Dublin Port Greenway Now Open with Stunning Views of Clontarf and Bull Island

Exciting news! Today marked the official launch of the Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway, a fantastic new route for cyclists and pedestrians, opened by Minister of State James Lawless TD. This path runs from EastPoint Business Park to the Ferry Terminals and offers stunning views of Dublin Bay that you won’t find anywhere else.

Connecting Land and Sea

Developed by the Dublin Port Company, the Tolka Estuary Greenway is part of Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Coastal Trail, which stretches from Skerries in the north to Killiney in the south. This trail showcases the breathtaking beauty of Dublin’s coastline, and now it includes the vibrant new Greenway along the northern port lands, which were reclaimed from the sea in the 1970s.

As you make your way along this new path, you’ll be treated to incredible vistas of Dublin Bay, along with the sounds of migratory birds like Brent Geese and Common Terns that visit throughout the year. Plus, you’ll find preserved mature trees such as Pine, Willow, and Sycamore, as well as over 200 large trees and more than 5,000 smaller woodland trees and native wildflowers, all providing homes for wildlife.

A Journey Through History

Not only does the Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway offer a great place for a stroll or a cycle, but it also pays homage to Dublin’s rich history as a port city. The seating at the Greenway's three ‘Discovery Points’ features granite reclaimed from the historic Alexandra Basin, dating back to the 19th century.

• Discovery Point 1 looks out towards Clontarf, the site of the legendary 1014 Battle of Clontarf, where Brian Boru defeated Viking and Leinster forces.
• At Discovery Point 2, you can gaze over the bay, where over 300 shipwrecks lie beneath the waves, with panels sharing the stories of dockers who have played a key role in Dublin’s maritime history.
• Discovery Point 3 gives you a peek into the bustling port, where you can watch ships come and go while enjoying a panoramic view of Dublin Bay.

A Sustainable Future

The Greenway has been designed with sustainability in mind, featuring special lighting that considers wildlife. It will also connect to the ‘Eurovelo 2 Capitals Route,’ part of a vast network of cycling paths across Europe, linking Dublin to places like Athlone by 2025.

Minister James Lawless highlighted the importance of sustainable transport, saying, “The Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway offers a new view of Dublin Bay... Encouraging cycling and other forms of sustainable transport is a win for our environment.”

Community Impact and Future Developments

Getting to the Greenway is easy from Clontarf via the EastPoint Business Park entrance, just a short walk from the N4 bus route. Midway through the route, you can find refreshments and toilet facilities at the Circle K service station on Promenade Road.

Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive of Dublin Port, expressed his excitement about the project: “This brilliant new amenity is central to our Port-City Integration strategy, opening up the port to the public and celebrating its historical ties with the city.”

The Tolka Estuary Greenway is part of Dublin Port’s Masterplan 2040, which aims to make the most of existing port lands while enhancing the connection between the port and the city.

An Invitation to Explore

With the Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway now open, everyone is invited to come and explore this new route. Whether you’re cycling, walking, or just enjoying nature, this Greenway is set to be a favourite spot for Dubliners and visitors alike, offering beautiful views and a taste of the city’s maritime history.

For more information about the new Greenway, check out the Dublin Port website. Enjoy your adventure along this stunning route!