If you’re looking for a day trip near Dublin with sea views, dramatic cliffs and a peaceful coastal village, Howth is hard to beat. This small fishing village is the perfect escape from the city. From open sea views over Dublin Bay and gentle walks through hills and forests to a lively harbour and delicious fish and chips, there’s something here for everyone. Read on to discover my favourite way to explore Howth on foot, including the famous Howth Cliff Walk with its four different routes, and to find the best spots you shouldn’t miss along the way.
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Choose Your Path
Walking is the best way to see Howth. There are four main coastal hikes to choose from, all offering stunning views of Howth Cliffs and varying in difficulty.
Cliff Path Loop (6 km)
• Climb: 130 m
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Trail Way Marking Colour: Green
Tramline Loop (7 km)
• Climb: 130 m
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Trail Way Marking Colour: Blue
Black Linn Loop (8 km)
• Climb: 160 m
• Time: 2–2.5 hours
• Trail Way Marking Colour: Red
Bog of the Frogs Loop (12 km)
• Climb: 240 m
• Time: 2.5–3 hours
• Trail Way Marking Colour: Purple
All the hikes start and end at the train station. The trails are easy to follow thanks to the many colourful arrows placed at regular intervals along the way. My personal favourite is the purple one, which follows the whole coast and then goes inland through hills and forest. I would highly recommend it to anyone in search of breathtaking views, but be warned: the terrain can be rough in places, so proper hiking shoes are a must.
Things to See in Howth
Howth Village
The walk starts in Howth Village, a small place with independent cafés, bakeries and houses overlooking the sea. Just off the coast, you’ll see a small island called Ireland’s Eye (you can visit it by boat — tours leave from the harbour). This is the starting point of all the hikes, and the best place to get ready before you set off. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle.
Howth Cliffs
After leaving the village, the trail quickly brings you up to the cliffs. This is the most dramatic part of the walk, with steep drops and wide open sea views. The path is easy to follow, but quite close to the edge in places so be careful and mind where you’re going. There are plenty of spots to stop and take photies of the cliffs, or just sit for a while. These views are what most people come to Howth for.
Baily Lighthouse
If you follow the purple route, you’ll eventually reach Baily Lighthouse. Tucked away on Howth Head, this landmark has guided ships into Dublin Bay since 1814. It’s not open to visitors, but you can see it clearly from the trail. From this point on, the path becomes wilder and narrower, with fewer people around. This is where my favourite part of the walk begins.
Howth Hills
A short walk away from the lighthouse, the trail turns inland and will lead you through hills and forests (although the hills can be avoided if you don’t feel like walking uphill). This part feels quieter and more remote, and offers stunning views over Dublin, Ireland’s Eye and the sea. There are fewer people here, which gives a sense of space and calm, the perfect place to rest for a while before finishing the hike.
Howth Harbour
No matter which path you choose, the trail will bring you back to Howth. The harbour is a great place to relax after the walk. I love to just sit there by the sea with a warm cuppa and watch anglers attempting to catch fish — it feels like the best reward after a long hike. Getting fish and chips is a must, I’d recommend Beshoff Bros on Harbour Road. If you’re here in the evening, watching the sunset from the pier is a peaceful way to end the day.
Getting to Howth
Located about 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Dublin city centre, Howth is easy to reach whether you’re using public transport or driving. Here’s what you need to know:
Dart (train)
Duration: ~30 minutes
Location: Dart from Tara Street or Connolly Station to Howth
Cost: About €5 for Return Ticket
Bus
Duration: ~45 minutes
Location: Bus H3 from Dublin city centre to Howth
Cost: About €5 for Return Ticket
Car
Duration: ~35 minutes
There are a few car parks in Howth Village, most of them free for up to 2 hours.
Howth is the go-to destination for anyone looking to escape Dublin and enjoy some fresh air. With its mix of coastal cliffs, gentle hills and a charming village, it offers a bit of everything without needing to travel far. Just choose your path, wander at your own pace, and enjoy the stunning views. Whether you’re after a short walk with sea views, a full-day hike through changing landscapes, or just a quiet seaside village to take a break from Dublin, I’m confident Howth has something for you.
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