THE southern shores of Dublin Bay feature some little parks, promenade paths and coastal roads which can be linked end to end to create a pleasant and easy coastal walk. There are some places where the coast cannot be approached, except by walking on the beach at low tide but the stretch from Blackrock to Irishtown mostly features a view of the sea. Blackrock Park and Sean Moore Park lie at either end of the walk, with the nature reserve of Booterstown in between.
Blackrock DART Station has a Dublin Bus turning point, as well as car parking. If you arrive by DART, leave the station and turn right to follow a fenced path along the railway track. Cross over a bridge at a corner, then walk into Blackrock Park. Follow the path past a pavilion and continue through the park.
Blackrock Park occupies the ground at the foot of a slope and is pleasantly wooded, with grassy areas. There is also a small pond with a central island, where a white house with columns serves as a refuge for birds.
Some of Blackrock's buildings overlook the park, though the greater part of the town is screened by trees. As the park begins to narrow you pass a martello tower.
Continue along a grassy area, squeezing through a rather narrow bit of land between the back of a filling station and the railway line. There is a small park beyond, which is really little more than a patch of grass with paths and seats. A narrow path can be followed parallel to the railway although there is also a deep and muddy channel alongside. You reach Booterstown DART station.
If the tide is out, continue the walk along the sandy beach, otherwise turn left to walk up from the car park to the busy Rock Road, where you will find the Old Punch Bowl pub and a couple of shops. Turn right and follow the road alongside Booterstown Slob (a piece of land reclaimed from the sea). The area is the Booterstown Marsh & Bird Reserve and is managed by An Taisce. The area is profusely covered in reeds, with some pools of water. The only safe access for walkers is a concrete wall which divides the marsh into two parts.
Follow the Rock Road past the Doyle Tara Hotel and Merrion House, then turn right at the Merrion Gates level crossing. Follow Strand Road past Merrion Hall, then walk onto a tarmac path beside the sea. Exotic bushes and grassy areas are arranged along the narrow strip of land between Strand Road and Dublin Bay.
The path runs straight to a martello tower which has been converted into a residence and the next stretch joins Strand Road, where you should turn right to continue walking along the road. The finishing point, Sean Moore Park, is the next green area, where you can follow a tarmac path across an area of grass and shrubs, staying parallel to Strand Road.
Information
. Distance: 5 kilometres (3 miles).
. Time: 1 1/2 hours.
. Terrain: Easy, level paths and stretches of road, with parkland and coastal scenery. It is possible to walk along the sandy beach at low tide.
. Public Transport: Frequent bus services reach both ends of the walk, while DART trains serve the first half of the walk.
. Car Parking: Near the DART stations and at points on the coast.
. Refreshments: Pubs and shops at either end of the walk, as well as around Booterstown.
