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Bull Island (Oileán an Tharbh in Irish) or more properly North Bull Island (Oileán an Tharbh Thuaidh in Irish) is an island located in Dublin Bay in Ireland, about Template:Km to mi long and 800 m wide, lying roughly parallel to the shore. The island, with a sandy beach running its entire length, is a relatively recent inadvertent result of human intervention in the bay.

Nature

The island is primarily a sand structure, with a small alder marsh at the end facing Sutton. The coastal margin is flat beach, backed by marram-grass-anchored dunes, and then comprising scrub and marsh. Between it and the shore is the body of water known as Crab Water or Raheny Lake, into which several of the city's small rivers and streams enter, notably the Naniken River, flowing citywards, and the Santry River, Fox Stream, Blackbanks Stream and Daunagh Water, flowing towards Howth Head.

History

Background

Dublin Bay had a long-running problem with silting, notably at the mouth of the River Liffey, and at the same time, held major sand banks, notably the North Bull and South Bull, to either side of the Liffey mouth, and the Kish Bank over 1 km to sea. Between the North and South Bulls, a sand bar existed, rising over time, limiting access to the city quays.

After years of primitive dredging, an attempt to maintain a clear channel more effectively was begun when, in 1715, the first piles were driven of what was to become the South Bull Wall, completed in 1830. This barrier was breached by storm action some years later, and in 1761, a stone pier was commenced, working from the Poolbeg Lighthouse, 1768, back to shore, the construction of massive granite blocks being completed in 1795. It was during this period that the building of a North Bull Wall was also proposed, and when it was seen that the South Wall did not solve the silting problem, the authorities responsible for Dublin Port commissioned studies on the matter. Captain William Bligh, of Bounty fame, surveyed Dublin Bay for the Ballast Board in 1801, highlighting the potential of the North Bull sand bank.

Bull Bridge, North Bull Wall and the beginning of Bull Island

A wooden bridge, the first Bull Bridge, was erected in 1819 to facilitate the construction of a stone wall, based on a design by Ballast Board engineer, George Halpin. Started in 1820, the wall was completed in 1825, at a cost of 95,000 pounds. Over the succeeding 48 years, the natural tidal effects created by the walls deepened the entry to the Liffey from 1.8 m to 4.8 m. Much of the silt now scoured from the river course was deposited on the North Bull, and a true island began to emerge, with Dubliners venturing out to the growing beach. The volume of visitors was increased by the commencement of horse tram services to Clontarf in 1873, and further by the laying of a tram line to Howth, and a Coast Guard station was built at the landward end of the North Bull Wall.

Growth and early usage of the island

The island continued to grow in extent, from the North Bull Wall towards Howth Head. In addition to picnics and swimming, the island was used for shooting practice, and in 1880, an international rifle match between Ireland and the USA was held there, with an audience numbering several thousand. In 1889, the Royal Dublin Golf Club sought and received permission of Colonel Vernon and the Dublin Port and Docks Board to lay out a golf course at the city end of the island, and construct a clubhouse.

Sometime in the early 20th century, a track suitable for walking and hand carts, running from a slipway at the point where the Howth Road comes from Raheny to the coast, was formed. Useable at low tide, this 150m track allowed access to the island for leisure and beachcombing (timber, coal and other items lost overboard from ships accessing Dublin Port were washed up on the island's strand).

Between 1906 and 1907, a new Bull Bridge was constructed - it is still standing. Then, in 1912, the Dollymount Sea Scouts (5th Port Troop) were formed, taking part of the disused Coast Guard station as their den ("crow's nest") - the troop continues to operate from there.

1914 to 1961

The British Army commandeered the whole island on September 5th, 1914, for military training - primarily as a firing range and for trench warfare practice. The Royal Dublin Golf Club clubhouse was used as officers' quarters, and considerable damage was done to the building and the island environment as a whole.

Access and occupancy

The island is connected to the mainland by the Bull Bridge, today a wooden road bridge (with weight and height restrictions) at the southern (Clontarf/Dollymount) end, and by a broad causeway at Raheny, approximately halfway along, and forms part of Raheny and Clontarf districts.

There are just a few residents, and in addition to the clubhouses of the two golf clubs, there is a Sea Scout den at the Clontarf end.

Situation

North Bull Island is city property, after the buying out of interests such as the Howth Estate, except for North Bull Wall, the breakwater beyond it, and the wooden bridge to it, which are owned by Dublin Port (and closed for a day each year to ensure this remains so), and the Royal Dublin Golf Club links. The bulk of the island comprises the largest park owned by Dublin City Council.

At the end of the North Bull Wall is the famous Star of the Sea (Realt na Mara) statue, funded by Dublin Port workers and sailors, and dedicated by the then Archbishop of Dublin in 1972.

Ongoing Development

The island continues to grow and it is a possibility that within the next half-century continued deposition may lead to its merging with the mainland at Red Rock in Sutton, forming a lagoon, changing the make-up of the area's wildlife and landlocking two dinghy sailing clubs. However, the risk of this is considered small due to the strength of currents and depth of water in Sutton Channel.

Nature

Bird life on the island has been protected by legislation since the 1930s, and it was designated a national nature reserve in 1988. It is listed by UNESCO as a Biosphere reserve. Bird species on the island include Pale-bellied Brent Goose, curlews, oystercatchers, grey plovers and shovelers. There are 6 terrestrial mammal species on the island: brown rat, fox, field-mouse, hedgehog, Irish hare, and rabbit. The hare has been in decline for many years and faces an uncertain future. During a study of hares on the island during the 1990s it was concluded that poor breeding success was the main cause of the drop off in numbers. The rabbit was also once much more numerous than it is today. In 1991 myxomatosis entered the population and caused devastating losses. Shortly after this, viral haemorragic disease was also found in blood samples taken from sick rabbits. The common seal and grey seal are also found in the surrounding waters and can regularly be seen hauled up on sand at low tide at the tip of the island near Howth.

The island is also home to the bee, pyramidal and common spotted orchids.

There is an interpretive centre near the causeway.

Dollymount Strand

Dollymount Strand, the c. Template:Km to mi beach on the island, is a popular walking and recreational area for Dubliners.

Many a Dubliner learned to drive on the firm flat sandy foreshore at low tide; there are even (very low) speed limits posted on the beach. Today, access by car is limited to portions of the island near the Bull Bridge access and the causeway from Raheny.

Swimming

"Dollier" is historically a popular swimming spot but usage fell sharply as pollution rose in the 1980's. Later, Blue Flag status was obtained but in 2007, significant algae has developed on a large part of the seashore, causing the strand to lose its Blue Flag (2007).

Kite-surfing

In recent years Bull Island has also become popular with kite-surfers, with a declared kitesurfing launch area. The shallow water and long stretch of straight beach allows for safe kite-surfing. This has encouraged many beginners to take up the sport on the island.

Golf

The island has two golf courses, the more famous belonging to the Royal Dublin Golf Club, and the newer to St. Anne's Golf Club.

External links

• UNESCO Biosphere Directory entry
• Directory of Wetlands of International Importance: North Bull Island
• Google Maps map of the island
• Some wild flowers of Bull Island

• Beaches of the Republic of Ireland
• Islands of County Dublin
• Raheny
• Clontarf