This guide is perfect if you want an easy, car-free day trip from Dublin with scenic walks, fresh seafood, and sea views. Whenever I crave a bit of nature, a coastal walk, and even a chat with some seals, I always head to Howth. It’s one of those places that really has it all. If you’re travelling to Dublin or exploring Ireland, the seaside village of Howth is a perfect choice for a day trip (or even just half a day). It’s easily accessible by public transportation from Dublin city centre and feels like a proper escape from the city without going far.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to spend a day in Howth, from how to get there and when to visit, to the best things to do, see, and eat along the way.

Note:

Prices and opening times are included in this post, but they can change at any time, especially opening hours. Always double-check on official websites so you don’t miss out on your dream activity.

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Last update: February 2026 – Howth day trip YouTube video added

How to get to Howth?

Luckily, you don’t need a car to travel to Howth, it’s easily accessible from Dublin city centre by both train and bus. I personally prefer the bus because of the views, but both options are convenient. Services usually run once or twice per hour, and the journey takes around 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the route.

By train (DART)

Howth is about 30 minutes from Dublin city centre by train, departing from Connolly Station. DART runs roughly every 30 minutes during the day and takes you straight to Howth Harbour, the heart of the village.

Tickets (2,60 EUR/person) are available at the station, and the machines accept cards. 

By bus

The bus takes about 40–50 minutes and drops you off at Howth Summit, which is ideal if you want to start the Cliff Walk. 

Bus H3 goes through Howth village, while bus 6 approaches the summit from the other side of the peninsula. This route takes a bit longer, but the views are better. 

Local tip!

For the best Dublin Bay views, sit on the right-hand side of the bus.

Bus tickets can be bought directly from the driver for 2,60 EUR/person (if you don’t own a Leap card). Make sure to have the exact amount in coins, otherwise you won’t be able to buy bus tickets, and drivers don’t give you back change. 

Top places to visit in Howth

On the Wanderlog map below, you can see the main attractions in Howth, including scenic viewpoints, natural sights, walking routes, beaches, coffee spots, and restaurants. It’s a real time-saver, especially if you don’t want to plan everything from scratch.

The map shows the exact locations and lets you turn layers on and off, so you can easily focus on what matters most to you. It’s also great for saving spots before your trip and following the route on the day without constantly checking different apps.

The best time to visit Howth

After visiting Howth many times, I can honestly say it’s beautiful in every season, especially when the skies are blue and there’s no rain. But as I usually say: just expect rain, and if it’s not raining, it’s already good.

Spring and autumn are my favourite times to do the Howth Cliff Walk. This is when the yellow gorse bushes are in bloom, and the hills turn a gorgeous shade of yellow. In summer, the landscape changes, with green ferns and purple wildflowers taking over the hills.

Summer is also the best time to enjoy the beaches and spend time by the sea. The days are longer, which gives you more time to explore, but it’s also the busiest season, especially on weekends. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s a good idea to book boat tours and restaurant tables in advance.

Local tip!

No matter when you visit, always keep an eye on the weather. It can get very windy in Howth, so make sure to dress in layers.

Howth day trip from Dublin: Everything you need to know 

Howth is one of the easiest day trips from Dublin because it’s only 30 minutes away by train or bus and doesn’t require a car. In one day, you can enjoy coastal walks, beaches, seafood, and a boat trip, all within walking distance. It’s ideal if you want nature and sea views without spending hours travelling.

This is how my ideal day would look in Howth:

• Take the bus from Dublin to Howth Summit
• Howth Cliff Walk, including the Dublin Bay viewpoint
• Lunch at a seafood restaurant
• Coffee at Off Grid Coffee
• Stroll at Howth Market
• Say hello to the seals at the pier
• Boat ride to Ireland’s Eye
• Take the DART back to Dublin

I’ve also filmed a YouTube video showing how to spend a full day in Howth, with real views, food spots, and coastal walks.

Top things to do and see in Howth

1. Howth Cliff Walk

The Cliff Walk is my favourite thing to do in Howth. The views are breathtaking, the walk is easy, and it’s not too long. My preferred way is to take the bus from Dublin city centre to Howth Summit, then walk along the cliffs towards Howth village. This way, the trail is mostly downhill, and at the end of the walk, you don’t have to wait for a bus or walk through residential areas. And best of all, plenty of pubs and restaurants will be waiting for you when you arrive in Howth.

The path is mostly even, with just a few bumps, so hiking shoes aren’t strictly necessary. Comfortable shoes are usually enough, but after rain, the ground can get muddy, so waterproof and sturdy shoes are a good idea. Some sections of the trail are quite narrow and only wide enough for one person, so take your time.

