Howth Cliff Walk

This hike allows you to explore the beautiful coastline around Dublin and take the Howth Cliff Walks, which has proven to be a must-do. This enchanting route on the Howth Peninsula, easily accessible by public transport from the Irish capital, offers breathtaking coastal scenery.

Details

n°71802032

Creation:
29 Mar 2025

Last update:
01 Apr 2025

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 7.85 km
Average duration: 2h 40
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 143 m
Descent: - 139 m
Highest point: 136 m
Lowest point: 3 m

Country: Ireland
Start/End: N 53.3886° / W 6.074219°
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Description of the walk

Departure from Howth DART station.

(S/E) Start from Howth DART station. Leave the station and head east along Harbour Road, following the lively harbour.

(1) Walk along the pier and you will see Howth Lighthouse. Continue along the promenade along the pier. You will soon see Howth Lighthouse. Enjoy the sea views and keep an eye out for friendly seals. Arrive at the path that runs along the cliffs.

(2) Leave the harbour area and follow the signs for the path that gradually climbs up the cliffs. The path becomes narrower and offers views down to the sea. Keep an eye out for birds nesting in the cliffs and you may also see grey seals.

(3) Reach the highest point with a panoramic view. After enjoying the view, begin the descent by following the path that moves slightly away from the ridge. The path becomes parallel to the one you took on the way up. Descend via the parallel path to return. Continue along this path, which gently descends towards the village of Howth, taking you back to your starting point near Howth DART station (7.8 km). (S/E)

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 9 m - Howth: Cliff Path loop – Hiking along Ireland's K
1 : km 0.71 - alt. 4 m - Howth Lighthouse
2 : km 1.32 - alt. 24 m - Start of the trail leading to the cliffs
3 : km 4.17 - alt. 134 m - Point with panoramic view
S/E : km 7.85 - alt. 9 m - Howth: Cliff Path loop – Hiking along Ireland's K

Notes

Warning: route with a brief description and few waypoints, which therefore does not offer the same guarantees as the walks usually published on Visorando.

Public transport: the Howth Peninsula is accessible from Dublin in 30 minutes by public transport, mainly by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). Timetable and fare information is available at stations and on the transport operators' websites.
Equipment: The weather in Ireland can be changeable. It is recommended to wear several layers of clothing according to the "onion principle", ranging from a light T-shirt to a jumper and windproof and waterproof outer clothing. Don't forget your sunscreen.
Physical requirements: Somewhat demanding: basic physical fitness is required.

Worth a visit

The fishing village of Howth is a lively and charming place with Viking roots.
Right next to Howth Pier, you will find some of Dublin's best seafood restaurants, ranging from tapas to fine dining and traditional fish and chips.
You can watch friendly seals near the harbour.

And if you want to find all the information you need to visit Dublin in a few days, feel free to check out the article I wrote on the subject, Dublin in two days.