A well-marked 6 km loop along dramatic sea cliffs just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, offering lighthouse views, a hidden swimming cove, and one of the easiest coastal hikes in Ireland.
The heart of the Green Route hugs the cliff edge for about 2 km with the Irish Sea directly below. The path is narrow but mostly flat, flanked by heather and gorse. The standout landmark is Baily Lighthouse, built in 1814 after a series of deadly shipwrecks and still operational today.
Around 3.4 km in, a rocky promontory called Louis' Point offers the best head-on views of Baily Lighthouse framed by cliffs. There are natural ledges to sit on — perfect for a snack break with a panorama of Dublin Bay.
Early in the walk, a short detour off Balscadden Road leads to a hidden cove popular with local swimmers. It's a sheltered, pebbly beach tucked below the cliffs — refreshing on a warm day, brisk otherwise.
After climbing stairs to Howth Summit, the Green Route follows the Upper Cliff Path along the top of the headland. Here you'll spot the enormous EIRE-6 sign — a WWII-era marker made of stones declaring Ireland's neutrality, best appreciated from above.
Throughout the walk, especially on the northern leg past the car park, you get clear views of Ireland's Eye — a small uninhabited island just offshore with a Martello tower and seabird colonies. Boat trips to the island run from Howth Harbour in summer.
The walk ends back at the harbour, where Howth's fishing-village roots shine. Grab takeaway fish and chips from Beshoff's and eat by the water, or settle into a cosy pub like The Bloody Stream or O'Connell's for a pint and a beef-and-Guinness pie.
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