HEADLESS SOUTH OF THE RIVER

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Bullock Harbour

BULLOCK HARBOUR IN DALKEY LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION 3 JULY 2022

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I USED AN APPLE iPHONE 12 PRO MAX WITH HALIDE

Bullock Harbour, located in the coastal town of Dalkey, County Dublin, is a picturesque working harbour steeped in history. The harbour, sometimes spelled Bulloch, derives its name from the imposing Bulloch Castle, a 12th-century Norman structure overlooking the harbour. Built by the Cistercian monks of St. Mary’s Abbey, the castle served to protect the valuable fisheries they controlled in the area.  

Over the centuries, Bullock Harbour has been a vital hub for the local community, supporting fishing, trade, and transport. The current harbour walls, constructed from local granite in the early 19th century, replaced a natural rocky inlet that provided initial shelter for boats. Today, it remains a working harbour, home to fishing boats, yachts, and the Dalkey Sea Scouts. It’s also a popular spot for leisurely walks, with stunning views of Dublin Bay and the surrounding coastline.  

Despite its idyllic setting, Bullock Harbour has been at the centre of ongoing property and planning disputes. Recent development proposals for the former Western Marine site have faced local opposition and appeals to An Bord Pleanála (Ireland’s planning board). Concerns centre around the scale and density of proposed developments, their potential impact on the harbour’s character, and the preservation of public access to the waterfront. These disputes highlight the challenges of balancing development with the preservation of heritage and community values in a highly sought-after coastal location.