Bull Island Dublin: A Beautiful Nature Reserve you’ll love!

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Bull Island Dublin is one of the gems that Ireland has to offer that tourists and visitors often overlook due to a lack of awareness that it exists. If you are spending more than 2 days in Dublin, we would highly recommend that you take a day trip to Bull Island. From being home to a colony of Irish seals to beautiful Dollymount beach, North Bull Island is one of the Irish Islands you shouldn’t miss while in Dublin. 

In this post, you’ll find out about what Bull Island history and the things to do on and near Bull Island. We have also include a budget section for your visit to Bull Island Dublin and some insider tips to make the most out of your trip!

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What is Bull Island Dublin

Bull Island, also known as North Bull Island, is an island located in Dublin Bay and sits parallel to Clontarf, a residential neighbourhood in the North of Dublin. North Bull Island, Dublin Bay is home to popular Dollymount beach, hilly sand dunes and beach grass. It’s a beauty of nature close to the city. The island is connected to Clontarf by Causeway Road on the North side and by the Bull Island wooden bridge on the South side, also known as the Bull Wall. Bull Island is a Special Amenity Area for its beauty, as a recreational spot and for its contribution to Dublin Bay Biosphere. 

The Island, although attached to the mainland on the West side, is completely open on Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea on the East side. 

Bull Island history

The history of Bull Island and how it came around is quite interesting and more unique than you’d think at first! Bull island is actually man-made and was created about 200 years ago only!

Back in the early 1800s, a lot of ships were coming to Dublin Bay for commerce. Unfortunately, the presence of silting sand was causing issues for shipping and became the cause of several shipwrecks. At the time, ships were becoming bigger and the silting sands were not allowing for deep enough waters. To remediate the problem, British Captain William Bligh investigated the area and decided to build a second sea barrier, in addition to the Great South Wall with the Poolbeg Lighthouse). He proceeded to build the North Bull Wall in 1819 which was completed in 1825. Some of the work was also completed by prisoners. After the construction of the wall, the silt and sand built up and formed Bull Island.

Bull Island Dublin is currently 5 km long and about 1 km wide. Due to the silting phenomenon, it continues to grow and expand. It is believed that there is a chance Bull Island could end up connecting with the mainland around the Sutton area, forming a lagoon instead of an island. However, this will depend strongly on the currents!

In the early 1900s, Bull Island was also used for military training. It is now a peaceful place for locals and visitors to relax, walk and enjoy wildlife. 

The name of Dublin North Bull Island

You might be wondering where the “Bull” part of Bull Island comes from. Well, there are two explanations. The first one is that in Irish, Clontarf is “Cluain Tairbh” which means “Meadow of the Bull” and would have given its name to the island. The second one is that, before the walls were built, the sound of the waves against the shore sounded like a bull bellowing. 

Bull Island Dublin: A National Nature Reserve

Bull Island, Dublin Ireland, was the very first bird sanctuary in Ireland and was given the title back in the 1930s. Because of the rare fauna and flora on the Island, which includes endangered habitats and species, Bull Island became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981. It is also a Special Protected Area under the EU Birds Directive and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive which emphasises how important this ecosystem is, although initially man-made.

The Bull Island Nature Reserve, Dublin, is home to about 40 000 birds with different species which include the Canadian Brent Geese and waders. During the winter, a number of Bull Island birds migrate to the island from the Arctic and stay until April. 

The Bull Island Nature Reserve is also the breeding area for a number of seals including the common seal and the grey seal. Other animals that can be found on the island include butterflies, bats, lizards and frogs. There are also about 300 different species of plants on the island. 

You can learn more about the history of Bull Island Dublin and its role in the ecosystem at the visitor center located on the island. 

How to get to Bull Island from Dublin

You might be wondering how to get to Bull Island Dublin. It’s actually quite easy to get to the island from Dublin City. You can either take public transportation or private transportation.

DART to Bull Island

The DART is one of our favourite ways to go on Dublin getaways! It is the local train and runs all along the coast from Malahide in the North to Greystones in the South. From one of the stations in Dublin, head to Killester station, which is a 10 minute DART ride. From Killester, you’ll be able to walk about 30 minutes to Bull Island Dublin. 

Budget: Tickets are around €5 (€4,80 from Connolly station).

Bus to North Bull Island Dublin, Ireland

There are three main buses that go to Bull Island: Bus 130, Bus 6 and Bus H1. All three of them depart from Abbey Street Lower and drops you off either by the wooden bridge or close by. The ride is around 25 minutes but please note there is a bit of walking from the bus stop to the island (around 15-20 minutes).

