The salt marsh is where migratory birds feed and roost so they can build up crucial fat reserves for their long migratory journeys. The northern part of the island is where seals pup and haul out.

In addition, dog walkers will be required to keep their dog on a lead in the dunes to prevent disturbance to ground nesting birds. A designated area of beach will be available for dogs off-lead outside of the bathing season and bathing hours 11am to 8pm.

The bathing season is from 1st June to 15th September, so having a dog off-leash during these dates is not permitted.

Zones will be marked with signage and colour coding as follows: red (no access), blue (dogs on lead) and green (off lead outside of bathing season/bathing hours).

The North Bull Island Nature Reserve is the most important site for biodiversity in Dublin and is the most designated site nationally.

The island is a National Nature Reserve, a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive, and a Ramsar site due to its internationally important wetlands.

In 1981, the island was designated Ireland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and was key to the whole of Dublin Bay receiving UNESCO Biosphere status in 2015.