North Bull Island & Dollymount Strand Dublin
A vast sandy beach and nature reserve just minutes from Dublin city, perfect for walks, birdwatching, and bracing sea air.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
North Bull Island & Dollymount Strand Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast sandy beach and nature reserve just minutes from Dublin city, perfect for walks, birdwatching, and bracing sea air.
"A true Dublin escape, offering miles of beach and nature just a short trip from the city center."
🚶♀️ Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on sand and paths. Pack sturdy, comfortable footwear!
🌬️ Windproof Your Visit
Dublin's coast is known for its wind. Bring layers and a windbreaker for a more enjoyable experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dollymount Strand
North Bull Island
A vast sandy beach perfect for long walks, kite flying, and enjoying sea air. A true Dublin escape.

The Bull Wall
Causeway leading to North Bull Island
A long, iconic sea wall offering panoramic views of Dublin Bay and the city skyline.

Birdwatching Haven
North Bull Island Nature Reserve
A vital habitat for diverse bird species, especially during migration seasons. A peaceful retreat.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dollymount Strand 3 hours ago
🚶♀️ Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on sand and paths. Pack sturdy, comfortable footwear!
🌬️ Windproof Your Visit
Dublin's coast is known for its wind. Bring layers and a windbreaker for a more enjoyable experience.
north bull island beach
Dublin lifehacks/top tips....
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide offers more beach to explore and is ideal for walking. Plan accordingly!
🐦 Birdwatcher's Paradise
North Bull Island is a nature reserve. Bring binoculars if you enjoy spotting diverse birdlife.
Bill Island- The Point
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on sand and paths. Pack sturdy, comfortable footwear!
🌬️ Windproof Your Visit
Dublin's coast is known for its wind. Bring layers and a windbreaker for a more enjoyable experience.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide offers more beach to explore and is ideal for walking. Plan accordingly!
🐦 Birdwatcher's Paradise
North Bull Island is a nature reserve. Bring binoculars if you enjoy spotting diverse birdlife.
🚗 Parking Available
There's parking available near the causeway, but it can fill up on busy days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise North Bull Island and Dollymount Strand for its expansive beauty and accessibility as a natural escape from Dublin city. It's a favorite for long walks, kite flying, and birdwatching, offering a refreshing coastal experience. Some note it's more for nature and walks than a traditional 'pretty' beach, and wind can be a factor.
"Big and relatively unspoiled, with lovely dunes. Not crazily busy on days other beaches are as it's big enough for people to be spread out. Lovely little coffeeshop and, other than that, not at all commercialised."
Adele Geoghegan
"Amazing place for sunrise pictures, when the weather is just right. Gets busy as the morning progresses, nice coffee shop halfway down. Sniffffff ~ Lovely smell"
Dee Wee
"Very nice place for a run 🏃♂️"
Felipe Távora
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the 130 bus directly to the area, or hop on the DART train to Clontarf Road station and enjoy a pleasant walk from there. Many visitors also find cycling a great option to reach the island.
Yes, there is parking available near the causeway that leads to the island and beach. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends and during good weather, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Cycling is a popular and enjoyable way to reach North Bull Island and Dollymount Strand, offering scenic views along the way.
Yes, all beaches in Ireland, including Dollymount Strand on North Bull Island, are free to access and enjoy.
The best way to explore North Bull Island and Dollymount Strand is by walking. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be covering a lot of ground on sand and paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Dollymount Strand or North Bull Island. Access is free for everyone.
North Bull Island is an open public space and nature reserve, so it doesn't have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are best for enjoying the scenery and safety.
Dogs are generally welcome on Dollymount Strand, but it's always a good idea to check local signage for any specific restrictions, especially during peak seasons or nesting periods for birds.
Facilities are limited on the island itself. It's advisable to use restrooms before you arrive and bring any snacks or drinks you might need. There are more amenities in the nearby Clontarf area.
