The Ultimate Guide to Ireland’s Best Coastal Cliff Walk Day Trip: Howth from Dublin (2025)
Feel the city’s hum fade behind you as the salty spray of the Irish Sea welcomes you to a world of dramatic cliffs, soaring seabirds, and authentic fishing village charm. If you’re searching for the perfect escape from Dublin, look no further. This guide is your all-in-one resource for one of the most breathtaking coastal cliff walks day trips Ireland has to offer: the magnificent Howth Cliff Walk. Just a short train ride away, Howth delivers an unforgettable cocktail of rugged nature, fascinating history, and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste.
Your Howth Day Trip at a Glance
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Dublin | 16km / 10 miles |
| Trip Duration | Half-day (4 hours) to Full-day (8 hours) |
| Estimated Cost (per person) | €25 – €70 |
| Best Time to Visit in 2025 | May – September, on a weekday |
| Walk Difficulty | Moderate, with uneven terrain and steep sections |
Why Howth is the Perfect Coastal Day Trip from Dublin
In a country famed for its coastline, Howth stands out as the ultimate accessible adventure. Here’s why it should be at the top of your Dublin itinerary:
- Unbeatable Scenery: Prepare for dramatic, unfenced cliffs plunging into the Irish Sea, stunning views of the Baily Lighthouse, and panoramic vistas of Dublin Bay and the distant islands of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay. It’s the wild Ireland you’ve dreamed of, just minutes from the capital.
- Incredibly Easy to Access: Forget complicated logistics. A direct, 30-minute DART train ride from central Dublin drops you right at the foot of the village, making it one of the easiest day trips from Dublin by train.
- More Than Just a Walk: Howth is a complete experience. After your hike, you can reward yourself with award-winning fish and chips, watch playful seals in the harbour, explore ancient abbey ruins, and browse a bustling weekend market.
How to Get to Howth from Dublin City Centre
Getting to this coastal paradise is simple. Here’s a breakdown of your options, with a clear winner for convenience and experience.
| Transport Method | Journey Time | Approx. Cost (Return) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DART (Train) | ~30 minutes | €6.30 (Leap Card) / €8.40 (Ticket) | Highly Recommended. Scenic, fast, and frequent from Connolly, Tara St, and Pearse stations. |
| Dublin Bus (H3) | ~45-60 minutes | ~€5.00 (Leap Card) | Good budget option but can be slow due to traffic. |
| Car | ~30-45 minutes | Fuel + Parking (€2-€3/hr) | Not recommended. Parking is extremely limited and fills up fast, especially on weekends. |
By DART (Train) – The Best Option
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is your best friend for this trip. Simply head to Connolly, Tara Street, or Pearse Station in the city centre and hop on any northbound train heading towards Howth (it’s the final stop, you can’t miss it!). Using a TFI Leap Card is the cheapest and easiest way to pay. Sit on the right-hand side of the train for beautiful coastal views as you approach your destination.
By Bus
The Dublin Bus route H3 will also get you to Howth. It’s a bit slower than the train but offers another perspective of Dublin’s suburbs. You can tap on and off with your TFI Leap Card.
By Car
We strongly advise against driving. Parking in Howth village and at the Summit Car Park is a serious challenge. You’ll spend more time looking for a spot than enjoying the views. If you must drive, arrive before 10 AM on a weekday or use the park-and-ride facility at Sutton DART station (one stop before Howth) and take the train for the final leg.
The Howth Cliff Walk Loops: Which Route is Right for You?
Once you arrive, you’ll find four official, colour-coded walking loops that start and end in the village. This makes navigation easy! Here’s a rundown to help you choose your adventure.
Green Route (Bog of Frogs Loop) – The People’s Choice
This is the classic Howth Cliff Walk and the one we recommend for most visitors. It offers the absolute best coastal scenery, including breathtaking views of the Baily Lighthouse. Be prepared for some steep climbs and narrow paths, but the reward is immense.
