The family-run White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock, County Dublin, sits directly opposite a sandy stretch of Irish Sea coast, offering 58 rooms, an on‑site Irish pub, and free parking. This profile draws on verified guest feedback and property data from the official site, TripAdvisor, Trip.com, Kayak, and Hotels.com as of early 2026 to help you decide if this coastal stay suits your research.
Last checked: 2026-06-30
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property name: White Sands Hotel · Location: Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland · Number of bedrooms: 58 · Top amenities: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, on-site Irish pub, nightclub · Beach proximity: Overlooking Portmarnock Beach · Family-run: Yes, family-operated
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-30.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Trip.com listing, Kayak guest scores, Hotels.com reviews, Trivago amenity data.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification was conducted. Rates cited are sample listings from booking platforms and may vary.
Snapshot: What we know for certain
- Strand Road, Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland D13 W7X2, directly opposite Portmarnock Beach (White Sands Hotel official site)
- 58 bedrooms; classified as a 3‑star hotel on multiple booking platforms (Official site; Trip.com)
- 8.1/10 on Trip.com (130 guests) and 8.1/10 on Kayak (2,617 verified ratings); TripAdvisor shows 3.3/5 from 566 reviews
- Check‑in from 3 PM, check‑out by 11 AM; no pool, no pets; free Wi‑Fi and free on‑site parking advertised (Hotels.com; Trivago IE)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property name | White Sands Hotel |
| Location | Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland |
| Number of bedrooms | 58 |
| Top amenities | Free Wi‑Fi, free parking, on‑site Irish pub, nightclub |
| Beach proximity | Overlooking Portmarnock Beach |
| Family-run | Yes, family-operated |
Is the White Sands hotel all‑inclusive?
The White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock is not an all‑inclusive property. It operates on a room‑only or bed‑and‑breakfast basis, with a restaurant and bar where meals and drinks are charged separately (official site). Some online searches for “White Sands all‑inclusive” may return results for the Grand Palladium property in a different region; those are unrelated to this Portmarnock hotel.
What is included at White Sands Hotel Portmarnock?
Guests generally pay for accommodation plus optional breakfast. Free on‑site parking and Wi‑Fi are included in the room rate. The on‑site Irish pub and lounge bar serve food and drinks at separate prices (Trivago IE).
Where is the White Sands hotel?
The White Sands Hotel is located on Strand Road in Portmarnock, a coastal village about 13 km north of Dublin city centre (official site). It sits directly opposite Portmarnock Beach, facing the Irish Sea. The property is roughly a 15‑minute drive from Dublin Airport, according to GolfOneMedia.
Closest town to White Sands National Park (if relevant to US property)
This question refers to a different entity. White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico, USA, and is not related to the Portmarnock hotel. For the Irish property, the nearest town is Portmarnock itself, with Howth village and Malahide roughly 5 km away.
The trade-off: The hotel’s beachfront position offers sea views and coastal walks, but guests without a car will need to plan for bus or taxi connections to central Dublin.
What is the White Sands hotel known for?
Guest reviews and marketing materials consistently highlight three features: the family‑run atmosphere, the on‑site Irish pub, and sea views from many of its 58 rooms. Multiple sources describe it as a “deluxe, family‑run hotel” (Event Travel; Guest Reservations). The building itself dates from 1835, according to Travel Weekly, adding a sense of history.
Family-run atmosphere and beach views
Trivago’s review summary notes that guests “consistently praise staff friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond” (Trivago IE). Room views from the front of the hotel take in Howth Head, Dublin Mountains, Lambay Island, and Ireland’s Eye (Trivago US).
“Fabulous breakfast, friendly staff, cozy bar with great atmosphere.”
— Guest review on Hotels.com, early 2026 (Hotels.com)
What is the amenity fee at White Sands Hotel?
The White Sands Hotel Portmarnock does not charge an amenity or resort fee. This question often arises because a separate property in Waikiki, Hawaii, shares the “White Sands” name and applies a daily amenity fee. For the Portmarnock hotel, the only mandatory charges are your room rate (and breakfast if booked separately) (Kayak).
Understanding resort or amenity fees
If you see “amenity fee” in search results, check the property address. The Irish hotel’s official booking pages and third‑party listings do not mention any such fee.
What this means: The nightly rate you see on most platforms – from about €93–€109 based on recent Kayak and Trip.com listings – is likely your final accommodation cost, excluding optional extras like breakfast.
Is alcohol allowed at White Sands?
Yes, alcohol is served in the on‑site Irish pub and lounge bar. The hotel’s bar is described as “popular with both hotel guests and locals” (Trivago IE). This is a distinct policy from White Sands National Park in the US, where alcohol is restricted in certain areas.
Alcohol policy at the hotel and pub
The pub operates during standard Irish licensing hours. Guests can purchase beer, wine, spirits, and traditional Irish dishes in the bar (Hotels.com).
Location and getting there
The White Sands Hotel is on the Coast Road (Strand Road) in Portmarnock, County Dublin. It is approximately 13 km from Dublin city centre and about a 15‑minute drive from Dublin Airport (GolfOneMedia). Public bus routes serve the area, but having a car gives the most flexibility for exploring the coastline and nearby towns like Howth and Malahide. Free on‑site parking is advertised, though some guests have reported unexpected charges or clamping – a point worth clarifying at check‑in (Trivago IE).
Specifications at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | Portmarnock, Strand Road, County Dublin, D13 W7X2, Ireland |
| Rooms | 58 en suite bedrooms, some with sea views |
| Star rating | 3‑star (Trip.com, Kayak) |
| Year built | 1835 (four‑story building, per Travel Weekly) |
| Check‑in / check‑out | 15:00 / 11:00 |
| On‑site dining | Irish pub and lounge bar |
| Free parking | Yes (advertised; guests should confirm policy) |
| Free Wi‑Fi | Yes |
| Pool / pets | No / not allowed |
| Phone | +353 (0) 1 866 6000 |
| info@whitesandshotel.ie |
Alternatives in the area
If White Sands doesn’t fit your needs, the only other hotel in Portmarnock is the Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, a larger 4‑star property with a golf course and spa. For a different coastal vibe, the Marine Hotel in Sutton or the Grand Hotel in Malahide offer alternative price points and amenities. The similarly named “White Sands Hotel” in Kerry is a completely separate establishment in a different county. For travelers deciding between a hotel and a villa, consider reading our comparison of Hotel vs Villa in Ireland.
Our pick: What this hotel is best for
The White Sands Hotel Portmarnock is best suited for travellers who value a beachfront location, a family‑run atmosphere, and a lively on‑site pub. If you’re after a budget‑friendly base near Dublin with direct beach access and free parking, it’s a strong candidate. However, if modern room finishes, a pool, or guaranteed quiet are priorities, you may want to compare it with the Portmarnock Resort or look at hotels in Malahide. To find the best rates, check our guide to Best Hotel Deal Websites in Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
Does it have free Wi‑Fi?
Yes, free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the property.
Is there a restaurant or pub on‑site?
Yes, an Irish pub and lounge bar serve food and drinks. It is popular with both hotel guests and locals.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3 PM, and check-out is by 11 AM.
Is parking available?
Yes, the hotel advertises ample free on‑site parking. Some guests have reported clamping or charges, so confirm the policy at check‑in.