How to Spend a Day in Howth: The Perfect Day Trip from Dublin
Howth is an Irish village on the Howth Peninsula, east of central Dublin. The grounds of 15th-century Howth Castle have rhododendron gardens and a transport museum with local trams. The 19th-century Martello Tower houses a vintage radio museum. The medieval ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey lie nearby. A clifftop trail has sweeping sea views. Offshore, Ireland’s Eye is an island bird sanctuary with an ancient ruined church.
Howth: The Perfect Day Trip from Dublin
Why Should You Go To Howth?
Howth is the perfect addition to a trip to Dublin, offering seaside cafes and restaurants, stunning scenery and views, historical landmarks, and even beaches. It offers the perfect escape from the city and opportunity to enjoy small town vibes and nature without having to go far or commit too much time.
On my numerous trips to Dublin, I was told to go to Howth, but it wasn’t until my most recent trip that I took a day to visit this beautiful coastal village. I had plans to make it to the Howth Castle, but the summer day was so beautiful, I ended up at the beach before completing the 12km loop of the Howth Cliff Walk.
Why go to Howth will depend on season and preferences, but there is something for everyone regardless of time of year.
In the warmer months, Howth offers gorgeous beaches and outdoor dining, as well as outdoor activities in nature. In cooler months, Howth offers a range of dining and pub options, as well as cozy village vibes and castle visits.
Whether you are looking for an active adventure, historical experience, some good eats, or all of the above, Howth is the perfect day trip for you.
How to Get to Howth
Howth is a quick and easy day trip from Dublin by bus or train, taking just about 45 minutes. Both the bus and train from Dublin to Howth cost €2 each way when using a LEAP Card, or €3,30 if purchasing single ride paper tickets.
🚌How to Get to Howth by Bus
The bus from Dublin to Howth is easy and convenient, with a direct route from the city center to Howth center or the Howth Cliff Walk Summit.
From the Dublin City Center, take the H3 or 6 bus to Howth
⭐Both buses will take you to the Village Center or the Cliff Walk
🚉How to Get to Howth by Train
From the Dublin City Center, take the DART from Tara Street or Connolly Station (depending on starting point) to Howth Station.
⭐If going to the Howth Cliff Walk, you will need to transfer to the H6 bus from Howth DART station or walk approximately 25 minutes
🚗How to Get to Howth By Car
Howth is a quick and easy drive from Dublin, taking just 30 minutes along the R105.
Is there parking in Howth?
Yes!
There is plenty of free parking in Howth, so if you have a rental car, driving is a convenient option.
Howth Village Center Parking
📍Harbour Public Car Park - 14 W Pier, Howth, Dublin, Ireland
📍4 Harbour Rd, Howth, Dublin, Ireland
Free parking lots, most convenient for visitors going looking to enjoy Howth’s coast, pier, shops and restaurants. Due to the central location, these Howth parking lots can get busy, especially on weekends and in the summer.
Howth Cliff Walk Parking
📍Balscadden Car Park
This parking lot is located right below the beginning of the Cliff Walk, with limited spaces. There are reserved spaces for those with disabilities and older visitors to make the viewpoints more accessible. It is recommended to arrive early or late in the day to assure parking here, as the lot spaces are limited and fill quickly.
⚠️This car park has been known for theft from cars. Be sure to lock your vehicle and keep any and all contents out of sight while parked.
📍Howth Summit Car Park
This is the perfect parking lot for anyone looking to take in the cliff and light house views without completing the full loop.
There are picnic tables, a public toilet, and rubbish/recycling bins in and near this parking lot, making it the perfect place to take in the views, have a picnic, use the toilet before or after completing the full cliff walk loop or taking the short walk out to the light house viewpoint.
💶The first two hours of parking here are free, then a small fee applies. *Be sure to get a ticket to display on your dash, even if staying within the free parking window.
What to Do In Howth
Howth has something to offer everyone. Looking for amazing, seafront restaurants for high end dining? Or the best fish and chips shops near Dublin? Head to Howth.
Love history, Irish heritage, and immersive experiences? You’ll find all of that in Howth.
Looking for an alternative to traveling all the way to the Cliffs of Moher to take in stunning natural scenery and cliffs? Howth has that.
Sunny day in Dublin and craving some beach time? Howth is the perfect spot for that.
Howth Cliff Walk
🗺️9XF2+X8 Dublin, Ireland (Green Route)
9XP3+27 Dublin, Ireland (Cliff Walk start point)
🕰️24 hours
💶Free
The Howth Cliff walk offers four loops ranging from a quick and easy route to take in views and scenery with minimal time commitment and effort to the 17km loop suited for those looking for a bit more of a challenge with a bigger time commitment.
The starting point for the Green, Purple and Blue Routes is the Howth Dart Station or Village Center, depending on how you get to Howth, however; there is a small parking lot at the trail head (see above) that eliminates about 25-30 minutes of the walk, as well as a parking lot at the summit for those looking for the abbreviated experience.
Google Maps offers clear directions to the Cliff Walk, from wherever you are starting from.
Cliff Path Loop (Green Route): 7.8 km loop, takes 2 hours, moderate difficulty with a 130m climb.
This is the most popular route, and can get a bit crowded
Black Linn Loop (Red Route): 8.16 km (5 miles), takes 2 to 2.5 hours, moderate difficulty with a 160m climb.
Nice alternative to the popular Green Route with fewer crowds
Bog of Frogs Loop (Purple Route): 12 km to 17 km, takes 3 to 4 hours, suited for a harder hike.
Howth Summit Walk: Short 2 km walk, takes about 1 hour, great if you want an easy route
While it is not comparable to the Cliffs of Moher, as far as views, the Howth Cliff Walk is a great alternative for any visitors to Dublin not looking to commit the time and money to a trip to County Clare.