- Distance: 6 km (can be extended to 7km)
- Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Blue Route (Tramline Loop)
A slightly longer but gentler option, this route follows the path of the old Howth Tram and includes beautiful woodland sections in addition to the coastal path.
- Distance: 7 km
- Time: ~2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Red Route (Black Linn Loop)
For the more seasoned hiker, this longer route takes you deeper into the wilder parts of the headland, offering a more rugged and solitary experience.
- Distance: 8 km
- Time: ~3 hours
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Safety on the Cliffs
This is a wild and beautiful place. Remember these key safety tips:
- Wear Proper Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. The path is uneven, muddy, and slippery when wet.
- Stay on the Path: The cliff edges are unfenced and unstable. For your safety, always stay on the marked trail.
- Check the Weather: Irish weather is notoriously changeable. A waterproof jacket is a must, even on a sunny day.
- Bring Water and Snacks: There are no shops or facilities on the trail.
- Mind Your Phone: Phone service can be patchy on the far side of the headland.
Top 5 Things to Do in Howth (Besides the Cliff Walk)
The walk might be the main event, but the village and harbour are packed with charm. Make sure to leave time for these essential experiences.
- Explore Howth Harbour & Find the Seals: Walk along the bustling West and East Piers, watch the fishing trawlers come and go, and keep an eye out for Howth’s famous, friendly seals who often pop up looking for a fishy treat from the local fishmongers.
- Browse the Howth Market: Open weekends and bank holidays from 9 am to 6 pm, this vibrant market is a feast for the senses. Find delicious street food, artisan crafts, antiques, and a wonderfully lively atmosphere.
- Take a Boat Trip to Ireland’s Eye: On a calm day, take a short ferry ride with Ireland’s Eye Ferries to this uninhabited island. It’s a bird sanctuary home to puffins (in season), gannets, and guillemots, with its own Martello Tower and monastic ruins.
- Eat Fresh Fish and Chips on the Pier: You simply cannot leave Howth without doing this. Grab a takeaway portion of perfectly battered fish and crispy chips from a place like Beshoff Bros and find a spot on the pier wall. It’s the ultimate post-hike reward.
- Step Back in Time at St. Mary’s Abbey: Perched on a hill overlooking the harbour, the ruins of this 15th-century abbey offer a quiet moment of reflection and a fantastic photo opportunity of the village and harbour below.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Details for 2025
Best Times to Visit
- Seasons: Late Spring (May-June) is magical when the gorse and heather are in full bloom. Summer (July-August) offers the best chance of sunshine but also the biggest crowds. Autumn (September-October) is fantastic for fewer people and crisp hiking weather.
- Days of the Week: To avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday. A Tuesday or Wednesday morning will feel like you have the cliffs all to yourself. Weekends are buzzing but very busy.
Opening Hours & Fees
- Cliff Walk: Open 24/7, but it is only safe to walk during daylight hours. It is completely free to access.
- Howth Market: Open weekends & bank holidays, 9 am – 6 pm.
- Boat Trips to Ireland’s Eye: Seasonal (typically April-October). Adults ~€20-€25.
- National Transport Museum: Small entry fee (~€5).
Accessibility
The main cliff paths are not accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or those with mobility issues due to uneven ground, steep steps, and narrow sections. However, the harbour, piers, and village centre are flat and fully accessible.
Sample Full-Day Howth Itinerary
- 9:30 AM: Catch the DART from Dublin’s Connolly Station.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Howth. Grab a coffee and a pastry from a local café.
- 10:30 AM: Begin the Green Route Cliff Walk, walking anti-clockwise from the village.
- 1:00 PM: Finish the walk back in the harbour, feeling accomplished and hungry!
- 1:15 PM: Enjoy a well-earned lunch of fish and chips from Beshoff Bros on the pier.
- 2:30 PM: Wander through the Howth Market (if it’s a weekend) or explore the piers and watch the seals.
- 4:00 PM: Settle in for a pint of Guinness at a traditional pub like The Bloody Stream, right by the station.
