County Fingal: Beaches, Cliffs and Culture

County Fingal combines a long coastline with striking landscapes and cultural destinations. Its 88-kilometre coastline stretches from Sutton to Balbriggan. It includes three protected estuaries, salt marshes and 13 larger beaches. The length and landscape vary considerably from one beach to another.

Beaches with their own character

Velvet Strand in Portmarnock is a five-kilometre sandy beach. Balcarrick Beach in Donabate measures 3.4 kilometres; its landscape includes sand, dunes and rock pools. Skerries South Strand is two kilometres long and combines a sandy beach with a seafront promenade and a coastal path. These details make the differences between the beaches clear: as well as their length, dunes, rock pools or paths along the shore shape the character of each one.

Malahide Beach is also two kilometres long. Its description mentions an estuary and a marina. When comparing coastal towns, you can therefore consider not only the length of the beach but also the landscape features mentioned for each one. Fingal’s coast offers a variety of starting points for a trip focused on sandy beaches, coastal paths or estuaries.

Cliff walks, cycling and sailing

Howth is a useful base for walks along the cliffs. The Howth Cliff Path comprises four circular routes ranging from six to ten kilometres. One route, the Howth Cliff Path Loop, starts at Howth DART station, follows the cliffs to “The Summit” and returns along a path running parallel to the outward route. The cliff paths offer views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. The cliffs along the marked routes are important bird habitats; grey seals can also be spotted there. As trail markers and conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

For cycling, there is a completed two-kilometre section between Portmarnock and Baldoyle. It runs through the racecourse park along the varied coastline. Sailing clubs in Howth, Malahide and Skerries offer courses for beginners and experienced sailors. Individual clubs’ offerings may change; if you are planning to take a course, check the latest dates.

History and culture in the towns

Swords Castle has a history spanning more than 800 years. In Skerries, Skerries Mills features a restored complex with two windmills, a watermill and a 19th-century bakery. On daily tours, visitors can grind flour traditionally using a millstone and see the waterwheel in operation. Tour arrangements may change, so check the latest tour options before your visit. The complex also includes the Watermill Cafe, which bakes daily and offers a wide selection of hot and cold food.

Malahide is home to Ireland’s first model railway museum, housed in the restored Casino Cottage beside the railway station. Its interactive exhibition features working modern models and offers insights into the Irish rail and tram system. Malahide Castle and Gardens includes a castle, walled gardens and extensive green spaces. The castle grounds are also home to the Butterfly House, an educational and conservation centre where visitors can explore the diversity and beauty of butterfly species. The species on display may change.

When looking for a hotel in County Fingal, you can start by deciding which experiences are most important for your trip, such as beaches, cliff walks or cultural attractions. The names of the towns and sights provide specific points of reference and help you choose a location that suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Swords, Sutton, Santry, Portmarnock, Donabate, Cloghran, Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Tyrrelstown, Howth, Balbriggan, Lusk, Na Sceirí, Gormanston, Roganstown, Malahide, Rush, Ward, Ballyboughal, Kilsallaghan, Garristown.

For the main travel overview: Leinster.