Not up for planning and executing the Howth Cliff Walk on your own? There are great guided tour options available, like these.
Howth Abbey
The first church built in Howth was on the site of Howth Abbey, in Howth village. It was founded by Sightrygg, King of Dublin around 1042. Around 1235, the old church was amalgamated with the church on Ireland's Eye and a new church was built - founded by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin on land granted by Sir Almeric St. Lawrence
🗺️30 Abbey St, Howth, Dublin, D13 YT52, Ireland
🕰️Gates open: Mon-Fri 9a-5p. Closed Sat/Sun
💶Free
If you love history, ruins, and a view then a visit to the Howth Abbey is a must on your trip to Howth.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside (for safety and preservation purposes), but the grounds allow you to take in beautiful views of the harbor below and Ireland’s Eye in the distance, as well as take in the exterior of the historical Abbey and small cemetery beside it.
Howth Castle Estate
Step back in time and uncover over 800 years of history on a guided tour of Howth Castle, led by our knowledgeable historian. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Howth, the castle has been home to the St. Lawrence family since 1177. As Lords and later Earls of Howth, their legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Irish history. Over the centuries, the castle has evolved through generations of architectural additions, reflecting the changing styles and fortunes of its inhabitants.
🗺️Howth Castle, Howth, Dublin, D13 EH73, Ireland
🕰️Daily 9a-5p
💶Adult €15,00 (guided tour)
I planned to visit Howth Castle Estate, but the weather was too perfect, and the beach was too inviting, so I never made it there, but it is absolutely at the top of my list when I return to Dulin.
The estate offers several visiting options, including just the grounds and exterior of the castle (free) or guided tours of the interior.
For a truly unique experience, the castle offers culinary classes and experiences via the Howth Castle Cookery School.
Whether you are a local or visiting from Abroad, at Howth Castle Cookery School, students enjoy learning new cooking skills in a relaxed but focused environment. Situated in the historic 18th century Georgian kitchen, we have the perfect class for all skill levels and interests.
For more information about the Howth Castle Cookery School and bookings, visit here.
Ireland’s Eye
Ireland's Eye is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of County Dublin, Ireland, located about a 15-minute boat ride from Howth Harbour. Known for its rich wildlife, rugged scenery, and historical ruins, it is a popular day-trip destination.
Just a 15-minute boat ride from Howth Harbor, Ireland’s Eye offers stunning sweeping views, beautiful beaches and a vast array of wildlife.
I fully intended to return to Howth while I was in Dublin to visit Ireland’s Eye, but never made it back. It is certainly on the top of my list for my next visit to Ireland.
🛥️How to Get to Ireland’s Eye from Howth
Visitors must utilize a licensed ferry to gain access to Ireland’s Eye. The ferries to Ireland’s Eye operate seasonally April through late September and can be weather dependent.
💶How much is the Ireland Eye Ferry?
Adult Ticket: €30 round-trip
Child Ticket (ages 3–15): €15 round-trip
Non-Landing Coastal Cruises (passengers do not disembark the boat): €25 ⭐These tours continue throughout the year and include sunset tour options
🕝Mon-Fri 9a-5p, Sat/Sun 10:30a-5p
🎟️For advanced booking (recommended during peak summer season), buy here or prebook a bout tour through one of these top-rated providers (with flexible cancellation)
Howth Harbor
If you arrive by train, you will almost immediately find yourself along the Howth Harbor. Here you will find beautiful views (great sunsets), seals lounging in the sun, bars, restaurants and an overall great area to take a casual stroll.
You will find some exceptional seafood restaurants along the harbor, as well as a great variety of bars and pubs.
Take a walk to the end of the pier and you will find “King George IV Footprints’, a plaque marking the location these imprints were cast in 1821.
Just past King George IV Footprints is a set of stairs you can climb and sit on to take in stunning sunsets, views of the Howth Lighthouse, watch the boats come and go, and catch glimpses of seals and occasional dolphins.
Howth Market
🗓️Open Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 9a-6p
Unfortunately, my visit to Howth was during the week so I wasn’t able to dive into the Howth Market, but it looks like a foodie and collectors’ dream! Featuring over 25 stalls with a wide arrange of vendors, there is something for everyone whether you are looking for a tasty treat, fresh baked bread, handmade souvenirs, art, and so much more.
If you take the train or utilize one of the parking lots near the harbor, you will find the market immediately across the street.
Balscadden Bay Beach
Balscadden Bay Beach in Howth, County Dublin, is a small, sheltered sandy bay beneath Howth Head known for clear water and accessible sea swimming.
🗺️7, 9 Balscadden Rd, Howth, Dublin, Ireland
If you are looking for a beach day while in Dublin, this is the perfect place to have it.
Tucked in to the coastline, this small beach offers stunning views, clear water, and a chill vibe for solo beachgoers, families, friends, and pets (dogs are allowed).
I struck gold with a super sunny, warm day when I went to Howth and spent a couple of hours soaking it all in, along with gorgeous views on this Dublin beach.
⭐Due to its location, it does require visitors to navigate a steep stone staircase to access.
Organized Tours from Dublin to Howth
While Howth is quite easy to get to and explore on your own, there are some moving pieces to navigate. If you want a seamless, carefree trip to Howth from Dublin, there are some highly rate day trips that include transportation, attractions, and free time to explore.
These day trips from Dublin to Howth take all the guess work out of planning and executing a trip yourself and avoid taking the train or bus, all at very reasonable rates.
Whether you visit Howth on your own, or take a guided tour, you won’t regret this perfect day trip from Dublin. This little fishing village has so much to offer, whether you are looking for some outdoor adventure, beach time, amazing seafood, Irish history, or to cover it all, Howth is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Ireland’s capital city.
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