Budget: Bus tickets for this journey are around €2.15 and €3.30. Note that bus drivers only accept coins and do not give back change so you’ll need to have the exact amount. 

Cycling to Bull Island Dublin

You can cycle to Bull Island from Dublin as there are good cycling lanes separate from the road. The clontarf promenade is actually quite nice for cycling so it should be enjoyable if it’s not raining! It takes about 30 minutes to get to Bull Island from Dublin.

Budget: You can rent a bike at the Dublin bikes station. A 3 day ticket costs €5 and the first hour is free. 

Car to Bull Island

From Dublin, you can easily drive to bull island either with your car or a rental car.

Renting a car in Dublin to go to Bull Island

You can either drive your own car or rent one. In Dublin, you can rent a car at the airport, or in the city centre, at the usual rental companies. However, you can also rent a car with the car sharing service GoCar. If you are just in need of a car for a day, GoCar is a great option. You’ll need to download the app and register. Note that it can take a couple of days for your account and licence to be verified. Afterwards, you’ll be able to rent a car and unlock it with your phone. GoCars are spread over the city which is very convenient. 

Budget: Count about €10 per hour or €50 per day with additional charges over 50km. Gas is included. 

The drive from Dublin to Bull Island is short and easy. If you look at a Bull Island map, you’ll see that it is close to the city and it only takes 20 to 25 minutes. 

Taking a taxi to Bull Island Dublin

If you prefer, you can book a taxi to Bull Island. I recommend using the app FreeNow and booking your taxi in advance to suit your schedule. 

Budget: About €20 one way. 

Bull Island Parking

You can park on Bull Island at different areas. First, you can park on the Causeway Road on the North side of the island. There are parking spaces on each side of the road and parking is free. You can safely leave your car here as the tide does not come high enough to cover the road. 

Alternatively, you can take the Bull Wall, which is a one way wooden bridge, and park on Dollymount beach, near the Pier. Parking there is free as well. 

Ferry

You might be wondering if there is a Bull Island ferry. Although this is a fun idea, there is no Bull Island ferry at the moment. 

Best time to visit Bull Island Dublin

Bull Island is a favourite city getaway trip for Dubliners and locals at any time of the year. It’s the busiest during the spring and summer months when the temperatures are higher. However, North Bull Island is also beautiful and very peaceful on a nice sunny day even when the temperatures are not high. This means that you can visit Bull Island at any time of the year as long as you are appropriately dressed. Spring in Ireland is usually the best season to spend time outdoors so you can’t go wrong there!

We would honestly recommend avoiding visiting Bull Island during a storm. The island is generally windy so it’s just unbearable during a storm. In addition, it won’t be as nice to visit Bull Island in the rain although it’s not honestly what would stop us. 

Budget to visit North Bull Island

A day trip to Bull Island is honestly very budget-friendly. All together, you can make your Bull Island visit under €10 for two. The biggest chunk of your budget to visit Bull Island would be transportation which, if you take the DART, would be under €5 per person. 

The North Bull Island Walk

The North Bull Island walk is one of the popular walks near Dublin. It is a great way to discover the island and get good exposure to the natural reserve and Bull Island’s wildlife.

The walk starts on Clontarf Road. First, head north towards Causeway Road which is a two lane road that connects the island to the mainland in the North of the island. Instead of walking on the road, we would recommend heading to the right side of the road, behind the trees, where you will find a hidden beach. This is a bit of a hidden gem that is often overlooked. From this beach, you will be able to observe this side of the island, and the wooden bridge. This is also where you’ll be able to see the body of water between the two bridges and where you can observe some wildlife.

You can walk along the beach as long as you can and then head back to the road. Then, walk on the left side of the walk so you can look at the creek, the plants and the birds. Keep walking until you reach the round about. 

At the roundabout, you can head left on the paths into the sand dunes. Walk across the sand dunes throughout the beach grass towards the beach. Head to the top of the sand dunes and look at Dollymount beach. This is one of the best views of Bull Island beach! 

Then head down to the beach and walk along the beach in the direction of the South towards the pier. Then walk to the end of the Pier and finish your loop walk on North Bull Island Dublin by walking on the wooden bridge called Bull Wall. 

