Originally owned by the Jameson family of whiskey fame, Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links is Dublin's only beachside hotel and enjoys a wonderful position overlooking the nearby islands of Lambay and Ireland's Eye.
Convenient to the airport, and only eleven miles from Dublin city centre, the hotel seems to offer the best of every world - the peace and convenience of the location and a magnificent 18-hole Bernhard Langer-designed links course.
In recent years this comfortable Dublin hotels seen the completion of an extensive refurbishment programme, including upgrades to the golf links and the addition of a statement glass entrance that makes a striking contrast to the original Victorian building and creates a fresh and more contemporary ambience. In 2019, the Canadian hotel group Northland Properties acquired the property (their first in Ireland) and this, together with the appointment of the highly regarded General Manager, William Kirby, marked the beginning of a new era.
Despite the brightness of the foyer area, with its huge windows and marble floor, the decor is generally pleasingly soft-toned, taking inspiration from the constantly changing views and allowing them - sea, beach, islands, sky - to take centre stage.
The aptly named Seaview lounge is a popular meeting place, with a magnificent view over the golf links and the Velvet Strand beach to Lambay and Ireland's Eye. Informal meals and drinks are served here all day and 'Afternoon Tea-by-the Sea' is a speciality.
Accommodation, which includes junior suites and family rooms, is imaginatively designed and very comfortable - and there is a choice of outlook: garden, golf links or sea view. All outlooks are pleasant, but it is worth asking for a sea view room; there is usually a premium but prices at this pleasing hotel are much more accessible than might be expected, with frequent special offers at off-peak times.
The Jameson Bar is in the old house and, with its oak paneling, marble fireplace and twinkling chandeliers, this high-ceilinged room has character. It is a popular socialising area for local residents as well as hotel guests and serves a casual dining menu (also live music, Friday & Saturday night from 10pm). An Sibin Pub also offers an atmosperic old-style pub area, available for private parties.
Replacing the old Oceana facility, The Spa at Portmarnock opened in 2016 and includes an Essie Hand & Nail Salon; while not large, The Spa offers a range of treatments using top quality products (Elemis and Caritas among others) and is known for a high standard of service. Next door, there is a fully equipped gym.
The "1780"
The hotel's main restaurant, The '1780' is a handsome room overlooking gardens and it has been smartly refurbished in a clubby style with rich brown hardwood flooring, tables dressed simply with white linen runners and generous glasses - and very comfortable armchairs. White leather button-backed banquettes and the soft glow of filament lighting give a nod to curentrends, but the overall feeling is modern classic and it's built to last.
It's a pleasing setting for the good food offered - those who have not eaten here for some time will be agreeably surprised by the smart new décor and excellent contemporary food currently offered.
Given the setting - and proximity to one of Ireland's main fishing ports, Howth, which is just a few miles along the coast - fish and seafood is a highlight, especially in summer. A carefully selected wine list is offered - and partnered by an impressive spirits collection and cocktail menu.
