Overview
Howth sits on the tip of a narrow tombolo that links the former island of Howth Head to the mainland at Sutton. Just 14 km (about a 30‑minute DART ride) from Dublin city centre, the village blends a working fishing harbour, colourful streets of cafés and pubs, and a network of coastal paths that sweep past dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and the uninhabited island of Ireland’s Eye. The area is protected by a Special Amenity Area Order, ensuring that its wild heathland, sea‑bird colonies and panoramic sea views remain largely untouched.
History
Human activity on Howth dates back to the Neolithic, with the portal tomb known locally as Aideen’s Grave sitting on the grounds of Howth Castle. The name derives from Old Norse hǫfuð (“head”) and reflects the Viking settlement that survived until the Norman conquest of 1177. The St Lawrence family have owned Howth Castle since that time, and the estate’s Deer Park gates have famously remained open to the public after a 16th‑century promise by pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley.
The harbour was expanded in the early 19th century to serve the mail‑packet service, and King George IV left his famous footprint imprint on the West Pier in 1821. Today the harbour is a tier‑2 commercial fishing port, home to a modern ice‑making plant, RNLI lifeboat station and a leisure marina that launches seasonal ferries to Ireland’s Eye.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Howth Castle & Deer Park | Walk the historic grounds, view the rhododendron gardens, and spot the collapsed dolmen (Aideen’s Grave). |
| St Mary’s Church of Ireland | 13th‑century stone church overlooking the harbour, with a medieval tomb of Christopher St Lawrence. |
| Baily Lighthouse | Automated lighthouse at the southeast tip of the headland; the original stone tower dates to the 17th century. |
| Howth Cliff Walks | Five marked routes – Green (Cliff Path Loop, 6 km), Blue (Tramline Loop, 7 km), Red (Black Linn Loop, 8 km), Purple (Bog of Frogs, 12 km) and the easy Summit Walk (2 km). All start at the DART station and offer sea‑bird spotting, seal sightings and sweeping views of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island and Dublin Bay. |
| Beaches | Claremont, Balscadden Bay, Red Rock and the ‘hidden’ beach (view‑only). Seals are a regular sight at Balscadden Bay. |
| Museums | Ye Olde Hurdy‑Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio in a Martello tower, and the National Transport Museum of Ireland (historic fire engine, tram replica). |
| Markets & Food | The daily Howth Market (across from the DART station) offers coffee, artisan stalls and fresh fish. Seafood restaurants such as Aqua, Mamó, King Sitric and Beshoffs serve catch‑of‑the‑day dishes; traditional pubs like The Abbey Tavern and McNeills provide live music and craft beer. |
| Golf | Howth Golf Club (clifftop fairways) and the public Deer Park Golf Course beside the castle. |
| Festivals | Traditional music festival Féile Binn Éadair in May, Roots & Blues in August, and the Maritime & Seafood Festival in September. |
A boat ride from the harbour (summer only) takes you to Ireland’s Eye, where you can walk the island’s Martello tower, see seabird colonies and enjoy a quiet picnic away from the mainland crowds.
Practical Information
Getting there
- Train: The DART terminates at Howth railway station; services run every 30 minutes from Dublin Connolly, Tara Street or Pearse stations. The journey is roughly 30 minutes.
- Bus: Dublin Bus route H3 links the city centre (Lower Abbey Street) to the harbour and the Summit. Route 6 provides a scenic climb via Carrickbrack Road. Night‑link Nitelink 31n runs from Dublin city after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Airport: Bus 102 connects Dublin Airport to Sutton, where you can change for the DART or a local bus.
- Car: Parking is limited in the village; the most convenient public car park is on the harbour promenade (see map). Early arrival is advisable during summer.
Opening hours & visitor services
| Service | Hours |
|---|---|
| Howth Tourist Information Centre (Old Courthouse, Harbour Rd) | 09:30 – 17:00 daily |
| Hurdy‑Gurdy Museum (Martello Tower) | 10:00 – 17:00 (May‑September) |
| National Transport Museum | 10:00 – 17:00 (May‑September) |
| Howth Market (food stalls) | 09:00 – 18:00 (weekends) |
Most outdoor attractions – the cliffs, beaches, castle grounds and lighthouse – are free to access. Museum admission is modest (≈ €5 for adults).
Accessibility
The village centre and harbour promenade are largely level and wheelchair‑friendly. The cliff routes involve uneven surfaces, steep ascents and narrow ledges; they are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The Summit car park provides a flat starting point for the easier Summit Walk.
Contact & online resources
- Official tourism site: https://www.visitdublin.com/guides/things-to-do-in-howth
- Howth Walking Tours (guided walks): +353 879 914 970, 3A Harbour Rd, Howth, D13 T8Y7
- Howth Castle website (events & tours): https://howthcastle.ie
Best time to visit
The cliffs blaze with heather in August‑September, and the summer months bring the most frequent boat trips to Ireland’s Eye. Early summer offers the longest daylight for the longer Bog of Frogs loop, while autumn provides quieter villages and still‑pleasant sea breezes.
Whether you have a few hours for a harbour stroll, a full day for the cliff loops, or simply a craving for the freshest Dublin Bay prawns, Howth delivers a compact yet richly layered Irish experience just a short ride from the capital.