Swimming at Dollymount Strand is possible, but conditions can vary, and it's not a lifeguarded beach. Be aware of currents and tides. Many visitors prefer walking or kite surfing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
North Bull Island is a nature reserve, perfect for birdwatching, photography, and enjoying the coastal scenery. You can also walk along the Bull Wall for expansive views of Dublin Bay.
Yes, seals have been spotted at the northern end of Bull Island, sometimes referred to as 'the point'. It's a bit of a walk from the causeway, but a rewarding sight!
Absolutely! The wide-open space and consistent sea breeze make Dollymount Strand a very popular spot for kite flying.
'The point' is believed to be the very end of the sea wall path on Bull Island, near the Star of the Sea statue, and is a known spot for seal sightings.
Yes, the long stretches of beach, the Bull Wall, and the views of Dublin Bay offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on North Bull Island or Dollymount Strand. You'll need to head back towards Clontarf or Dublin city for a wide selection of cafes and restaurants.
Picnicking is a great idea! Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach or at designated spots. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the area clean.
The nearby village of Clontarf offers several pubs and cafes with good food options. For more variety, a short bus or DART ride back into Dublin city center will provide numerous choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for capturing the expansive beach and Dublin Bay. Golden hour can create stunning, soft light.
Focus on the long, sweeping lines of the beach and the Bull Wall, the city skyline in the distance, birdlife in the nature reserve, and the textures of the sand and sea.
Try to get the horizon line placed either one-third up or one-third down from the center of your frame for a more dynamic composition. Experiment with different angles.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. Protect your gear from sand and sea spray.
The Bull Wall itself is a prominent feature. The Star of the Sea statue at 'the point' is also a notable landmark. The causeway bridge offers a good vantage point.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a bit of adventure, consider a walk along the Bull Wall, which can be an exciting experience for children, offering expansive views. The island is also a nature reserve, so it's a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about birdwatching and the importance of protecting natural habitats. Keep an eye out for seals, which can be a thrilling sight for younger visitors. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for walking on sand and potentially uneven paths.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Bring your own picnic and drinks to save money on food, as there are no cafes or restaurants on the island. This allows you to spend more time enjoying the scenery without worrying about expensive dining options. It's a perfect way to experience a beautiful natural attraction in Dublin without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife. Protect your gear from sand and sea spray, as conditions can be exposed. The ever-changing light and weather patterns in Dublin can add a dramatic flair to your photographs. Experiment with different compositions, focusing on the textures of the sand, the movement of the waves, and the vastness of the sky.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Nature Reserve
Beyond the birds, the island's unique ecosystem supports diverse plant life adapted to the coastal conditions. The dunes are a fragile environment, and sticking to marked paths is essential for their preservation. The island also offers a chance to spot seals basking or swimming in the waters, particularly towards the northern end, often referred to as 'the point'. This natural sanctuary provides a refreshing escape from the urban bustle, allowing visitors to connect with nature just a short distance from the city center.
Key takeaways for nature lovers:
* Birdwatching: Excellent opportunities year-round, especially during migration seasons.
* Seals: Keep an eye out towards the northern end of the island.
* Conservation: Stay on marked trails to protect the dunes and wildlife habitats.
* Peaceful Escape: Enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty.
The Iconic Bull Wall
Walking the Bull Wall, especially during sunrise or sunset, provides incredible photographic opportunities. The long, straight line of the wall draws the eye, and the changing light can create dramatic scenes. It's also a place where you can often see people engaged in various activities, from jogging to kite flying, adding a dynamic element to the landscape. The wall acts as a natural barrier, protecting the island's sensitive salt marshes and bird habitats from the full force of the sea.
Tips for experiencing the Bull Wall:
* Walk its length: It's a substantial walk, so wear comfortable shoes.
* Photography: Ideal for sunrise, sunset, and capturing cityscapes.
* Weather: Be prepared for wind and sea spray.
* Views: Enjoy the dual aspect of city and sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit