Bull Island
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bull Island or more properly North Bull Island is an island located in Dublin Bay in Ireland, about 5 km long and 800 m wide, lying roughly parallel to the shore. It is less than two centuries old, having been formed by sand building up after the North Bull Wall was completed in the early 19th century to keep clear the channel to Dublin Port. North Bull Island comprises the largest park owned by Dublin City Council, and is city property, after the buying out of interests such as the Howth Estate, except for North Bull Wall and the wooden bridge to it, which are owned by Dublin Port.
The island is connected to the mainland by a wooden road bridge at the southern (Clontarf/Dollymount) end, and by a 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.
The island continues to grow and it is predicted that within the next half-century continued deposition may lead to Bull Island's merging with the mainland at Red Rock in Sutton, forming a lagoon. This would, over time, change the make-up of the area's wildlife, and landlock two dinghy sailing clubs.
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 1990's 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. Shorthly 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.
As well as two golf courses (the Royal Dublin and St. Anne's), the island also has an interpretive centre. Dollymount Strand on the island is a popular walking and recreational area for Dubliners.
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.