Sights along Howth Cliff Walk

• Éire Sign 6: Located along the upper trail, close to Howth Summit. 
• Baily Lighthouse: Easily reachable from Howth Summit, with gorgeous panoramic views over Dublin Bay. Although you won’t be able to see the lighthouse from there…
• Tiny Hidden Beach: If you have extra time and feel like a sea dip, don’t miss this little hidden spot.

Howth Cliff Walk trail information

Howth Cliff Walk (half loop – easier version)

• Length: around 5 km
• Duration: 1,5-2 hours
• Difficulty: easy
• Parking is available at Howth Summit and in the centre near the pier.
• Public toilets can be found at Howth Summit and at the start/end point of the trail close to Howth village.

Howth and Bailey Lighthouse Loop (on AllTrails)

• Length: 7,2 km
• Duration: 2-2,5 hours
• Difficulty: moderate
• This is the whole loop, starting and finishing in Howth village, and it includes the lighthouse.
• Public toilets can be found at Howth Summit and at the start/end point of the trail close to Howth village, moreover, at the beginning of the East and West Piers.

2. Look out for seals at Howth Pier

A nice alternative to the cliff walk is exploring the piers and walking all the way to Howth Lighthouse on the East Pier. From here, you often have a good chance of spotting seals swimming around in the distance.

If you want to see them up close, head to the West Pier instead. Be patient, they usually show up. When you see a small crowd gathered in one spot, it’s almost always because a seal has appeared. They’re cute, curious, and clearly hoping for food. However, you’re not supposed to feed them for health and safety reasons. They are wild animals, and feeding them can change their natural behaviour.

Fun fact!

A tour guide once mentioned that around 2011, everyone was feeding the seals so much that the harbour was full of them. As a result, a formal ban on feeding the seals was introduced with a 5000 euro fine… The locals complained about the warning signs placed in the harbour, so don’t worry, today you won’t get fined, but still, don’t feed them. 

3. Boat trip to Ireland’s Eye

If you like boat trips and dramatic cliffs, this is a great way to see the Howth coastline from a different angle or to circle around Ireland’s Eye. I chose the Ireland’s Eye boat tour with Howth Cliff Cruises, and it turned out to be a really nice experience.

You can buy tickets directly at the harbour, book online through the company’s website, or use platforms like GetYourGuide. During the summer, several companies offer tours, but I liked Howth Cliff Cruises because they use a small boat and actually stop atpoints to explain what you’re seeing along the way.

The trip lasted around 45 minutes. First, we explored the Howth coastline around Balscadden Bay, an area that inspired several Irish writers. It appears in James Joyce’s Ulysses, in the proposal scene, and the paths and sea views here also inspired W.B. Yeats.

From there, we headed towards Ireland’s Eye. The island was on our left side, so if you want the best views, sit on the left and thank me later 😉

Ireland’s Eye is a small, uninhabited island that’s home to colonies of seals and seabirds. It has a special microclimate, shaped by soils from glacial drift and layered rock types, which support a different mix of plants than you’ll find on the mainland. During summer, you can also spot puffins on the island.

The cliffs were incredible. We got surprisingly close to them and even stopped by a cave. The patterns in the rock were beautiful, and the water was an unreal shade of turquoise. After passing the Martello Tower, we headed back to Howth West Pier, which looked even more impressive with the sun shining over the village.

Ireland’s Eye and Howth Coast Tour information

• Boat trip company: Howth Cliff Cruises
• Location: End of the West Pier, Howth Harbour
• Other tour options: Ferry to Ireland’s Eye, Howth Cliffs and Lighthouse Tour, Howth Cruise and Dining Experience, Private Tours
• Ticket: 25 EUR/person (no cash needed)
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Opening time: Seasonal, depending on weather and demand
• Note: The itinerary may change based on weather conditions for passenger safety.

Local tip!

During the summer, I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance. Tours can sell out quickly, and this is also the best time to see puffins on the island. If you don’t want to miss out, book ahead. This is the only way to see puffins near Dublin. 

4. Visit the beaches around Howth

Balscadden Bay Beach

Balscadden Bay Beach is a small beach located at the start or end of the Howth Cliff Walk, tucked into the protected and scenic Balscadden Bay. The beach is a mix of sand, pebbles, and shells, which can make getting into the water a bit tricky.

Access is via a narrow staircase, and there are no public toilets or facilities nearby, so plan ahead.

Burrow Beach

Burrow Beach is the most popular beach in Howth and one of the most loved beaches in the Dublin area. It’s known for its soft sand and long shoreline, stretching for about 1.2 km. The water here is usually not as cold as you might expect, and on clear days you’ll have lovely views of Ireland’s Eye.

The beach is located at the beginning of the Howth peninsula in Sutton, so if you’re using public transport, get off before reaching Howth village. On warm summer days, the beach gets very busy, and DART can be packed with people heading out. Parking is limited along the road, but there are bicycle racks at the entrance to the beach.

There are a few public toilets available, but no food stalls, so bring snacks or drinks with you.

Tiny Hidden Beach

As the name suggests, the Tiny Hidden Beach is small and tucked away. It’s not completely secret, but it’s not the easiest spot to reach. The beach is located along the Howth Cliff Walk, not far from the summit, and can be accessed via a steep staircase carved into the cliffside. Going down is manageable, but the climb back up definitely feels tougher.

Because of its hidden location, it’s usually quiet. The beach is made up of small and larger pebbles, so getting into the water isn’t very smooth. Don’t expect any facilities here, there are no public toilets or amenities.

5. Try out some seafood restaurants

Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas Restaurant

Octopussy’s is located along the West Pier, and there’s usually a long queue outside. I’d wanted to try it for ages but kept skipping it because I didn’t feel like waiting. Honestly, I’d say the wait is worth it. Once, we chose the place next door, The Oar House, instead of waiting, and we were very disappointed. Not the best backup option… Fortunately, the West Pier offers many foodie options.

Luckily, Octopussy’s is much less busy outside the summer season. The interior is small, but they also have a few tables outside.

We tried oysters as a starter, and they were super tasty. The seafood chowder is delicious, very creamy, and packed with seafood. You can also choose from a wide variety of fish, shellfish, prawns, and sides.

The Abbey Tavern 

The Abbey Tavern has a classic Irish pub vibe, a lovely atmosphere, and a great location right next to St. Mary’s Abbey. According to my boyfriend, they serve the best seafood chowder in Howth. For me, it has a bit too many herbs, so it’s not my personal favourite, even though it’s very creamy.

The menu includes traditional Irish dishes as well as a good selection of seafood options and platters. We once shared their Fisherman’s Platter, and everything was delicious. We definitely didn’t leave hungry. And a reservation is also possible.

Pubs along Harbour Road

Many pubs along Harbour Road serve seafood chowder and also offer plenty of non-fish options. They usually have outdoor seating with sea views, which is perfect on a sunny day. 

O’Connells Pub & Restaurant has a nice menu and a tasty seafood chowder, making it a solid choice if you want something reliable. 

Howth Market

Howth Market is home to lots of food stalls serving fresh seafood, Mexican bites, baked goods, crêpes, and local produce. Bodega Coffee Co. is a good stop for nice coffee and sweet treats.

Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth wandering around the market to check out the art pieces, souvenir shops, and artisan products.

6. Howth Castle Cookery School

Howth Castle Cookery School offers a wide range of cooking classes, from steak nights to Asian street food, so there’s something for everyone. A class costs around €105 per person, and it also makes a great gift idea.

The first time we went, we chose the Sunday Brunch Ideas course (no surprise there, given our brunch obsession). We prepared three delicious dishes, and the class included tea, coffee, and water. It lasted around two hours, and we enjoyed every minute of it (especially the eating part).

Our two tutors, Ian and Mark, guided us through the recipes and showed us useful cutting, cooking, and plating tips along the way. They were super helpful, always ready to give advice and answer questions.

Watch the video about our brunch class at Howth Castle:

The second time, we went for a Steak Night, and it was just as good. We started by preparing side dishes like red wine jus, mushroom sauce, salsa verde, and garlic herb butter, while learning proper cooking methods and cutting techniques from the chefs. The highlight of the night was definitely cooking the perfect steak. Thanks to their tips, we’ll never make the same mistakes at home again.

We finished the evening with a mouthwatering steak dinner and a glass of wine, the perfect ending…

Watch the video about our steak night at Howth Castle:

Whether you’re visiting Dublin for a few days or looking for an easy escape, a day trip to Howth from Dublin is always a great idea. Howth is one of those places that never gets boring, no matter how many times you visit. Whether you’re into coastal walks, boat trips, good food, or just soaking up sea views, it’s an easy and rewarding escape from Dublin.

I hope this guide helps you plan your day in Howth and makes your visit even better.

Would you take a day trip to Howth? Let me know in the comments below, what would be your favourite activity?

For more travel tips about Dublin and Ireland, read the following posts:

• Dublin Bucket List – 26 Things to Do in Dublin, Ireland – A Local’s Picks
• How to spend a day in Kilkenny, Ireland? – Perfect day trip from Dublin
• 2 days in Co. Clare, Ireland – Top things to do in County Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way
• 4-day Wicklow travel itinerary – Best places to stay, eat & explore

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