Top things to do in Howth
Arguably one of Dublin’s most scenic villages, Howth is a fantastic day trip option if you want to step away from the busy pace of the city. Overlooking the wide expanse of the Irish Sea, the idyllic fishing village truly comes alive when the sun shines. If you’re an avid Joycean, you may already know that Howth features prominently in James Joyce’s works, particularly in Ulysses and Finnegans Wake.
Known for its dramatic cliffs, scenic harbour and fresh seafood, Howth is the perfect day-trip destination from Dublin for friends and families alike. Whether you’re seeking adventure on cliff-top walks, fresh seafood by the harbour, or simply a peaceful escape from city life, discovering the many things to do in Howth will leave you planning your next visit before you’ve even left. If seaside towns are your cup of tea, you might enjoy our guide on 5 more coastal towns in Dublin, all easily accessible from the city centre
Conquer Howth Cliff Path Walk
No visit to Howth is complete without exploring the much-cherished cliff path walk. Considered a moderate hike, the 6km-long trail is a paradise for walkers offering panoramic views across Dublin Bay and beyond, including of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye.
The loop, which starts from Howth DART station, takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level. The well-trodden trail winds along the rugged coastline, past the iconic Baily Lighthouse and through areas of natural beauty. In spring, wildflowers line the path, while autumn brings dramatic skies and clearer visibility for photography enthusiasts.
The route offers multiple trails, and if you’re short on time, the shorter lighthouse walk takes about 45 minutes and still provides incredible photo opportunities. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and bring layers as coastal weather can change quickly and the clifftops can be windy even on calm days. If you want to enjoy as many of Dublin’s coastal walks as possible on your trip, our guide to the top coastal walks in Dublin will give you some inspiration.
Take a dip at Balscadden Bay Beach
Just a short walk from the Howth Dart station, Balscadden Bay is a popular swimming spot thanks to its sheltered cove and relatively calm waters. It’s a perfect place for a refreshing dip after your cliff walk. A bit of caution is highly recommended as the steps down to the beach are quite steep. Other beaches that you could consider exploring include Claremont and Red Rock located on the western and southern side of the Howth peninsula, respectively.
Stroll along Howth Harbour
Howth’s harbour remains the heart of this fishing village, where colourful boats bob alongside luxury yachts, creating a picture-perfect maritime scene. The harbour area buzzes with activity as fishing boats return with their daily catch, often including Dublin Bay prawns, crab, and fresh fish that appears on local restaurant menus within hours.
You can also head out to Ireland’s Eye via from Howth Pier.
Enjoy Howth Market
The weekend market near the harbour showcases the best of local produce, artisan crafts, and specialty foods. You can browse stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to organic vegetables or grab freshly baked goods and locally roasted coffee while watching harbour activity. While the market takes place every weekend and on bank holidays, its five retail units serve the public seven days a week. Check out some more of Dublin’s top markets to explore while visiting.
Saunter through Howth Castle and Gardens
Go on a guided tour through the historic Howth Castle and its surrounding gardens. The castle had been home to the Gaisford- St Lawrence family, who were the “lords and earls” of Howth, from 1177 until the family sold the estate in 2019 to an Irish investment group. The tour will give you a rare glimpse into one of Ireland’s most historic homes, which evolved through generations of architectural additions reflecting the changing styles of its inhabitants.
Once you’ve finished your tour, you can saunter through the sprawling grounds of the estate which leads to the magnificent Rhododendron Gardens that bloom in May and June.
If you’re a golf enthusiast, the three beautiful golf courses at Deer Park Golf within the estate will bring you much delight – all the more because of stunning Dublin coastline backdrop.
Grab a pint and hearty grub at a local restaurant
Howth has no dearth of options if you feel like a crisp pint of beer after a gruelling day of hiking. Head to one of the trad pubs like McNeills, The Bloody Stream, or The Abbey Tavern, a coastal gem that has been hosting Irish music and dance nights since the 1960s.
For dining, Howth offers an array of options ranging from casual fish and chips shops to upscale establishments serving innovative Irish cuisine. You should check out the likes of King Sitric Seafood Bar, Aqua, and Beshoffs if you are a fan of seafood.
How to get to Howth from Dublin
Howth is conveniently located on the DART train line, making it easily accessible from Dublin city centre. You can enjoy the sea views from your seat as it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Howth Junction from Dublin’s Connolly station.
Buses from the city are also available, and cycling along the coast is a scenic alternative for the adventurous.
Where to Stay?
Howth is the perfect day trip from Dublin. To get the most of your stay in Dublin, we recommend staying in the city, you’re beside transport links to the rest of the country, ideal for day trips. Fancy learning more about what you can do on your visit? Check out our blog on 7 more day trips from Dublin. You can also explore the rich culture, live music, and family activities in the city itself.
Recommended Hotels
We recommend our 3 Dublin City hotels for your stay. Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, located in Dublin 2 is centrally located and hosts a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and beauty treatments rooms, ideal for relaxation (And those rainy days). Clayton Hotel Charlemont is ideally located for exploring the city, you can take a stroll down to Grafton Street (Dublin’s iconic shopping area), or hop on the LUAS located outside the hotel which gives you access to all the sights across the city, And finally Clayton Hotel Burlington Road is ideally located for exploring some of the city’s best museums and the iconic St. Stephen’s Green.
FAQs: Things to do in Howth
The full cliff walk loop takes 2-3 hours, while shorter lighthouse walks take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
The last DART typically departs around 11:30 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Yes, but water temperatures range from 8-10°C in winter to 15-17°C in summer, so many prefer summer swimming.
Howth is approx. 30-40 minutes from Dublin’s Connolly Train Station, the journey on the DART hosts views of neighbouring seaside villages, and the Irish Sea.
