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North Bull Island Nature Reserve

Dublin  >  Ireland

A Wetland of International Importance due to the large concentrations of birds present during migration and in winter.

Added* by Brian Carruthers
Most recent update 12 February 2020

Description

The North Bull Island has evolved over the last 200 years into a unique coastal environment on the north shore of Dublin Bay. The island became Ireland's first bird sanctuary in 1931. The island is also a Wetland of International Importance due to the large concentrations of birds present during migration and in winter. A number of scarce and rare plants occur on the island. Among the nice birds you can see here are Peregrine Falcon, Northern Pintail, Brent Goose, Merlin and Short-eared Owl.

Details

Access

Advice on visiting North Bull Island All wildlife and habitats within the National Nature Reserve both on the island and inter-tidal areas are fully protected by Irish and European Legislation. ADVICE 1. Inter-tidal areas can be very dangerous places so do NOT walk out on the mudflats and sandflats. 2. It is an offence to willfully damage habitats and disturb wildlife. Behave within the law at all times. 3. Check tide times and dress appropriately for the weather (try to avoid bright colours). 4. Dogs cause immense disturbance to the wildlife so please leave them at home. The level of dog feaces on the island is also a matter of some concern. How to get there: Bus: Dublin Bus 130 (timetable) from the city centre to the Bull Wall (aka Wooden Bridge) and mainland side of the south lagoon. Train: DART (train service timetable) from Dublin City to Raheny Station. There is a 1 km walk to the causeway which is the main access route onto the island. Car: the island can be accessed by cars etc either via the Bull Bridge (aka Wooden Bridge) or the causeway. Parking is permitted on the causeway but on the beach parking is now restricted to a small area adjacent to the Bull Wall. Best time to visit In all seasons waders and wildfowl are best seen from the coastal road or causeway about 1 or 2 hours before high tide. Highest numbers can be seen from autumn to early spring (September to February) but hundreds and occasionally thousands of waders can be seen in the summer months. Spring and summer are ideal for butterflies and flora in addition to the resident land birds.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Sea , Dunes , Beach , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Open landscape , No shadow , High water possible

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round , Winter , Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

http://www.bullislandbirds.com/ http://www.northbullisland.com/

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