29 May 2024

Dublin Port Company Welcome Ireland AM To Poolbeg Lighthouse

Earlier this week, Dublin Port Company had the pleasure of welcoming Ireland AM reporter Deric to the Port. Joined by DPC Heritage Director Lar Joye at Poolbeg Lighthouse, they discussed the history and significance of the Great South Wall. 

The construction of the Great South Wall first began in 1716 with the operation of timber piling to protect the area after it was discovered that the river channel was encroaching northwards. By 1731 the breakwater was complete and was known simply as ‘The Piles’, reaching 3,109m in length. In 1748, the Ballast Board announced plans to construct a double wall in stone that would extend the 2,100m from the west end of the Piles to Ringsend Point. The wall was completed in 1759 and was known as the Ballast Office Wall. In 1761 work began to extend the wall to Poolbeg, which took over 30 years to complete. The collective of wall lengths extending east from the Dodder confluence to Poolbeg lighthouse becomes known as the Great South Wall. The wall has since protected the river channel from further deposition of sand from the South Bull.

Thank you to Deric and Ireland AM for visiting us, it was great to have you back at the Port!