Getting Into the Fishing Spirit at Malahide Beach
We all know that the Velvet Strand is where most people head to for a beach day, but we and the people at Malahide know where it’s at. Although smaller, Malahide Beach is better suited to activities such as fishing and strolling rather than swimming.
While families with little ones might enjoy a nice trip to the beach over at Portmarnock Beach, those who frequent Malahide go there for the lovely scenery and the cool breeze that sweeps from the ocean to Malahide Beach.
If you’re looking to mingle with the locals and set your sights on catching a few fish for your meal, then heading to Malahide Beach is a no-brainer. We’ll share some fun activities and a few additional tips to make your visit truly noteworthy.
What is Malahide Beach Known for?
Malahide Beach is a picturesque beach located in County Dublin. However, it’s not a beach for swimming, as other seaside activities are much more popular. These include fishing, strolling, or gazing across the water to Lambay Island.
Best Time to Go to Malahide Beach
The best time to visit Malahide Beach is during the summer months of June to August, when the fog surrounding the beach is at a minimum. We’d suggest heading here just before lunchtime to get a good spot for fishing.
Things to Know About Malahide Beach
Address: Malahide Beach is located at Robswalls, Co. Dublin, Ireland, in the town of Malahide, County Dublin, north of Dublin City. It’s close to other beaches such as Corballis Beach, Portmarnock Beach, and Portrane Beach.
Operating Hours: Malahide Beach is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no lifeguards available outside of the weekends in June and the entire months of July and August, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Parking: There is parking available at Malahide Beach itself. Behind the beach, there is a car park that serves Malahide Beach specifically. Aside from this, there’s also the APCOA Roof Top Car Park when Malahide Beach’s car park is full.
Contact Information: Fingal County Council is responsible for the management of Malahide Beach. To contact them, you can use their mobile number at (01) 890 5000 or their email address at [email protected].
Pets: Pets are allowed at Malahide Beach. However, they must be leashed at all times, especially when there are more than a few people present at the beach.
Accessibility at Malahide Beach
Accessible Public Toilets: There are accessible public toilets located near the lifeguard station at Malahide Beach. These are designed in a fashion similar to a shipping container, and several toilets are available.
How to Get to Malahide Beach
Car: Malahide Beach can be accessed via the Coast Road, which connects to the R106 road in Malahide Village. You can reach Malahide Village via Dublin Road and Malahide Road.
Dublin Bus: Several Dublin Bus routes serve Malahide Beach. Here are the select few that do, and the specific bus stops associated with them.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 32X | Malahide, Coast Road Stop | Monday to Friday: 7:15 AM – 4:45 PM |
| Route 42 | Church Street Stop | Monday to Friday: 6:25 AM – 11:45 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 11:45 PM Sunday: 9:10 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 42D | Church Street Stop | Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:10 PM |
| Route 142 | Church Street Stop | Monday to Friday: 7:10 AM – 5:35 PM |
| Route H2 | Malahide, Coast Road Stop | Monday to Friday: 5:15 AM – 11:15 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 12:15 AM Sunday: 7:15 AM – 12:15 AM |
Shuttle Bus: Additionally, shuttle buses depart for Malahide Beach. Here are the specific routes that do, and the bus stop near Malahide Beach, where you should head off on.
| Shuttle Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 102 | Malahide, Coast Road Stop | Monday to Friday: 5:50 AM – 11:40 PM Saturday: 5:45 AM – 11:45 PM Sunday: 8:40 AM – 11:40 PM |
DART Train System: The DART train system is the easiest way to head to Malahide Beach from Dublin. You can ride from one of the DART stations in Dublin to Malahide Station, which is a short walk to Malahide Beach.
Taxi: You can easily ride a taxi from anywhere in Dublin County to Malahide Beach. We will have to warn you that this will be the most expensive way to travel, especially if you’re hailing a taxi from Dublin City Centre.
Important Things To Note About Malahide Beach
Dangerous Current: While Malahide Beach is considered a beach, local authorities don’t encourage swimming in Malahide Beach due to the dangerous currents at the beach. It’s also frequented by many boats, which may pose a danger to swimmers.
Lifeguards: Lifeguards aren’t always available at Malahide Beach. They are typically only on the beach during bathing season, which usually runs from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends in June and every day from July to August.
Benches: There are benches available on the path that overlooks Malahide Beach. Seeing as the beach is rarely used for actual water sports, many choose to simply sit here and relax while watching the beautiful waves.
Low Rock: Low Rock is a section of Malahide Beach that’s located near the ocean. This section is one of two sections that swimmers are allowed. Low Rock is more suitable for beginner swimmers and families due to its low tide and white sand.