Things to do on Bull Island

Walk on Dollymount strand

One of the main activities to do on Dublin Bull Island, is walking on Dollymount beach, one of the best beaches near Dublin. The sandy beach, which is 5 km long, offers amazing views on Howth and Dublin Bay and is perfect for a romantic stroll! 

Golf courses on Bull Island

Bull Island is home to two Golf clubs, which you can even see from the road. In the north of the island, you’ll find The Royal Dublin Golf Club, while you’ll find St Anne’s Golf Club in the south of the island. Both clubs welcome visitors and rent material. Playing golf on Dublin Bull Island remains challenging though as the island gets a lot of wind all year round. That said, it’s obviously quite a nice place to play considering the view! If you would like to put your skills to test, we recommend calling in advance to book a slot and get all the information you need. There is parking at each Golf Club as well. 

North Bull Island Pier

The North Bull Island Pier is simply an extension from the wooden bridge that stretches into the sea on the South side of Dollymount beach. It’s perfect for a nice walk and looking over Clontarf and Dublin City. 

Swimming from the pier 

You can also swim from the pier. Once on the pier, look for the women and men shelters which are partly open concrete constructions on the pier, where you can change. Then, you can head down the stairs and ladders to get into the water for a swim. Be careful though, there might be currents down there. 

Bull wall, Bull Island’s wooden bridge

The bull wall, also known as the wooden bridge, was actually one of my favourite things to visit while on Bull Island. The one lane bridge is accessible to both pedestrians and cars with each side taking turns. Pedestrians can walk on either side of the bridge in either direction. The bridge was built on stilts and stands in the water. If you are a fan of Dawson’s Creek or even One Tree Hill, the bridge will remind you of creeks and East coast style local wooden bridges. I’m a fan, so i loved it hehe!

Bird watching from the Dunes 

As we have explained above, Bull Island is a Nature Reserve with over 40 000 birds on the island. That gives you a great opportunity to observe them. 

Insider Tip: Bring binoculars and sit in the sand dunes for a while. You will start seeing them flying around! 

Observe seals 

Obviously, this one need to be mentioned because who doesn’t love seals! Lucky you, Bull Island is home to a colony of seals that come around the island during breeding season. There are two types of seals that can be seen from Bull Island: the common seal which is a lighter colour and with a bigger head, and the grey seal which is a bit darker and has an elongated nose. You can find them towards the north of the island either in the water or laying on the sand, usually from mid-summer onwards. 

Look for more wildlife

Bull Island is a gem for observing wildlife. It is the home to a lot of different animals including red foxes, mouses, hedgehogs and rabbits which can be seen in the sand dunes. In addition to seals, you can also get a glimpse of harbour porpoises at sea which are similar to dolphins in appearance but belong to the same family as belugas. 

Observe the beautiful views

From Bull Island, you get beautiful views on Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea and Dublin Port with ferries departing to France and the UK. You do also get a nice view on the Howth Peninsula and Clontarf itself.

Water sports

With the wind on the island, water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing are very popular. You can come and watch them in the water and who knows, maybe you’ll even want to try it!

Where to eat on Bull Island

On Bull Island, you’ll find a café called “Happy Out” that serves drinks and food on the weekend. During the summer months, there are more mobile food stands. In Clontarf, there are several restaurants like Sandbar which is an Italian restaurant. You can find Sandbar Clontarf menu here. Sandbar’s Eircode is D03 E9P6.

Things to do near Bull Island Dublin

While there is a lot to do on Bull Island Dublin, there is also a lot to do near the island.

Clontarf promenade (15 min walk)

Clontarf promenade lays all along the town by the water and is the perfect place to walk or cycle while having beautiful views. It is only a few minutes walking from Bull Island. Clontarf promenade is well maintained with cut green grass and yukas. You can sit on one of the many benches and watch other people walk by or cycle on the dedicated lane. This is also a favourite of dog walkers so be excited to meet some puppies!

St Anne’s Park (20 min walk)

St Anne’s Park is only a 20 minute walk from Bull Island and is a huge park that will keep you busy for sure. From the River walk to the red stables, you can get quite the walk in at St Anne’s Park.

Howth Peninsula (20 min drive – 50 min transit)

Howth is located just 20 minutes from Bull Island by driving or 50 minutes by DART. It is one of our favourite place to go to on a nice day! From a seafood tour to the beautiful walks on the Peninsula, you will love Howth. On a Saturday, you’ll be happy to find the market open as well where you can grab some delicious chowder! You can even pair Howth with Malahide on this great day tour!

