Explore the Howth Cliff Walk on a Day Trip from Dublin

Last updated on January 12th, 2025 at 12:59 pm

A short, and very simple, DART ride north of Dublin, Ireland you’ll find Howth, a small fishing village famed for its fresh seafood and beautiful views. On all of my trips to Ireland, locals and tourists alike would recommend I check out the Howth cliff walk. Instead of heeding their advice, I traveled south of Dublin for the Bray to Greystones cliff walk which is also a very beautiful day trip from Dublin. I’ve also had trips to Ireland where I skipped Dublin all together and instead headed straight from the airport to Killarney or Galway. But, on a recent trip, I had few spare days in Dublin, so I decided to sharpie the Howth cliff walk into my itinerary.

And let me tell you everyone who told me to go to Howth was 100% accurate. Howth is more than just a fishing village! It has amazing restaurants, great views of Dublin Bay, and the dramatic cliffs of the famous Howth Cliff Walk.

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Howth Village and hiking along Dublin’s most spectacular coastline!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking.

How to Get from Dublin to Howth

Before we get into the jaw-dropping views of the Howth Cliff Walk, let’s talk logistics. One of the best things about this Dublin day trip is how easy it is to get there and back!

Howth by Car

If you’ve rented a car, you can easily drive to Howth in about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There are parking lots at the trailhead for the cliff walk.

Howth by Train

If you’re like me and still too scared to drive on the opposite side of the car and road, then DART is the best way to get to Howth from Dublin.

DART is Dublin’s rapid railway system. It runs from Dublin to Howth (or Malahide) in the north and to Greystones in the south with many stations throughout the city of Dublin. 

Depending on your location in Dublin, you could get on at various stops including Tara Street Station, Dublin Heuston, Dublin Pearse, Dublin Connolly, and Docklands.

I was close to Tara St. station, so I took it from there. Find the DART station closest to you and book a ticket north for Howth.

Howth station is the final stop on the train, so there’s very little chance of missing your stop. 

But do ensure that you board the right train, as there is another final stop in the north called Malahide, which has a stunning castle by the way. 

The ride is smooth and takes 30 minutes to an hour from Tara Street!

There are machines that allow you to purchase a return ticket for approximately €6. Then just wait for the next train as they run every 10 minutes.

Check out timetables and fares here. 

Howth by Bus

You can also take the Dublin Bus via route H3 or 6 to Upper Cliff Road in Howth and it will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. This is the cheapest way to get to Howth with one-way tickets costing between €2-3.

Check out timetables and fare here.

How to Get from Howth to Dublin

To return back to Dublin after your Howth adventures, ready to explore more of the city, you’ll simply go back to the Howth train station and board the next train south and get off at the same station where you started.

For more information about DART station locations and timetables, check out the Irish Rail website.

What’s the Weather Like in Howth?

The day I traveled to Howth I woke up to a rainy and cold January day in Dublin. I debated not going for fear that the rain would stick around all day, making for a fairly miserable, and potentially dangerous, walk. After waiting out the rain for a few hours in Dublin I realized I had to get out of the bustle of the city so I layered on my clothes and hopped on the next DART to Howth. I figured if the rain continued once I arrived in Howth, I could always just cozy up in a pub with a view of the sea for a few hours. 

Thankfully, I didn’t have the opportunity to check out any of the pubs in Howth as by the time I arrived the rain had disappeared! However, it was pretty evident that it had rained in the morning as the path was freshly muddy, but the sun stayed out for the majority of the day!

It was, however, very windy. So be prepared for that!

Generally, in Ireland, one should expect rain and be delighted on a sunny day. I managed to explore Howth’s walking trails in the winter so I imagine if you’re visiting Ireland in the summer or spring, you’ll at least get warmer weather!

Make sure you check the weather forecast before you go!

What to Wear for the Howth Cliff Walk

Packing for any season in Ireland presents a challenge because the Irish weather can change quickly, so I always recommend layers. Seeing as I did this walk in January, I wore considerably more clothing than you might in the summertime.

For instance, I did the Cliffs of Moher walk from Doolin in October and only needed a light coat as it was a sunny day with no rain!

Here are a few essentials for your Howth head walk

• Sturdy Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots: You will want shoes with good tread that are waterproof preferably. I wore my Sorel Chelsea boots for this hike, but you could also wear Blundstones. I also love my Keen hiking boots which would be great for this hike.
• Layers: Definitely wear (or at least bring) a waterproof outer layer like this rain jacket. In the spring or summer you may be able to get away with a fleece as your outer layer. But in the winter you’ll want a puffy jacket! Also in the winter you may want to add a thermal base layer under your hiking pants!
• Hiking Clothes: Whatever you like to wear hiking, wear it! 
• Seasonal Accessories: Any time of year is a good time for sunglasses. In the spring and summer and a baseball hat to protect your face from the sun or rain. In the winter, a warm hat to cover your ears and gloves to keep your hands toasty are great items to pack.
• Camera: This is a stunning walk! Whether you use a digital camera or your phone, make sure you have plenty of storage and battery for photos!
• Portable Power Bank: You’ll likely be using your phone for maps, photos, and to figure out your transportation. Make sure you have a fully charged portable power bank to keep you connected. I love this one.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated friends! I love this HydroFlask for travel. 
• Day Bag: Have a backpack that you can carry water, snacks, extra layers and your camera.

Walking the Howth Cliff Walk

Everything I read online about the Howth cliff walk mentioned that it starts at the Howth train station. While, technically, that is true, I expected to get off of the train and be at the cliff. But you have to walk through the village first, which exudes as much charm as you’d expect from an Irish fishing village!

The Village of Howth

On your way to the start of the walk, you’ll pass through the pretty harbour village of Howth. Near the train station is Howth Market, which was closed during my weekday visit. But on the weekends it’s open from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. There are stalls that offer fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and gift items.

The coffee shop, Bodega, adjacent to the market was open, however, and I suggest stopping in there for a warm drink before embarking on the cliff walk.

You can also walk down the pier passing seafood restaurant after seafood restaurant. I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t eat any seafood while in Howth. So, I don’t have any recommendations, other than to say they all looked delicious and you probably can’t go wrong.

From the edge of the pier, you’ll look out onto Ireland’s Eye, a small island home to a variety of birds and an ancient church. I thought the pier might connect to the other side of the inlet where the boats are floating, I was wrong. So you’ll double back and take a left to walk along the harbor and through the town.

Howth’s Walking Trails

In town, you’ll start to see large signs describing Howth’s walking trails. There are four different routes marked green, red, purple, and blue.

• Green Route: The Cliff Path Loop: 6kms
• Blue Route: Tramline Loop: 7kms
• Red Route: Black Linn Loop: 8kms
• Purple Route: Bog of the Frogs Loop: 12kms

The green route is the easiest and shortest option which is the route I followed. What I love the most about Howth’s walking trails is that they are clearly marked the entire time on posts with blue, purple, red, and green arrows guiding you along the correct route. 

At Howth’s promenade, you’ll find a booth with maps and photos of the various loops as well. From the prom, you’ll walk along Balscadden Road through a neighborhood and past Balscadden Bay Beach until you come to Kilrock Car Park.

If you have a car, you could park it in this lot if there is space. 

In my opinion, this is when the Howth cliff walk actually starts.

The Howth Cliff Walk

From the car park, the path is very simple to follow. 

The dirt path is clear and very narrow in some parts. Literally, you’ll look down to your left and your foot is a few inches away from the cliff edge and a straight drop into the sea. So be careful at these parts, but mostly, just enjoy the amazing views.

About 3km later, you’ll see the bay of Dublin and Baily lighthouse on a tip of land jutting out into the sea. This effectively ends the green loop and is a great spot to enjoy a snack and soak in the amazing view. 

To the right, up the hill is the summit car park. If you were to complete the entire Howth Cliff path loop, as I did, the return route takes you through neighborhoods and streets, without a view.

Once you finish your jaunt through the neighborhood, which also has clearly marked trail signs, the path will deposit you back at the Howth train station.

But I have to tell you to not do what I did on this walk. 

Instead of doing this, as there really isn’t much to see in the neighborhood except the remains of St. Mary’s abbey, double back on the cliff walk and enjoy the views on the way back too!

It took me roughly three hours to complete the green loop of the Howth cliff walk including an outrageous amount of stops for photos. 

Other Things to Do in Howth

St. Mary’s Abbey

There are a few other attractions in Howth and as much as I wanted to explore them, my feet just couldn’t be asked to keep walking, especially since I was already at the train station! However, I did catch a glimpse of the Abbey from the road returning to the train station and it is in a beautiful location overlooking Howth and the sea.

Eat Seafood

I would say that 90% of the restaurants in Howth are seafood based. Immediately when you disembark the train there is a seafood restaurant and Irish pub called the Bloody Stream. Also, take a walk down the pier and see what suits your taste buds at Octopussy, Beshoff’s, The Market, or Crabby Jo’s. Again, no personal recommendations here as I didn’t eat there, but you have plenty of options.

Enjoy a Pint at the Summit Inn

Before returning to Howth, stop in to the Summit Inn which is located at the summit of Howth Head. Here you can get some yummy pub grub or simply enjoy a pint with the breathtaking views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye.

Check out the menu here.

Where to Stay in Howth, Ireland

There are a handful of accommodations in Howth if you’d like to extend your time here and maybe go golfing at one of the nearby golf courses or simply enjoy the charm of the village.

King Stiric Hotel: The King Stiric Hotel is a beautiful, family run hotel located in the pier in Howth. There are 10 nautically themed guest bedrooms and a highly rated seafood restaurant! Their rooms also have Voya bath products which are so lush!

Check rates and availability here.

Hazelwood Bed & Breakfast: Rosaleen and Frank Hobbs have been welcoming guests to their charming B&B for over 20 years! You can choose from single, double, twin or family rooms at an affordable rate as well as a full Irish breakfast to get your day started right!

Check rates and availability here. 

Glen-na-Smol B&B: A simple yet charming B&B with excellent reviews and breakfast included! What more can you ask for?!

Check rates and availability here.

If you’re planning to stay in Dublin and visit Howth as a day trip, check out my guide to the best places to stay in Dublin. 

Dublin is a great city, but there is so much more to Ireland and a day trip to Howth offers a glimpse into all that Ireland has to offer. Adding this lovely walk along the Howth peninsula will easily be a day well spent in Ireland! The best part is that it can easily be done as a half day trip from Dublin when you’re short on time. But if you do have more time in Ireland, I highly recommend checking out this 7 day itinerary that’ll take you to a few unique locations, all without a car!

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