High Rock: High Rock is another section of Malahide Beach that’s located near the ocean. This section is far more treacherous, but you can still swim here if you’re more competent as a swimmer with strong upper-body strength, as the waves are strong.
Things to Do Near Malahide Beach
There are several activities available near Malahide Beach. From sprawling castles to fishing ventures, there are tons of activities that’ll make Malahide Beach a frequent visit for you.
Experience royal life at Malahide Castle and Gardens
Media Credit: Malahide Castle and Gardens Instagram
Website: https://malahidecastleandgardens.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalahideCastleAndGardens
Address: Back Rd, Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 866 6780
Price Range: €9 – €17
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
There’s nothing more wonderful than Malahide Castle and Gardens. This wonderful castle, which was once the home of the Talbot Family, is a beloved heritage site that tells the long history of Dublin and the daily lives and experiences of its most elite residents.
And did you know that Malahide Castle was actually a base for airships during World War I? Yes, these blimps patrolled the Irish Sea for anti-submarine ops.
Chug through the tracks at Casino Model Railway Museum
Media Credit: Casino Model Railway Museum Instagram
Website: https://modelrailwaymuseum.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casinomodelrailwaymuseum
Address: Dublin Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 TW67, Ireland
Price Range: €7.50 – €9
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Casino Model Railway Museum is a trip perfect for all ages. Here, you’ll find many model trains and vehicles in the shape of Dublin’s transport vehicles through the years. There’s also a combined ticket for this museum and Malahide Castle, which is a steal.
The museum is also home to the Fry Collection, crafted by Cyril Fry. He’s a railway engineer and draughtsman who spent his life building incredibly detailed miniature Irish trains.
Go fishing with the locals at Malahide Marina
Media Credit: Malahide Marina Instagram
Website: https://www.malahidemarina.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Malahide-Marina/61573837648733
Address: Marina Centre, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XH75, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 845 4129
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours daily
If you fancy conversing with the local fishermen and boat owners at Malahide Marina, or if you simply adore boats in general, then this is a fantastic place to visit. Who knows, you might find yourself on a lovely fishing trip a few days after befriending a local.
The marina crew also seriously has your back. From berthing masters checking on you both daily, even in ugly weather, to swipe-card access, CCTV, and security food patrols.
Where to Eat When Heading to Malahide Beach
There are several restaurants near Malahide Beach that many locals frequent. They have quite a good selection of cuisines and dishes, so you’ll easily find something you’ll enjoy.
McGoverns Restaurant
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Website: https://mcgovernsmalahide.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McGovernsRestaurant
Address: The Diamond, Main Street, Malahide, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 828 3906
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A beloved family restaurant in the area, McGoverns provides freshly made meals with freshly caught ingredients that will surely fill your appetite. With some posh yet comfortable decor, you’ll be transported to a fine dining experience at a low cost.
The highlight at McGoverns has to be their Fish and Chips. I know, it sounds simple, but theirs is perfectly seasoned, incredibly fresh, and is served on a bed of chips and some dip.
The Greenery Malahide
Media Credit: The Greenery Instagram
Website: https://thegreenery.ie
Address: 1 Coast Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 816 8576
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday:
- 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
While the Greenery isn’t as old as the others on this list, they’ve made a name for themselves at Malahide and have since become a favourite for locals and tourists, especially the younger crowd!
One of the few places that serves Vegan cuisine, we’d love it if you’d try their warm vegan rice bowl. It’s packed with lots of veggies, fluffy rice, and doesn’t skimp on the dressing like other restaurants.
The Greedy Goose
Media Credit: The Greedy Goose Instagram
Website: https://greedygoose.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreedygoosemalahide
Address: 15 Townyard Lane, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 845 1299
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Greedy Goose isn’t greedy for your money; it’s actually a wonderful tapas restaurant located near Malahide Marina. The atmosphere of the place is simplistic, and you’re pretty much getting great food at a reasonable price.
We’d love it if you order the Glazed Fig, the Burrata, the Honey Glazed Ham Hock, and the Lambay Crab Claws as your main dishes. Finish it off with the Toasted S’mores as they’re all so good, and you’ll get to try something from their entire menu.
That’s Amore
Media Credit: That’s Amore Instagram
Website: https://www.thatsamoremalahide.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatsamore.malahide
Address: 12 Townyard Lane, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XK81, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 845 6278
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM – 8:00 PM
That’s Amore isn’t entirely tied to Italian cuisine, but they do have some rambunctious dishes that made us fall for the place. The restaurant is styled like a diner, and its food is as delicious and reliable as any diner stop in Dublin.