Dublin City centre (20 min drive – 50min transit)

Dublin city centre is located a 20 minute drive from Bull Island. It takes a bit longer to get there by transit depending on where you are going. The DART ride from Killester to Connolly station is only 10 minutes so all together, it will take about 40-50 minutes to reach the city. You can head to Dublin city for dinner and pick a restaurant from our list of the best restaurants in Dublin or head to the castle and Trinity College’s Book of Kells for some historical visits! From visiting the Guinness Storehouse to going on an afternoon vintage tea bus tour, you won’t be bored in the city! You can also use this pass that lets you access 35 attractions around Dublin.

Croke Park (15 min drive – 50min transit)

Croke Park is a big stadium located in the North of Dublin. It has hosted lots of games but also concerts like The Script. During the visit, you can learn more about the history of the place and go to the rooftop for a 360° view of Dublin!

Botanical Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery (20min drive – 1h transit)

The Botanical Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery are located in the north of Dublin and are one heck of a visit to do! We loved spending time here and visiting all the glass houses and unique cemetery. To get there by DART, get off at Annesley Bridge and then walk along the Tolka River. The whole journey will take about an hour. 

Portmarnock (15min drive – 50min transit)

Portmarnock is also another of our favourite places, especially for its long beach that reminds us of some of the West Canadian beaches! You can take the DART in Raheny, and it’s about a 10 minute journey to Portmarnock station. Then you’ll need to walk for about 35 minutes to reach the the beach. You can make a stop in the cute town on your way! 

Safety and Practical Tips on Bull Island Dublin, Ireland

Safety tips on North Bull Island

While on Bull Island, you’ll need to adopt some safe behaviours. For example, stay away from mudflats and sand flats in inter-tidal areas as you could sink in those. 

If the tide is coming in, make your way to the beach. Do not think the tide isn’t smart. We have seen people getting stuck and needing help or having to walk back with water up to their knees. 

Respect the wildlife of Bull Island Dublin

Do not try to approach the seals if you see them, especially during the summer months as this is when they have their babies. Watch them from afar and do not disturb their peace. We are lucky to have them in our backyard so we want them to feel good!

Adopt a Leave No Trace policy. Bring your garbage back with you and do not pick or collect plants or other things from the island. 

Practical Tips for North Bull Island

There are washrooms by the swimming shelters on the pier but they are not always open. The café nearby also has washrooms.

Bull Island essentials

There are a few essentials you should bring with you for your visit to Bull Island.

• Good shoes: As you’ve seen, there is a bit of walking involved so we would recommend wearing good comfortable shoes to enjoy your experience.
• Windjacket: The island (and Ireland in general) gets quite windy so a wind jacket is definitely a good idea even if it looks nice out.
• Sunscreen: Even in the winter, the Irish sun can quickly betray you. So if you’r planning on spending a lot of time on the beach, or walking around, sunscreen is probably a good idea.
• Binoculars: A must have if you want to observe birds!
• A wetsuit: This seems like a must for us if you want to go into the water, although Irish people might disagree!
• Food and water: There is only one café on the island all year round. 

Where to stay near Bull Island 

• The Artist Residence Dublin: This Bed and Breakfast, located on Sutton’s beach front, is a 1920s cottage that will make you feel right at home. It provides high-end service and great views.
• Clontarf Castle Hotel: Close to the beach, this is a castle from the 11th century that was turned into a high end hotel!
• Gracefield Bed and Breakfast: This is a simple but cozy bed and breakfast, located in Artane,  that provides comfortable private rooms. Guest have noted that the host was lovely. 
• Marine Hotel Dublin: This hotel, located in Sutton, offers an indoor pool, and a sauna which make it the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Most rooms also have a sea view. 

Questions on Bull Island Dublin

Is bull island open?

Yes, Bull Island is open and free to access all year round. 

Can you drive on North Bull Island?

Yes, you can drive to and on Bull Island. However, driving on Dollymount beach has been banned since 2014. 

Can you walk around Bull Island? 

Yes, the walk around Bull Island is quite nice and takes up to 3 or 4 hours. 

Is Bull Rock Ireland on Bull Island?

No, Bull Rock Ireland is located in County Cork.

Is Bull Island SC the same as Bull Island Dublin?

No, Bull Island SC (also called Bulls Island) is located in South Carolina, USA and can only be accessed by private boat or ferry. Bull Island Dublin is located in Ireland, which is a different country. Bull Island Dublin is accessible by foot, car, bus or train. 

Any questions on Bull Island Dublin? Drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.