A rugged coastal trail just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, the Howth Cliff Walk serves up dramatic sea-cliff views, a historic lighthouse, and a fishing village packed with seafood spots — all accessible by DART train.
The most popular route. Starts at Howth DART station, follows the harbour, passes Balscadden Bay Beach, then climbs onto the cliffs. Returns parallel to the outward path. About 2 hours, moderate difficulty, 130 m ascent.
The best all-rounder. Follows the same coastal cliffs as the Green Loop to the Summit, then descends through the old tramline pathway with sweeping harbour views. About 2 hours, moderate, 130 m ascent.
For those wanting more distance. The Red Loop (8 km, 2.5 hrs) circles the Ben of Howth inland. The Purple Loop (12 km, 3 hrs) is the toughest, going all the way to the Baily Lighthouse and Red Rock before looping back across heather-covered hills.
The easy option: park at Howth Summit car park, follow the well-trodden trail from beside the Summit Pub for panoramic sea views with almost no climbing. Takes under an hour — ideal if you're short on time or dislike steep hills.
The cliff sections are a haven for seabirds — look for guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, and gulls nesting on the rock faces. Grey seals can often be seen in the water below. The Baily Lighthouse, built in 1814 and the last Irish lighthouse to be automated, sits at the tip of the headland.
Howth Harbour is lined with seafood spots: King Sitric for crab claws and fish & chips, The Brass Monkey for tapas-style seafood on the West Pier, or Mamó for something more modern. Howth Market (weekends & bank holidays, 9am–6pm) sells artisan food, crafts and gelato beside the DART station.
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