North Bull Island

North Bull Island

North Bull Island Group Walks | Join a Walk

4m Elevation
4m Prominence
I Country

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Classifications

SIB

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore North Bull Island together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

4m

13 ft

Prominence

4m

Coordinates

53.3803, -6.1193

O252383

OS Map

50

At the Summit

No summit features, being a flat island, but it boasts extensive beach views and reed beds.

Terrain & Geology

Sandy flat with some areas of long grass and wetlands.

North Bull Island is primarily composed of sand dunes and estuarine deposits, forming a vital coastal ecosystem. The island was created from the accumulation of sand and silt blown from the nearby beaches.

Views & Scenery

Views of Dublin Bay, the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains in the distance, as well as an impressive array of birdlife.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Bull Island' derives from the area being associated with a bull that once roamed the land before its formation.

Historical Significance

The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and holds significant environmental importance, hosting various wildlife species.

Popular Routes

Bull Island Loop

Easy

A scenic loop around the island, perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying birdwatching.

6 km 2 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is ample parking available at Clontarf, along the southern access point to the island.

Public Transport

Dublin Bus services run to Clontarf; check local schedules for the best routes.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities on the island itself, but Clontarf nearby offers cafes and toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Tidal changes can affect access to certain areas, be aware of the high tide. Watch out for soft sand and mud, which can be deceptive.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up North Bull Island?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around North Bull Island through the maps

Are there other walkers around North Bull Island?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for North Bull Island search or of course create your own walk for North Bull Island

Can I organise a walk to North Bull Island?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to North Bull Island.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up North Bull Island?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to North Bull Island here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible