IRELAND SPOTS
Day TripsNature & Outdoors

Howth Guide

A fishing village 25 minutes from the city centre by DART, with a 7.8km cliff walk and views over Dublin Bay, Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island.

By Ireland Spots Team
Published Updated 1 min read
The cliff path at Howth, County Dublin, looking out over the Irish Sea

Photo: Giuseppe Milo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Howth is one of the easiest good day trips from Dublin — no car needed, and most of what's worth seeing is within walking distance of the train station.

Getting there

Take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) to Howth station, the northern end of the line — about 25 minutes from the city centre, with trains running regularly throughout the day.

The Cliff Path Loop

The main walking route, the Cliff Path Loop, is roughly 7.8km and takes about 2 hours at an easy pace. It starts and ends at Howth DART station, following the clifftop around the peninsula with views over Dublin Bay, Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island. Several shorter loop options also start and end at the same station if you want less than the full route — current route maps are on discoverireland.ie.

The harbour and village

Howth is a working fishing village, and the harbour is still active — expect fresh seafood at the restaurants along the pier. A market runs in the village at weekends.

Ireland's Eye

A small uninhabited island just offshore, visible from the harbour and reachable by boat trip in season — check locally at the harbour for current operators and schedules, since these vary and aren't fixed year-round.

Planning tips

  • The full Cliff Path Loop is exposed to wind and weather — dress for it even on a sunny day in the city.
  • Howth works well as a half-day trip, or a full day if you want time at the harbour before or after the walk.
  • Wear proper walking shoes; parts of the cliff path are uneven.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Howth cliff walk take?

The main Cliff Path Loop is about 7.8km and takes roughly 2 hours at an easy walking pace. It starts and ends at Howth DART station.

Do I need a car to get to Howth?

No — Howth is on the DART line, about 25 minutes from Dublin city centre, and the cliff walk starts right at the station.

Practical details last verified 22 September 2026. Source: https://www.discoverireland.ie/dublin/howth-cliff-path-loop

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