Ireland day 1384. Sunday 13 July 2025- Stroll Sun Sea Swim

Today’s summary	A nice quiet day in Malahide with Val. After breakfast, we gathered our things and walked to Portmarnock via a Demesne circuit and then the hill. The beach was absolutely packed but Val was undeterred and went swimming. I stayed on dry land. Walked back via Supervalu and got to the flat in time for Val to watch the men’s tennis singles final from Wimbledon. Mackerel salad for dinner then a bit of light TV later.
Today’s weather	Dry warm and sunny all day. Moderate easterly wind. Appx 21c

Today’s overview location (The blue mark shows the location of our route)		Close-up location (The blue line shows where we walked) (Click button below to download GPX of today’s walk as recorded, or see interactive map at bottom with elevations corrected): Stroll Sun Sea and Swim

Commentary

There was a Walking Club outing today but, as the meeting point was down in Laragh, I decided not to go. I just didn’t fancy making the drive south to Wicklow twice in two days.

So, Val and I had a lovely day together in Malahide. We started the day in our favourite way – cups of tea and a chat. Then we had some coffee, porridge and toast for a brunchy-style breakfast. Suitably refueled, we slapped on some sun cream, gathered a few things, and headed out into the sunshine.

First of all, we enjoyed a shady walk around the Demesne, before breaking out into the sun for the walk up Seamount to Paddy’s Hill. On the way we glanced at Seamount House (the former Jameson mansion) which has just come on the market for a cool €6mln. Lovely house, and great views. Just a shame there’s a massive housing estate virtually in the back garden.

From the hill, we dropped down to Portmarnock and made a bee-line for the shop. I treated myself to an ice-cream and a flat white, Val restricted herself to coffee and crisps.

The beach was packed. Ok, the tide was in so everyone was squashed into the narrow strand of sand above the high water line. But it was busier than I’d ever seen it in almost four years living in Ireland. But then again, this is the best weather we’ve had in almost four years.

We found a relatively quiet spot on the grassy bank above the beach and settled down there to enjoy our refreshments. Val, ever the enthusiast, pulled in her wetsuit and paddled off to go swimming. I didn’t fancy getting cold and wet, so stayed on dry land while she splashed around.

Once back on shore again, dried off and changed, we strolled back along the coast towards Malahide. I stopped off in Supervalu to get some essentials (milk, oranges and beer!) whereas Val raced off back to the flat to make sure she got a ringside seat in front of the TV for the men’s singles tennis final from Wimbledon.

Well that rounded off our day very nicely. We’re having salad for dinner, so I’ll get on with washing the lettuce while Val remains glued to Centre Court. Then perhaps some light TV from the Amazon archives later. All in all, a very relaxing day. It’s just what I think I needed, after the various excitements of the last week, and I really enjoyed it.

Today’s photos (click to enlarge)


Up in the demesne, enjoying the sunshine and the flowers	Wildflower meadow in the demesne once again beautifully planted. The California poppies in particular were a real delight

Seamount House – a snip at €6m. Great, if you aren’t bothered by nosy neighbours (like me)	Val striding purposefully into the wild blue yonder

Look at the crowds! I generally prefer it when it’s a bit quieter, but it’s good to see so many out enjoying themselves and topping up their vitamin D	Looks like the Portmarnock Martello is being completely rebuilt

Summer vibes on a wooden stick