmarnock is a world class spot for golf. Portmarnock Golf Club (01-8462968) has a superb 27 hole course which is ranked at number two in Ireland’s Top 100 courses 2015 and 2016 by Golf Digest Ireland.

The championship course, located on the sandy peninsula to the south of the village, first opened in 1894, and another fine links course designed by renowned golfer Bernhard Langer, was added in the 1990s.

It has played host to competitions like the Irish Open and the Walker Cup and Bernard Darwin said of the course, ‘I know of no greater finish in the world than that of the last five holes at Portmarnock.’

 If you want to combine a few rounds with a luxury break away, the four star Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (01-8460611) offers superb facilities including the Oceana Spa.

Boasting dual Blue Flag and Green Coast status, Portmarnock beach is nicknamed the ‘Velvet Strand’ because of its 5 kilometre stretch of smooth sand.

For this reason, the beach is popular with windsurfers and kite-surfers, as well as bathers and walkers. It also has expansive sand dunes.

The path running alongside the beach leads to Malahide and is used by many people on a daily basis. It has lovely views of the Dublin Mountains and Howth Harbour. The beach has a lifeguard in bathing season and public toilets.

Like many of Dublin’s coastal settlements, Portmarnock has a Martello tower from the early 19th century located at the start of the coastal walk to Malahide. These structures were built by order of the National Defense Act of 1804.

The story goes that the British attacked a French headland on Cape Martello in Corsica in 1794 and were so impressed with Napoleon’s defense system that they replicated the towers in Britain and Ireland.

Portmarnock Sports & Leisure Club (01-8462122) on Blackwood Lane offers facilities such as a swimming pool, a gym, a sports hall, indoor and outdoor courts and more. There is a packed schedule of classes, seasonal activity camps and it can also host events and functions. 

To explore more in Portmarnock click here.