Poolbeg Lighthouse & Great South Wall Dublin
Walk the historic Great South Wall to the iconic red Poolbeg Lighthouse for breathtaking Dublin Bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walk
Poolbeg Lighthouse & Great South Wall Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk the historic Great South Wall to the iconic red Poolbeg Lighthouse for breathtaking Dublin Bay views.
"A must-do walk for fresh air and stunning coastal scenery."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a long walk! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for the 8km round trip.
🌬️ Dress for the Weather
The wall is exposed, so expect wind and potential rain. Layers are your friend!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Poolbeg Lighthouse
Great South Wall
The striking red lighthouse at the end of the wall offers panoramic views of Dublin Bay and the city.
Great South Wall Walk
Dublin Bay
A long, exposed seawall walk providing fresh sea air and unique perspectives of Dublin's coastline.
Dublin Bay Views
Along the Great South Wall
Enjoy stunning vistas of Dublin city, Howth Head, and the Irish Sea from this unique vantage point.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walk
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a long walk! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for the 8km round trip.
🌬️ Dress for the Weather
The wall is exposed, so expect wind and potential rain. Layers are your friend!
🚗 Smart Parking
Use Shelly Banks car park or the smaller one near Pigeon House to start your walk.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for incredible photos of the lighthouse and bay.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
It's a long walk! Sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential for the 8km round trip.
🌬️ Dress for the Weather
The wall is exposed, so expect wind and potential rain. Layers are your friend!
🚗 Smart Parking
Use Shelly Banks car park or the smaller one near Pigeon House to start your walk.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for incredible photos of the lighthouse and bay.
🛥️ Boat Tour Option
Consider a boat tour for a different perspective of the lighthouse and coastline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the iconic red Poolbeg Lighthouse and the invigorating walk along the Great South Wall, offering stunning panoramic views of Dublin Bay. While the walk is long and exposed to the elements, the fresh air and unique perspective are highly praised. Parking can be a challenge, so planning ahead is recommended.
"Nice 6 mile round trip walk from Sandymount green. Only downside is the industrial wastewater facility for part of the way (and odor). Great views of the city and beach access at low tide."
gerard kennedy
"South great wall is a ~ 2-3km strip of concrete wall extending into the bay behind a huge energy plant, with the lighthouse at the end. If you want to get out of the crowded city, take a cab to South Great Wall an hike all the way to the lighthouse. There are zero tourist amenities, no shops, no gastronomy or anything of this nature. Our cab driver thought we were crazy to go there as tourists, because there is literally nothing. If this speaks to you like it does to me, you‘re in the right spot :) Just really, really great views over the sea plus a great view of Howth island, which is on the other side of the bay."
Max Feldmann
"The walk to Poolbeg Lighthouse is a really nice experience, especially if you enjoy long strolls with fresh sea air. The path is long and fully exposed, so it’s best to go when the weather is clear. The lighthouse itself is a bright red landmark, standing out beautifully against the sea.
The waves crashing against the rocks and the view of Dublin Bay make the trip worth it. Just make sure to dress warmly if it’s windy."
Curdin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to drive to the car parks near Shelly Banks beach or the Pigeon House. From there, it's a walk along the Great South Wall. Public transport options are limited for direct access to the wall itself.
Yes, there are two main car parks: one at Shelly Banks beach and a smaller one just past the Pigeon House. These can fill up, especially on weekends.
Cycling is permitted on the Great South Wall, offering a faster way to reach the lighthouse. Ensure your bike is secure if you stop.
The Great South Wall is a paved, flat surface, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though the length can be a factor.
Many visitors enjoy walking the full length of the Great South Wall for the experience and views. Some also opt for boat tours for a different perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Great South Wall and Poolbeg Lighthouse is free. There are no admission fees.
The Great South Wall is accessible at all times, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and views.
There is no entry fee to walk the Great South Wall or visit Poolbeg Lighthouse. It's a public amenity.
While the wall is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety hazards.
No booking is required for the walk along the Great South Wall. It's a self-guided experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while early mornings can provide a more serene atmosphere with fewer people.
The lighthouse itself, the long perspective of the seawall, and panoramic shots of Dublin Bay are all popular.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas. Always check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the wall and bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant cityscapes.
Yes, the entire walk offers great photo opportunities, including views of the city, the sea, and potentially wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the length of the walk; it might be best for families with older children or those who enjoy longer excursions. Alternatively, a shorter walk partway along the wall can still offer lovely views. The open space provides room for kids to move, and the sea air is invigorating.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
This is a perfect spot for a brisk morning walk or an invigorating afternoon cycle. The exposed nature of the wall means you'll get a good dose of fresh sea air. Remember to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for wind and potential rain.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great South Wall Experience
Be prepared for the elements. The wall is entirely exposed, meaning it can be very windy, especially on blustery days. Many visitors recommend wearing layers and bringing a windbreaker. The surface is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for most, though the sheer distance can be a consideration. It's a fantastic place for a brisk walk, a leisurely stroll, or even a cycle.
Beyond the walk itself, the Poolbeg Lighthouse at the end is an iconic landmark. Its distinctive red color stands out against the blue of the sea and sky. The lighthouse, built in 1768, has guided ships safely into Dublin Port for centuries. The combination of the historic wall, the striking lighthouse, and the expansive views makes this a memorable Dublin experience.
Navigating Parking and Access
It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or public holidays, to secure a parking space. If the main lots are full, street parking in the surrounding residential areas might be an option, but be mindful of local restrictions. For those who prefer not to drive, while direct public transport to the wall's entrance is limited, you can take a bus to nearby areas and then walk or cycle to the starting point.
Cyclists will find the Great South Wall a pleasant route, offering a quicker way to reach the lighthouse. Ensure you have a secure lock if you plan to leave your bike unattended. The walk itself is approximately 4km (2.5 miles) each way, so planning your transport and parking accordingly is key to a smooth visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit