Moved to Portmarnock over 6 months ago. Generally positive on the area, but agree with the gist of Canman's comments
-No proper town centre, not a true 'village' feel like Malahide, Skerries.
- DART can be very busy, check the timetables and you'll see why. The new station at Beaupark will make things very bad, as it is already at full capacity.
-Car park at station really crowded (don't drive, but commuters parking in our development-we are going to get clampers)
-DART services will commence again at the weekends from June, so drinks in town easier to get to. Taxi from cc to DART station is €20, which isn't too bad, but would be a bit more to get to the other side of town
-Only one pub (2 hotels), and I wouldn't be mad about it. Malahide and Swords are relatively close, and not bad for a night out.
-Not a great choice of restaurants, but again, Malahide is close and also Sutton/Howth
-Dunnes Stores is ok, good Superquinn in Sutton, also convenient to Clare Hall (but nothing to shout about there other than 24 hour shoppping)
- Definitely need a car to get around, everything spread out
Big plus to me is the fact that you are out of the city, and it isn't too congested yet. Good access to M1 and airport, pretty convenient to M50 as well. Beach is great.
All the best with the house hunting.