Black Linn Loop – Howth Cliff Walk

Overview

The Black Linn Loop is one of four colour-coded routes that form the Howth Cliff Walk network. Marked by a red arrow on a white background, this moderate trail covers 8.10 km with a 160 m ascent and typically takes two and a half hours to complete. Starting and finishing at Howth Railway Station, the loop is easily accessible via the DART from Dublin city centre. It remains free to walk year-round, offering a rugged coastal experience that balances clifftop drama with quiet heathland.

Route Highlights

Walkers on the Black Linn Loop encounter a mix of maritime history, coastal geology, and native flora. Key features include:

• The Nose of Howth: A short climb from the harbour promenade reveals the peninsula’s eastern tip, framing clear views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye.
• Baily Lighthouse: The red-and-white tower stands on a rugged outcrop. It holds the distinction of being the last lighthouse in Ireland to be fully automated.
• Black Linn Heath: The trail crosses an open hillside known locally as Black Linn. In summer, the bright yellow gorse releases a distinctive coconut-like fragrance that hangs in the coastal air.
• Ben of Howth: At the summit car park, the elevation reaches 171 m, offering a 360-degree panorama across Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Irish Sea.
• Historic Tramline: The return leg follows the route of the old electric tramway, which operated between Howth and Dublin from 1901 to 1959. Iron rails and embankments remain visible along the path.

Walking the Trail

The route is clearly waymarked, but following the logical progression helps navigate the junctions with the other Howth loops.

1. Start at the DART Station: Follow the red arrow onto the harbour promenade. At the end of the promenade, veer right onto Balscadden Road and ascend to the Kilrock car park to join the main cliff path.
2. The Clifftop Path: Follow the well-trodden cliff path for approximately 3 km. Keep an eye out for seabirds nesting on the rock faces. Turn right to leave the longer purple loop and ascend toward The Summit car park.
3. Summit Car Park to Black Linn: Exit the car park through the height-restriction barrier onto Bailey Green Road. Follow the road downhill to the junction at The Summit Stores and pub, then turn left.
4. Tweedy’s Hill & Black Linn: After about 100 m on the tarred road, turn right onto a grassy path. Cross Carrickbrack Road to join the ascent up Tweedy’s Hill. At the top, join Windgate Road, turn right, and look for the gateway on the left that leads onto the hillside.
5. Return via Tramline: Cross the open Black Linn heath, descending through the grounds of the local GAA club and past the Balkill Park estate. Here, the path merges with the old tramline route, leading directly back to the DART station.

History & Heritage

Howth Head has drawn visitors and settlers for centuries. First recorded in 11th-century Norse documents, the peninsula later became a favourite subject for writers, including James Joyce, who immortalised it in Ulysses. The Black Linn Loop traces pathways that once served as vital links between the fishing village, the summit, and Dublin city. The tramline section offers a tangible connection to early 20th-century transport, while the surrounding cliffs have long been used by naturalists to study seabird colonies.

Practical Tips & Safety

• Footwear & Weather: The terrain can be rough and uneven in sections. Sturdy walking boots are strongly recommended. Coastal winds can be fierce, so bring a windproof layer even on mild days.
• Seasonal Considerations: In July and August, some grassy sections may be overgrown with nettles or thorny bushes. Long trousers are advisable during the summer months.
• Cliff Safety: There are no railings along the cliff edges. Keep a safe distance from the edge, especially when stopping for photos or watching for grey seals and kittiwakes.
• Getting There: The DART is the most convenient option. Trains run frequently from Dublin Connolly, Tara Street, or Pearse stations. Parking in Howth village is extremely limited and fills quickly on weekends, making public transport the best choice for most visitors.
• Wildlife: Grey seals frequently rest on the rocks near the harbour and Balscadden Bay. Seabirds such as guillemots and razorbills nest on the cliffs between March and August; avoid disturbing nesting areas.

Nearby Attractions

• Bailey Lighthouse – Reachable via a short detour from the loop, this historic tower offers closer views of the Irish Sea.
• Aideen’s Grave – A legendary Neolithic dolmen located on the peninsula, steeped in local mythology.
• Howth Castle & Gardens – Situated just back in the village, the castle grounds provide a peaceful contrast to the rugged coastal trails.
• Howth Harbour – After finishing the walk, explore the busy fishing port for fresh seafood restaurants and boat trips to Ireland’s Eye.

A downloadable trail map is available from Sport Ireland: Black Linn Loop Map.

Pack a light snack and check the DART timetable before you start, as evening trains run less frequently and the walk can take longer than expected in strong winds.