Velvet Strand, Portmarnock

Sea Fishing

A long, clean surf beach stretching north from Portmarnock, well known to Dublin shore anglers for its bass and flatfish. Flounder, dab and plaice feed across the tide, bass work the surf tables, and codling and dogfish arrive after dark in winter. There is plenty of room to spread out, with parking close to the sand.

County
Dublin
Province
Leinster
Nearest Town
Portmarnock

Access Information

Beachside parking at Portmarnock with a level walk to the sand.

Permits

No permit or licence is required for general sea angling from the shore.

Regulations

National Regulations That Apply

Licence: Varies
Permit: Varies

Methods: Only rod and line permitted. Maximum 2 rods at any time. No live fish as bait. No transfer of live roach between waters. Must not kill foul-hooked fish.

Additional: You may not fish for eels and any eels caught must be returned to the water. On waters designated closed or catch and release for salmon, you may not use worms as bait and may only use single or double barbless hooks.

Source: IFI

Licence: Rarely
Permit: No

Season Notes: No open/closed season for most species (except salmon and sea trout at sea).

Bag Limit: Bag limits only for salmon, sea trout and sea bass.

Size Limit: Size limits only for salmon, sea trout and sea bass.

Methods: No trolling with gear capable of capturing bluefin tuna without special authorisation. Porbeagle shark, common skate, white skate, undulate ray, spurdog and angel shark are endangered and should be returned.

Additional: State Licence only required if fishing for sea trout or salmon at sea. Special authorisation required for bluefin tuna (catch & release only, awarded to limited charter operators).

Source: IFI

Licence: No
Permit: No

Season Notes: Currently no closed season but changes year to year. Check before fishing.

Bag Limit: Varies year to year. Some periods may be catch and release only. Regulations set by EU and subject to change at short notice.

Size Limit: Minimum size 42cm (when keeping is permitted).

Methods: No restrictions on method currently.

Additional: EU regulations change frequently. Always check latest information before fishing. No licence or permit required.

Source: IFI

Important: Regulations change regularly. Always check with Inland Fisheries Ireland or enquire locally before fishing.
Quick Facts
  • Type Sea Fishing
  • Fishing Free
  • Species 7
  • County Dublin
Location

Lat: 53.4220, Lon: -6.1150

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