Howth Cliff Walk & Howth Village Day Trip from Dublin
By ANL | UPDATED:
Howth is a picturesque peninsula on Dublin Bay, famous for its spectacular cliff walks, rugged coastline and lively harbour. As one of the most popular day trips from Dublin, it offers visitors a combination of outdoor adventure, maritime heritage and excellent seafood.
The highlight is the Howth Cliff Walk, where well-marked coastal trails provide panoramic views of sea cliffs, hidden coves, seabirds and the iconic Baily Lighthouse. Beyond the cliffs, visitors can explore Howth Village, stroll along the harbour, spot seals near the fishing boats and discover historic landmarks such as St Mary’s Abbey and Howth Castle. Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, wildlife or local culture, Howth delivers one of the most rewarding excursions near Dublin.
Ireland is known as the ‘green island’. Magnificent natural scenery surrounds Dublin on both land and sea sides. In addition to the lovely green urban spaces, Dublin boasts a unique natural setting within and outside the city limits. This includes the cliffs along the coast, easily reachable from Dublin, as they are within half an hour by public transport. The Howth Cliffs can make a fabulous day trip from Dublin!
Travellers seeking a deeper connection with Ireland’s landscapes and heritage may also enjoy learning about the Cultural Travel Method, an approach that combines nature, history and local culture when exploring a destination.
Can you visit Howth on a day trip from Dublin
If you take the trip on a Saturday, an obvious first stop is St Anne’s Park, northeast of the city. As a recreational area with historical follies, cultural and botanical elements, a popular food market, and numerous Gaelic football pitches, the park is splendid for locals and visitors alike. Afterwards, continue to the peninsula of Howth, where you can both do the cliff walk, visit the charming village, and walk on the pier before perhaps eating fresh-caught fish in one of the harbour restaurants.
Explore St Anne’s Park on the way to Howth.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Your day trip out of Dublin will start in St Anne’s Park, northeast of the city. On Saturday mornings, the Red Stables Food Market opens in the Red Stables Courtyard and along the park avenue. It is the perfect place to have breakfast, as the stalls sell all kinds of cold and prepared hot meals: sausages, delicious cakes, freshly baked bread, and other local and ethnic specialities, with a focus on quality and organic produce.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The Victorian-style Red Stables date back to the 19th century, built as part of an impressive estate owned by the Guinness family. Today, it contains studios, a gallery, a workspace area, and a café, all maintained by Dublin City Council.
St Anne’s Park also has a fantastic rose garden, where visitors can enjoy a variety of roses with delightful scents in the summer.
The Clock Tower in the walled garden of St Anne’s Park | Photo: Travel In Culture
A surprising walled garden with a Clock Tower as a landmark appears between the main avenue and Nanekin River. Also, the medieval St. Anne’s Well is a historical attraction.
Other ‘historical’ constructions built by the Guiness family include the Gothic Bridge over the river, the Herculanean House, the Pompeiian Temple and Pond, and Annie Lee Tower Bridge, the first of these follies, dating to 1837. Many of the constructions were inspired by ancient Rome and were meant to resemble the world-famous Roman architecture. Imitating the grand architecture they had become acquainted with on their travels around Europe was a trend among the wealthier people of the 19th century.
Gaelic football in St Anne’s Park | Photo: Travel In Culture
Finally, don’t miss Gaelic football. St Anne’s Park has several pitches spread across the park grounds, and the weekend morning training is an obvious chance to discover the local sport!
From here, continue to Raheny to take the local DART train to Howth.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Howth is a spectacular peninsula offering stunning views of the dramatic cliffs and seascape along the eastern coastline – the perfect destination for a day trip from Dublin! There are numerous trails for hikes around the beautiful landscape, including a few options for cliff walks departing from Howth Village. They are part of the Dublin Coastal Trail, a popular coastal path with several possibilities for scenic hikes that take between 1.5 and 3 hours to complete.
