The Cliffs. Dublin's Best Day Trip - The Howth Cliff Path

Howth Village

Howth is a fishing village just 15 kilometres from Dublin city centre where you'll find cliffs and wild scenery that you'd only expect in the isolated west coast of Ireland.

The Howth cliffs are 500 feet high, not quite as big as the Cliffs of Moher, but you don't have to drive to the other side of the country to see dramatic cliffs.

I live nearby, I spent half my childhood here and walk these cliffs every week. Even after hundreds of visits, I still stop, look in awe at the views and have to remind myself that I am in the capital city of Ireland.

If you only have one day in Dublin, this is the Dublin day trip to do!

Howth Loop Walking Route

• My route is 4 hours at a relaxed pace with stops. But can be done in 3 hours.
• Distance : 11km or in iPhone speak, 16,000 steps & 56 floors climbed
• More details on how to get here & shorter routes are at the end of this page.

Howth Harbour

Coming out of the train station, you'll immediately know that you're in a working fishing village. You'll hear the seagulls, smell the air and hear the clanking of the sails. Turn left and walk down the west pier. You'll see the fishermen at work on their boats. It's a tough job fishing the cold Irish Sea so be grateful for their hard work.

Look out for the two seals who I call Fish & Chips 🦭🦭😂 . They are good buddies, you always see them hanging out together. They are looking for an easy lunch but please don't feed them! You'll see signs there asking you not to feed them.

You'll pass the fish shops selling catch that was still swimming a few hours ago.

My Family in Howth

I've got deep roots in Howth. My mother grew up nearby and spent her childhood Summer days in Howth, my father and uncle started their fish business here. I can see Howth out the window of my house as I write this.

Ireland's Eye

At the end of the pier, you will see small island, Ireland's Eye. It has monastic ruins from the 6th century on it but nobody has lived on it since the late 19th century, it was my mother's playground with her friends when she was growing up. You should do a boat tour out here on a nice day. They will land you on the island and (hopefully) come back for you later.

Howth Yacht Club

Then turn back and walk back down the pier, turn left and you'll be walking toward the Howth Yacht Club. Established in 1895, it's seen many tides turn in its day.

Howth East Pier

Behind the yacht club is Howth's East Pier. Locals walk their dogs here. It’s the quieter sibling to the west pier with its crowds. You'll probably hear a busker competing with seagulls for who can make the most annoying noise.

This is also a good spot to use the bathroom before beginning the cliff walk. There are some newly built public bathrooms here.

Balscadden Road

There's a reason that I had you walk the pier first. It was a warm up because your legs are about to start burning as you walk up the steep Balscadden Road. Just look for the red King Sitric restaurant and walk up the hill on its left.

Look over the edge and see if there's anyone braving the cold water of Balscadden Bay Beach. I walked it yesterday and it was cold, very cold. There was one brave lady thinking about swimming. She stood there for a moment or two, unaware that 100 meters above, there was a group of us silently rooting for her. When she jumped in, she got a huge cheer from us! But her ears were too numb to hear us.

In the summer there is a shop open at the top of the road here. It's not a bad idea to stock up on water. There is also one last toilet here before you start the cliff walk proper.

The Cliff Walk

This is the highlight of your day, and it'll probably be your favorite part of your entire Dublin visit. The views from the Howth Cliff Path are just spectacular.

For the next 30 minutes of your walk, simply follow the path. But take your time.

You're in a special place. Stop and take in the scenery. Listen for the birds. Look out at the boats. Can you see the peaks of the Welsh mountains?

Keep an eye on the vegetation as you walk. Look closely and you might spot wild goats that have been brought in to graze on the gorse. They're Howth's natural firefighters, keeping the undergrowth under control and reducing fire risk.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @irelandbylocals

Here's some of what you'll see on the Howth Cliff Path.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @irelandbylocals

The Steep Beach

Keep walking towards the lighthouse. You'll see people walking down step to join the path. They are coming down from the Summit car park (you can start here if you don't like walking uphill).

After a few minutes walk, you'll see a narrow path towards the water. Take it if you have a head for heights, look over and see the people on the tiny beach below.

I wish I could share a photo from the beach itself, but I do not have a head for heights and would never go down there, so here's my video from above and far back from the edge!

Bailey's Lighthouse

The original lighthouse built in 1667, with the current tower built in 1814. It is still an active lighthouse and can be seen from 26 nautical miles. It is automated nearly 30 years now, but when it was manually operated, wow, what a job those keepers had.

Dublin Bay View Point

On the right of the lighthouse gates is a raised viewing point. Walk up and now you have a majestic view over all of Dublin Bay. The city is on your right, behind the red and white chimneys. Straight ahead is the Southside of Dublin. Home to my Sea Tour which you should also do! Behind everything are the Wicklow Mountains.

The Secret Spot

Next, walk up the paved path, but don't turn right at the top like everyone else, look for the small sign on the left and the smaller gap in the shrubs. Walk through it when no one is looking!

This is the Bog of the Frogs trail. The hardest one on Howth, but none of the day trippers ever know about it. Just walk along it for a few minutes and you'll get some totally different views. Then turn back and walk up that path everyone else walked up back towards the Summit car park.

