The Great South Wall Walk is a great way to see some of Dublin’s most famous landmarks. The path leads past Poolbeg Chimneys to Poolbeg Lighthouse. There are several ways to do this walk.
An alternative is an 11.5km round trip starting from Sandymount Strand Car Park. From there, walk through Sean Moore Park, Irishtown Nature Park, across Shellybanks Beach and towards the Great South Sea Wall Lighthouse.
If it’s too far or you don’t have much time, you can park at the Great South Wall Car Park. It is a 1.7km walk to the lighthouse and 1.7km back.
If that car park is full, try Shelly Banks car park, which is a further 650m further back.
The Great South Wall Route
The Great South Wall Walk begins
I love the Great South Wall Walk because it’s easy to get to. You can visit any of the car parks mentioned earlier in the article. You can take the DART to Grand Canal Dock or Sandymount. Dublin bus routes C1 and C2 also go there.
I parked my car at Sandymount Strand car park and started my walk. I had two choices- walk along the footpath on Strand Road or walk along the beach. I chose the beach. After 800 meters, I reached Sean Moore Park.
Sean Moore was a politician from Ringsend, born in 1917. He was Lord Mayor of Dublin in the early 1960s. The park is small but has playgrounds and playgrounds.
Coastal Path
I started walking in Sean Moore Park next to the water. After 400 meters, the path splits. I stayed right. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow.
If you want a higher view, there is a rough earth path over the ridge to the left. Many smaller paths connect the main path to the ridge, so you can easily switch between them.
Later, I returned to the main path and continued to my right along Dublin Bay.
Irishtown Nature Park has short tracks. But sticking to the main route is quicker and offers great views of Dublin Bay.
Shellybanks Beach
The route ends at Pigeon House Road. You have to follow this road until you reach Sea Wall. At low tide, you can cross Shellybanks Beach before heading back to Pigeon House Road.
I walked along the beach. The sun was beginning to set. I loved the shadow of the sun behind me and the blue sky in front.
Walking is a contrast. To my right, I saw beautiful views of Dublin Bay. To my left, were ugly industrial buildings.
Poolbeg Chimney
After Shellybanks Beach, I came close to one of Dublin’s famous spots, Poolbeg Chimney.
Chimneys are part of Pulbeg Power Generating Station. They haven’t worked since 2010. Some people think they are ugly, but they are famous. On Dublin’s low-rise skyline, they stand out and can be seen from all over the city.
For many flying into Ireland, it’s the first thing they see as their plane lands in the capital. They are a sign of returning immigrants that they have returned home.
Reaching the sea wall
After a walk of about 4 km, we reached the sea wall. A sea wall is a man-made wall to stop erosion. The Great South Sea Wall is special because it seals off silt and sandbanks in Dublin Bay.
They started working on it in 1717. They built the stone pier from 1761 to 1797. They used large granite blocks from the Dalkey Quarry. There is a beautiful walk near Dalkey Quarry called the Killiney Hill Walk.
Today, locals walk, jog, and walk their dogs along the seawall. It is a 1.7 km walk to the lighthouse.
Got coffee from a van at the beginning of the sea wall. Although it was sunny, I felt cold because the walk was windy and open.
Pulbeg Lighthouse
Poolbeg Lighthouse is at the end of the sea wall. This is the end of the Great South Wall Walk. You can’t go anymore!
The Big Red Lighthouse is a famous Dublin landmark. It was built in 1767 and redesigned in 1820. It still works.
I sat at the end of the pier for a while. Great to see people and boats in Dublin harbour. Then, it was time to leave this amazing place and go back.
Go back to the beginning
This time, the sun was setting in front of me as I went back. I saw a beautiful sunset over Dublin City during my 5.75km walk.
Go back the way you came. It’s simple.
I recommend walking this town. You can adjust it to fit your time. It’s close to the city center, so it’s easy to get to. It’s a great way to see the city from a new angle.