Before heading to the coast, consider exploring Dublin’s top attractions and best places to stay to make the most of your Irish city break.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Cliff walk Howth | Photo: Travel In Culture
A favourite route is the 6-kilometre Cliff Path Loop (the Green Route), which takes 2 hours and starts and ends in Howth Village. It is partly a clifftop trail, which offers panoramic views of the Howth cliff sides along the way. Keep an eye out for seals and porpoises!
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
Towards the southern tip of the peninsula, the picture-postcard Baily Lighthouse appears. A few hundred metres north of the lighthouse, the cove ‘A Tiny Hidden Beach’ is tucked between the rock outcrops, reachable by a steep path.
Cliffs of Howth | Photo: Travel In Culture
On the way back towards Howth, the Cliff Path Loop will take you past the ‘Eire-6 Sign’, one of 83 aerial signs built around the Irish coast during WWII to mark the borders and inform aircraft that the land was Irish, not English. As Ireland was neutral, this was important information.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
Today, the Eire sign dating from 1943 is a national cultural heritage. It has been restored and is again clearly visible from above, serving as a national monument.
Photo: Travel In Culture
After the hike, you may want to explore charming Howth, a small fishing village, and its vibrant harbour with an idyllic waterfront to walk along.
Photo: Travel In Culture
The quaint village has preserved some of its original character and authenticity. Howth is a favourite destination for an escape out of Dublin to enjoy the fresh air and relaxed atmosphere.
If you would like to discover another outstanding destination beyond Dublin, visit Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park, home to one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites and some of its finest scenery.
Photo: Travel In Culture
When exploring the harbour area, there is an excellent chance of catching a glimpse of a seal between the docked boats!
Photo: Travel In Culture
For a longer stroll in the harbour, join the locals and walk out on the East Pier until you reach Howth Lighthouse. You can look over to the picturesque island Ireland’s Eye from here.
Howth Village Ireland | Photo: Travel In Culture
The scenic harbour boasts several attractive seafood restaurants, reflecting the maritime feel of Howth village and harbour. Whether you fancy oysters, crab claws, lobster or something completely different, you have plentiful options around the Howth harbour and village. In addition to the restaurants, there are also the traditional pubs and the lively Howth Market, where you can grab a coffee and a snack.
Day trip to Howth from Dublin | Photo: Travel In Culture
The peninsula is also filled with thrilling history and remains from the past. As part of your itinerary, you may pass the 15th-century Howth Castle, the 19th-century Martello Tower or the medieval ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, all situated in or around Howth. St Mary’s Abbey was built by Viking Sigtrygg Silkbeard in 1042, but it was later, in 1235, rebuilt by the Archbishop of Dublin.
St Mary’s Abbey | Photo: Travel In Culture
From Howth, you can also go on a cruise tour, which allows you to explore the rugged cliff formations from the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Howth from Dublin?
The easiest way is by DART train from central Dublin. The journey takes around 30 minutes and arrives directly in Howth Village.
How long does the Howth Cliff Walk take?
The popular Cliff Path Loop takes about two hours to complete. Longer and shorter walking routes are also available.
Is the Howth Cliff Walk difficult?
Most visitors find the main cliff walk moderately easy. Some sections have uneven ground and steep drops, so suitable footwear is recommended.
What is the best time to visit Howth?
Spring, summer and early autumn generally provide the best weather and visibility. Clear days offer excellent coastal views.
Can you see seals in Howth?
Yes. Seals are frequently spotted around Howth Harbour and near the fishing boats throughout the year.
Is Howth worth visiting if you do not want to hike?
Yes. Visitors can enjoy the harbour, seafood restaurants, historic sites, markets and coastal scenery without walking the cliff trails.
What are the main attractions in Howth Village?
Highlights include the harbour, East Pier, Howth Lighthouse, St Mary’s Abbey, Howth Castle and the local seafood restaurants.
Can you visit Howth and Dublin on the same day?
Yes. Because Howth is so close to Dublin, many visitors combine a morning or afternoon trip to Howth with sightseeing in the city.
Is the Howth Cliff Walk suitable for photography?
Yes. The cliffs, lighthouse, harbour, wildlife and coastal views make Howth one of the most photogenic locations near Dublin.
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