The Wooden Bridge leading to the North Bull Island and Dollymount Strand
A few weeks ago M and I walked out along the Great South Wall. We talked about why it, and its sister (do such things have a gender???) the North Bull Wall, were built and the consequences of both. There is no better place to witness the effects first hand than Bull Island. It literally wouldn't exist otherwise.
The North Bull Wall and Great South Wall protect the mouth of the River Liffey
The North Bull Wall, built in 1825, prevents the mouth of the River Liffey from silting up. This silt has to go somewhere though and the natural currents deposit it at Bull Island. Dubliners first started using this "new beach" about 50 years after it was completed.
Dollymount Strand
For the last 165 years Dubliners have been enjoying strolls on the ever growing Dollymount Strand, yes, the island is still growing! There were fears for a time that it would actually join up with Sutton but apparently this is unlikely to happen!
Measuring your progress!
There are plenty of segregated bathing areas from a bygone era.
You've been warned!
Today you can take part in a whole range of activities on Bull Island from walking and kite surfing to golfing or swimming. The island is also protected by UNESCO as its unique natural habitat that is home to many birds and animals.
Realt na Mara. A memorial to those lost at sea.
If you're like me though a trip anywhere must be just as much about food as it is about discovering somewhere new! A walk along Dollymount Strand is perfect because once you pass over the little wooden bridge back to the mainland you are face to face with Kinara Kitchen.
Swimming used to be very popular at the North Bull Wall. This is one of my favorite views!
When you've completed your 10km walk (Dollymount Strand is 5km long!) you don't need to worry about this new MenuCal fiasco, you'll deserve your poppadoms, samosas and tikka masala sauce! Feast you eyes on our feast:
The chutney on the right was really eye-opening!
Behari Kebab - spiced beef - I rarely see beef on the menu in Indian restaurants.
Someone had fun in the kitchen with this aloo tikki - spiced potato cake!
Chicken tikka masala - it was a bit bland to be honest but we still finished it!
Positively eye watering Nehari Ghost - a spicy lamb dish - when they say spicy here they really really do mean it!
Bull Island is fantastic environment for Dubliners to get closer to nature; did you know that it's the largest public park owned by Dublin City Council? It's a great asset to have but we must be responsible and protect it. If you visit be sure to obey the rules and regulations that are clearly posted, you don't want to end up in the gallery of shame!
I'm a little bit sad, aren't I!?!
