Howth Day Trip from Dublin
A fishing harbour and a cliff loop with Dublin Bay below
A one-day drive from Dublin to Howth — 31 km round trip, about 1h 17m behind the wheel, with stops, timings and where to eat already worked out.
Cliff Path Loop
Dramatic sea cliffs, heather-covered headland and views to Ireland's Eye — one of Dublin's best coastal walks.
💡 Take the shorter loop (~1hr) if time-limited, or the full loop (~2.5hrs) for the best viewpoints.
Cliff Path Lp, Howth, Dublin
Howth Harbour
Working fishing harbour with colourful boats, seals often spotted near the piers, and a lighthouse walk.
💡 Walk out along the East Pier for the best lighthouse and harbour views.
Howth Harbour
Aqua Restaurant
Harbourside seafood restaurant in a former yacht club building with fresh local catch and water views.
💡 Book ahead for a window table overlooking the harbour.
1 W Pier, Howth, Dublin 13
Howth Castle Estate
Historic castle grounds with rhododendron gardens, an ancient dolmen, and parkland walks.
💡 Rhododendrons are best late May to early June.
Howth Castle, Howth, Dublin
Baily lighthouse viewpoint
Iconic lighthouse perched on the cliffs at the tip of the peninsula, a classic Dublin postcard view.
💡 Best light for photos is late afternoon.
9W9W+8Q, Howth, Dublin
- Howth is only ~30-40 min from central Dublin — no need for an early start
- Free parking is limited near the harbour; the East Pier car park fills by late morning
- No low-emission zone restrictions apply to Howth or the approach roads
- Weekends bring crowds to the cliff path — a weekday visit is far quieter
- Ireland's Eye boat trip+0 km
Small uninhabited island just offshore with seabird colonies and a Martello tower, reached by short ferry from Howth Harbour.
- Portmarnock Beach+10 km
Long sandy Blue Flag beach popular for walking, just a short drive from Howth on the way back toward Dublin.
- Malahide Castle and Demesne+15 km
Medieval castle set in extensive parkland with a walled botanic garden, a worthwhile detour north of Howth.
Make this trip your own
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