Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
If you find yourself in Dublin with a free day and a craving to escape the city, Howth and the Howth cliff walk is the answer. Tucked on a small headland just 30 minutes north of the city center by DART, Dublin’s coastal commuter rail, this little fishing village punches well above its weight. Think rugged cliffs, a harbor packed with trawlers, incredible seafood, and trails that’ll make you forget you’re within earshot of a capital city.
We spent the day here before heading to the airport to catch our flight and it was the perfect way to end our trip to Ireland and loved exploring the Howth Cliff walk and getting in some final views of the ruggest coastline
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a casual explorer, or someone who just wants to wander somewhere beautiful and then eat their weight in chowder, Howth delivers. Below you’ll see our guide to Howth and suggestions on the best way to hike along the coast.
If you are visiting Ireland and can’t make it to the Cliffs of Moher or the cliffs in the south (like Kerry) Howth is a great alternative.
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Getting There
Getting to Howth is easy. The DART runs directly from Dublin city center (Connolly or Pearse stations) to Howth station in about 30 minutes, and trains run frequently throughout the day. If you’re driving, there’s parking available in the village, though it can fill up quickly on weekends. With a car you can easily drive around to explore, but if you come via DART, you can easily hike directly from here.
We drove to Howth since we were continuing on to the airport.
Things to Do in Howth
Our favorite thing to do in Howth was walk the coastal Howth cliff walk, but we were surprised with how much else there was to do. While you can easily explore most of Howth on your own, there are also some incredible tours, esepcially if you want to see puffins or try the local food scene. After visiting, these are the tours we would consider if we went back:
The Harbour & the Pier
Start at the harbor it’s the heart of Howth. Fishing boats bob alongside leisure craft, and the whole place has that salt-air, lived-in feel that you can’t manufacture. Walk the East Pier out to the lighthouse at the far end, joining locals walking their dogs and watching the sea. It’s an easy, flat stroll and a great way to get your bearings before heading up into the headland.
It really felt like most of the people here were local and the working waterfront was bustling and colorful. There is a sea lion or two that live right in the harbor so keep your eye out!
Seafood
Howth is famous for its seafood, and for good reason. The village is lined with fish and chip shops, seafood restaurants, and casual spots where you can grab a crab roll or a steaming bowl of chowder right by the water. Most places source their catch locally, so what you’re eating was likely in the sea that morning.
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, the restaurants along the West Pier and main street do everything from classic fish and chips to more elevated seafood dishes. For something quick and casual, grab a crab claw sandwich or lobster roll from one of the harbourside stalls, you won’t regret it. We also enjoyed walking through the market in Howth. In addition to a few seafood options, there were plenty of treats and local artists.
Ireland’s Eye
Just off the coast from Howth sits Ireland’s Eye, a small, uninhabited island with its own ruined church, sea stacks, and thriving seabird colony. Ferries run from the harbour on a regular basis during the warmer months. It’s a great add-on if you want to extend your day and get out on the water. Keep an eye out for puffins if you’re visiting in spring or early summer.
Sea Kayaking & Water Activities
For those who want to get on (or in) the water, Howth has options. Several operators run sea kayaking tours that take you into the caves and along the base of the cliffs a completely different perspective than the trails above. It’s more of a commitment than a walk, but the views from the water looking back up at the cliffs are hard to beat.
The Village
Howth village itself is worth a leisurely wander. There’s a weekly market, a handful of good cafés, and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that feels a world away from central Dublin. If you’re looking for somewhere to decompress after a hike, find a spot in one of the pubs and settle in.
The Coastal Trail: Howth Head in Detail
Let’s be honest, for many people, the cliffs are the whole reason to come to Howth. And they don’t disappoint. Howth Head offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on Ireland’s east coast, and the network of walking trails here is genuinely spectacular. There are two ways to go about your visit: simply park and then head out for a wander of the trails, or select a specific route and follow it.
Here’s what you need to know before you head out of the trail.
The Routes: Which One Is Right for You?