The last steps are cruelly steep, Dublin's Hillary Step. But there'll be people coming down, so pretend you're being polite by letting them pass, when really you're just catching your breath.

Howth Summit Car Park

Ok, take a break here. There are bathrooms, benches, and often a mobile coffee van.
You’ll probably see a bunch of cyclists catching their breath. Howth’s hills are a magnet for Dublin’s midlife crisis crowd on two wheels. Personally, I’d rather cruise than sweat.

This 3-hour e-bike tour of Howth is a fantastic way to take in the views without burning your calves. It gets top reviews and covers a lot in a short time.

The Eire World War 2 Sign

Now you're going back downhill. You'll go via the upper path of the cliff walk (don't forget to save my Google map of the route before you go).

You'll know you're on the right track when you see the palms trees, yes, you'll see a lot of those in coastal Ireland where the microclimates work their magic and produce chilly palms.

Just past the trees is this sign made from stone and designed to be seen from above so the German bombers knew they were flying over neutral Ireland during WW2.

From here, follow the path around to the left and you'll come out next to some houses. You're back on normal paved ground here. Walk downhill through past the church. Enjoy looking at the houses in this affluent part of Dublin.

Near the harbour, look on your left for the ruins of St Mary's Abbey. It's occasionally open to walk through.

Shorter Route Options

1. If you prefer a shorter and more accessible route, this route also starts in the harbour and will bring you to the beginning of the Cliff Walk. It takes an hour and is 5km. It is all paved but it is uphill for parts of Balscaddon Road. You can get some nice views from there.
2. For anyone with accessibility needs, you can get beautiful views from the Summit area, where there is a car park.
3. If you prefer to just walk downhill, then begin your walk at the Summit Car Park. The 6 or H3 bus will bring you there.

Stay Near Howth

The quietest time of the day in Howth is in the mornings and evenings. After the crowds have gone home. If you stay out here, then you can enjoy the beauty of Howth in peace. Howth is close to the airport & has nicer view than your average airport hotel.

Howth Restaurants

You've worked up a hunger. It's time to eat. I have a simple way of picking my dining spot, whichever restaurant has the least amount of divebombing seagulls hovering around outside it.

Fish & Chips is always popular. Oysters and Guinness is very local. Dublin Bay prawns are delectable. Scampi if you're hankering after something fried. And the seafood chowder is not optional. It is mandatory. Thank me after you've devoured it.

I like The Oar House & Beshoffs on the West Pier. Sometimes I prefer the quieter atmosphere in the village and The Abbey Tavern. But, honestly, I don't think I've had a bad meal in Howth.

There is a craft beer & seafood tour in Howth that I hear really good things about.

Howth Boat Tours

After all that walking, rest your legs and see the cliffs from the water. The boat captain's stories alone are worth the trip. I've never met a captain who isn't funny, especially Irish ones.

The boats are on the smaller size and are booked out in the Summer, so book before you go. The Bay cruise boat is the biggest if you prefer that.

1. Ireland's Eye Landing Tour - A few hours to explore Ireland's Eye. My favorite on a nice day
2. Howth & Ireland's Eye Cruise - Full circuit of the Ireland's Eye & Howth cliffs
3. Howth Cliffs & Lighthouse Tour - Close up views of the cliffs & lighthouse
4. Dublin Bay Cruise - Cross Dublin Bay to Dún Laoghaire

Howth Kayak Tour

If you prefer do use your own power, there is a kayak tour to Ireland's Eye as well. Look out for Fish & Chips as you paddle.

When To Go To Howth

Howth is firmly on the tourist trail and its narrow trails get busy, so go early in the day and during the week. This is especially important in the Summer when the weekend crowds ruin the experience.

It's worth getting up early to come out here before it gets busy. I often walk it at 7 or 8 in the morning and it's so peaceful.

What To Wear in Howth

This is a Dublin coastal walk on a 500ft high cliff. The weather could be anything at anytime. Even on a nice day, it can be windy & chilly on these exposed cliffs, so dress in layers and bring a raincoat.

Bring sunscreen. When the sun does come out, it's powerful.

Bring water. You're walking a lot.

The cliff path is not paved and is exposed in areas. Wear shoes with good grip!

Getting to Howth

1. Take the DART train. It's the quickest & most comfortable. Takes 30 minutes.
2. Take the H3 or 6 bus. It stops at the Summit. But it takes an hour though.
3. Splurge on a taxi
4. Drive. Parking is free.

Getting Back to Dublin

1. Take the DART home from Howth.
2. Cruise across Dublin Harbor to Dún Laoghaire. In Dún Laoghaire, you can take the DART back to town. Or even better, follow my Sea Tour to Killiney. It's Dublin's best coastal walk and it starts in Dún Laoghaire.

Why I Still Love Howth

Even though I've walked these cliffs countless times, they never get old. Each visit brings something new, different light, changing seasons, various wildlife.

You don’t need to go to the edge of this amazing island of ours to feel like you're on it. Just come to Howth. And if you want a local who knows where the secret paths and decent coffee are, you know where to find me.

Do the Howth Cliff Walk With Me

Have Questions?

Leave it in the comments below or on Facebook. I answer quickly on both.