- 5:30 PM: Hop on the DART for the scenic journey back to Dublin.
Where to Eat in Howth: From Cheap Bites to Fine Dining
Budget-Friendly ($)
- Beshoff Bros: The legendary fish and chips cart on the pier. An absolute must-do.
- Howth Market: A fantastic selection of street food stalls offering everything from burgers to paella on weekends.
Mid-Range ($$)
- The Oar House: A superb seafood restaurant known for its quality and atmosphere. Booking recommended.
- The Dog House Blue’s Tearoom: Quirky, cozy, and famous for its delicious wood-fired pizzas.
- The Bloody Stream: A classic Irish pub with great pub grub, located conveniently at the DART station.
Splurge ($$$)
- Aqua Restaurant: Offers fine dining with stunning panoramic sea views from its location on the West Pier.
- King Sitric: A renowned seafood restaurant and guesthouse, perfect for a special occasion.
Howth Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Here’s what you can expect to spend for a fantastic day out in 2025.
| Item | Budget Traveller | Mid-Range Traveller |
|---|---|---|
| Return DART Fare (Leap Card) | €6.30 | €6.30 |
| Coffee & Snack | €5.00 | €7.00 |
| Lunch | €12.00 (Fish & Chips) | €25.00 (Pub/Restaurant) |
| Activity (e.g. boat trip) | €0 | €20.00 |
| Pint/Drink | €0 | €7.00 |
| Estimated Total | ~€23.30 | ~€65.30 |
Insider Tips for Your Trip
- For the best views of the Baily Lighthouse, walk the cliff path in an anti-clockwise direction, starting from the harbour and heading up past the car park.
- Use the public toilets near the DART station before you start your walk; there are absolutely no facilities on the trail itself.
- Bring some cash (€) for the market stalls, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
- If you’re a keen photographer, check the tide times. The harbour looks most picturesque at high tide.
What to Pack Checklist
- ✅ Waterproof Rain Jacket (this is Ireland, after all!)
- ✅ Layers (a fleece and a t-shirt are perfect)
- ✅ Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots (non-negotiable)
- ✅ Reusable water bottle and snacks
- ✅ Camera and/or fully charged smartphone
- ✅ Portable power bank
- ✅ Sunscreen and sunglasses (the sun can be strong by the sea)
- ✅ Your TFI Leap Card for the DART
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the Howth Cliff Walk take?
It depends entirely on the route you choose. The most popular loop, the Green Route, takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours at a comfortable pace. There are shorter options and longer loops that can take up to 4 hours.
Is the Howth Cliff Walk difficult?
It is rated as moderate. It is not a flat, paved path. Expect uneven terrain, muddy sections, and some steep ascents and descents. It is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. A reasonable level of fitness is required to enjoy it comfortably.
Can you start the cliff walk from the summit?
Yes. You can get a taxi or drive to the Summit Car Park. This allows you to skip the initial steep climb from the village and start right in the middle of the most scenic section of the walk.
Are there toilets on the Howth Cliff Walk?
No, there are no toilets or any other facilities on the trail itself. Public toilets are available in Howth village near the DART station and harbour. Plan accordingly!
Is the Howth Cliff Walk safe for kids?
It can be, but it requires strict and constant supervision. The trail is unfenced in many areas with sheer drops to the sea below. It is best suited for older children (8+) who are experienced walkers and understand the importance of staying on the path.
TL;DR: Your Perfect Howth Day Trip
In a hurry? Here are the key takeaways for an amazing day trip to Howth:
- Getting There: Take the 30-minute DART train from Dublin city centre. It’s the fastest, easiest, and most scenic option.
- The Walk: Hike the 6km Green Route anti-clockwise for the best views. Wear proper hiking shoes.
- Must-Do: Reward yourself with fish and chips from a pier-side shop and watch for the seals in the harbour.
- When to Go: Visit on a weekday in late spring or early autumn to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Key Tip: Use the toilets in the village before you start, and bring a rain jacket, no matter what the forecast says!