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Poolbeg Lighthouse: Dublin's Iconic Mariner

Discover Dublin's maritime history with a scenic walk to the iconic Poolbeg Lighthouse, offering stunning views of Dublin Bay and the coastline.

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Poolbeg Lighthouse, a striking red beacon at the end of the Great South Wall, has been guiding ships into Dublin Bay for over 250 years. The current structure, dating back to 1820, stands as a testament to Dublin's maritime history and offers stunning views of the city and coastline. A walk to the lighthouse is a popular activity, providing a unique perspective of Dublin.

A brief summary to Poolbeg Lighthouse

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as the Great South Wall can be very exposed to wind and rain.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk to the lighthouse is approximately 4km (2.5 miles) each way from the Pigeon House Road car park.
  • Bring snacks and water, as there are no facilities available along the Great South Wall.
  • Consider visiting at sunset for stunning views of the city and Dublin Bay.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The most direct approach to Poolbeg Lighthouse is by walking from the car park at the end of Pigeon House Road. From the car park, the walk along the Great South Wall is approximately 4km (2.5 miles) each way and takes about 40-60 minutes. The path is flat and easy to follow. There are no costs associated with this route.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Poolbeg Lighthouse via public transport, take the DART train to Sandymount Station from Dublin Connolly Station. From Sandymount Station, you can start the Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk, which is approximately 11km (6.8 miles) long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Alternatively, take bus 47 to stop 7934 on Sandymount Strand. From there, walk to the lighthouse. A DART return ticket costs €3.30. A single bus fare costs approximately €1.30 - €2.00.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Dublin city center to Poolbeg Lighthouse costs approximately €18 - €22 and takes about 16 minutes. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through various taxi companies. This is a convenient option for those who prefer not to walk or use public transport.

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Discover more about Poolbeg Lighthouse

Poolbeg Lighthouse, also known as Teach Solais an Phoill Bhig in Irish, is an active aid to navigation located at the mouth of the River Liffey in Dublin. The original lighthouse was built in 1768 and is believed to be the first in the world to operate on candlepower. It was converted to oil in 1786 and redesigned into its present form in 1820. The lighthouse is situated on the Great South Wall (also known as the South Bull Wall), which extends nearly four miles into Dublin Bay from Ringsend. At the time of its construction in the 18th century, the Great South Wall was one of the longest sea walls in the world. The purpose of the wall was to prevent silting in Dublin Bay, allowing larger ships to safely navigate into Dublin Port. Today, Poolbeg Lighthouse is a beloved landmark and a popular destination for walkers and photographers. The walk along the Great South Wall offers panoramic views of Dublin Bay, the Dublin Mountains, Howth Head, and Dun Laoghaire. The lighthouse's bright red color makes it easily recognizable against the Dublin skyline. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with cormorants, herons, and gulls frequently seen. Visiting Poolbeg Lighthouse is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Dublin Bay. Whether you're interested in maritime history, stunning scenery, or simply a refreshing walk, Poolbeg Lighthouse offers something for everyone.

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