About
Constructed in the 18th century, the Great South Wall preserves the deep water channel into Dublin Port and connects Poolbeg Lighthouse to the mainland. While the Poolbeg industrial area now surrounds some of the wall, around two kilometers of it still project out into the sea. The wall provides a bracing walk, rewarding those who journey to the end with fantastic views of both Dublin and the famous twin chimney stacks of the old Poolbeg Power Station, a beloved landmark for native Dubliners.
Halfway along the wall is the Half Moon Swimming Club, one of Ireland's oldest water sports clubs dating back to the 1890s. At the end of the wall is Poolbeg Lighthouse which dates back to the 1760s and is still operational, though unmanned, today. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for local rod and line fishing. In the summertime, coffee and ice cream vans offer refreshments at the start of the wall.
South of the Great Wall is Sandymount Strand, a three-kilometer-long sandy beach popular with windsurfers, joggers, and Dubliners just out for a walk to catch some sea air.
If you want to enjoy Dublin the way the locals do, the Great South Wall is a must.
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Know Before You Go
It can get very windy on the South Wall. Waves have been known to breach the wall and make for a very wet experience so, it's a good idea to check the weather before visiting. To get there by public transport, take the C1 or C2 bus from stop 340 on Townsend Street in the City Centre. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
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Published
May 7, 2025