Our favourite dish here is the Aubergine Parmigiana, as it’s a simple yet indulgent dish that combines grilled slices of aubergine with marinara sauce and an assortment of cheeses.
Old Street Restaurant
Media Credit: Old Street Instagram
Website: https://oldstreet.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldstreetdublin
Address: Old St, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 A262, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 845 5614
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Old Street provides a modern experience that’s akin to something you’d find in Dublin City Centre, all the way out in the small town of Malahide. While a bit more expensive than others, the meals and ambience are worth every penny.
Since this is in a fishing village, we’d love it if you try their Steam Fillet of Black Pollock. While it might sound unusual, especially to those who don’t like seafood, it doesn’t have a fishy taste and is paired with a variety of steamed vegetables.
Where to Stay When near Malahide Beach
Whether you’re looking to stay near the beautiful seaside town of Malahide or in Dublin City Centre, we’ve got some great hotels and hostels that might pique your interest. Here are some of the ones that we highly recommend.
Grand Hotel Malahide
Media Credit: Grand Hotel Malahide Instagram
Website: https://www.thegrand.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrandHotelMalahide
Address: Grove Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XT65, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 845 0000
Price Range: Starts at €154
If you’re looking to visit Malahide Beach repeatedly over the course of your stay, then Grand Hotel Malahide is perfect for you. It’s a quaint hotel with some posh rooms that rival those of Lords and Ladies. They also offer a free breakfast, which is a great perk.
This hotel has 14 different meeting and event spaces. It includes the large “Tara” suite, which accommodates up to 400 delegates and is fully equipped with AV gear and Wi-Fi.
Portmarnock Resort
Media Credit: Portmarnock Resort Instagram
Website: https://www.portmarnock.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portmarnock.resort
Address: Strand Rd, Burrow, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 846 0611
Price Range: Starts at €153
Portmarnock Resort is situated on Portmarnock Beach and is a short walking distance of Malahide Beach. While Malahide Beach is a lovely tourist spot and worth visiting, the Velvet Strand is far more suitable for beach days, especially with the kids.
White Sands Hotel
Media Credit: Simon Bond Instagram
Website: https://www.whitesandshotel.ie
Address: Coast Rd, Carrickhill, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 866 6000
Price Range: Starts at €239
The White Sands Hotel offers many of the same amenities as Portmarnock Resort, but is comparable to 4-star hotels located in Dublin City Centre. You’ll find your rooms furnished with mahogany and be met with balconies with a lovely seaside view.
Abbey Court Hostel
Media Credit: Abbey Court Hostel Instagram
Website: https://www.abbey-court.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbeycourthostel
Address: 29 Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin, D01 AX90, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 878 0700
Price Range: Starts at €19
If you’re on a budget and you’re only looking to visit Malahide Beach once, then we’d suggest Abbey Court Hostel. This hostel is beloved by guests for its wonderful hotel-like amenities, and it’s incredibly close to most public transport, most especially the DART.
The Spencer Hotel
Media Credit: The Spencer Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.thespencerhotel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSpencerHotelDublin
Address: Excise Walk, International Financial Services Centre, Dublin 1, D01 X4C9, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 433 8800
Price Range: Starts at €189
The Spencer Hotel is a modern establishment that offers a range of contemporary amenities. These include air-conditioning at a reasonable cost. Its rooms come with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, modern coffee-making facilities, and stylish en suite bathrooms.
Tips When Visiting Malahide Beach
While you might be rushing to take Malahide and its beach by storm, we’d suggest staying with us for a bit longer. We’ve got some tips that might interest you, based on our own experience, as well as insights from locals and tourists, that’ll definitely enhance your visit.
Don’t Swim
While there are sections of Malahide Beach suitable for swimming, we’d still advise against it, as the waves, especially after the summer months, can become quite treacherous. We wouldn’t want you to get into any accidents there.
Ride the DART
The DART is your friend when visiting locations within Dublin County. It’s fast and reliable, utilised by locals more than tourists. It’s also quite cheaper than getting a taxi from the city centre all the way to Malahide.
Mingle With the Locals at the Marina
The locals at the Marina are lovely, and some even offer fish alongside a friendly chat. If you’re looking to frequent the place, then we’d suggest befriending a few locals, as you might even get a chance to ride one of their boats!
Wear Sunscreen
Yes! Even if you visit during the months when Malahide Beach is covered in fog, we’d still highly recommend wearing sunscreen. Being out in the sun for long periods of time, even if you’re simply strolling, can still easily lead to sunburn.