There are five marked routes on Howth Head, all starting from the DART station or village. They range from a quick 1.5-hour loop to a full 3-hour commitment, and each has its own character. The most popular, and the one most first-timers gravitate toward, is the Cliff Path Loop, also known as the Green Route. This is the route we did, although instead of starting in town, we walked through route from the opposite end at the Summit parking lot.
The Cliff Path Loop (Green Route): 6km, ~1.5–2 hrs
This is the one most people mean when they talk about the Howth Cliff Walk. At 6km it’s the shortest of the cliff routes. The path climbs up from the village, traces the top of the cliffs, and delivers sweeping views across Dublin Bay, out to Lambay Island, and back toward Ireland’s Eye. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
Along the way you’ll pass through stretches of heather and gorse, catch sight of the iconic Baily Lighthouse perched on the headland below, and walk paths that feel genuinely wild despite being a short train ride from a major city. The route eventually winds back down to the village, passing the Summit car park on the return.
This route is exposed and gives excellent views of the birds and plunging cliffs into the ocean. If you are searching for puffins, you will likely find them here – BUT they are very hard to see from the cliff walk, youre best best is a boat tour.
Longer Routes: Purple Route (Bog of Frogs), and Others
If you have more time or more miles in your legs, the longer routes, including the Purple Route, which starts in the villag, push deeper into the headland and take 2.5–3 hours to complete. These routes take you through the more remote interior of Howth Head, with fewer people and more of that raw, heathery Irish landscape. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
What to Expect on the Trail
The Scenery
The views are the main event, and they change constantly as you move along the headland. Rugged cliffs drop sharply to the Irish Sea below. In late spring and summer, the hillsides turn brilliant yellow and gold with gorse — and there’s an unexpected sweet, coconut-like scent in the air from the flowers. Heather covers the upper slopes in shades of purple and green. Keep an eye on the water below: seabirds wheel around the cliff faces, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a seal.
Baily Lighthouse
One of the highlights of the Cliff Path Loop is the Baily Lighthouse, which comes into view as you work your way around the southern tip of the headland. It’s been guiding ships since 1814 and sits dramatically on the rocks below the cliffs. You can’t access it directly from the trail, but the views from above are excellent.
Balscadden Bay
On the way to the main trailhead, you’ll pass Balscadden Bay, a curve of sand and clear water tucked at the base of the cliffs. It’s a popular spot for sea swimmers who do laps around the buoys in all weathers, which is either inspiring or baffling depending on your constitution. Even if you’re not going in, it’s a lovely spot to pause.
Practical Trail Info
The trails are well-marked and signposted, so navigation is straightforward even without a detailed map, although there are many smaller trails that people have made and can be a bit confusing. Trail runners or hiking boots are ideal; sneakers will work on the Green Route in dry conditions, but can become slippery on wet grass.
Bring water and a snack, there are no facilities on the trail itself. If the weather looks uncertain, bring a layer; the headland can be considerably windier than the village below. Irish weather is famously unpredictable, so don’t be caught off guard.
Dogs are welcome on all routes as long as they’re kept on a leash. The trails are popular, especially on sunny weekends, so if you want a quieter experience, aim for a weekday morning. We were there on a beautiful Sunday in early May and the parking lots were filled up by late morning.
Tips for Your Visit
A few things worth knowing before you go:
- Take the DART if you are visiting from Dublin for the day. It’s the easiest, most stress-free way to get there, and the ride along the coast is enjoyable in its own right.
- Wear proper shoes. The trails can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain.
- Eat the seafood. You’re steps from the boats that caught it. Don’t skip this.
- Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends, especially sunny ones, can get crowded on the trails and in the village.
- Bring a layer. The headland is exposed and the wind comes off the Irish Sea with no warning.
- Give yourself more time than you think you need. Howth has a way of making hours disappear.
Final Thoughts
Howth is one of those places that exceeds expectations quietly and was our best find during out visit to Ireland. It’s not trying to be a tourist destination in the flashy sense, it’s just a beautiful, functional, living place where the sea and the cliffs do all the work. Whether you spend a few hours or a full day, you’ll leave feeling like you actually saw something real.
