You can watch the ferries sail in and out of the bay from the pier as you walk toward the vivid and inviting red lighthouse. It has been guiding sailors since 1768 but was rebuilt in 1820 — so the actual Poolbeg Lighthouse still standing is 200 years old.
From the beginning of the pier—the South Wall—you can walk around 800m before you reach the lighthouse and, depending on when you go, you may see one or two vendors selling hot drinks and snacks on the way.
If you are up for a longer walk then you can start at Irishtown Nature Reserve—which has beautiful views of the beach—and wander on down to the lighthouse from there. It’s all so scenic, and you’ll easily lose yourself in the soothing sound of the waves lapping at the shore.
So escape the crowds of Dublin city centre by making your way along the bay to this lovely lighthouse. You are unlikely to be bothered by big crowds here! As you watch the ferries arriving, it is pleasant to contemplate the idea that this is the first glimpse of Dublin that people get as they sail to the shore.