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.
A fishing harbour and a cliff loop with Dublin Bay below. It's a day out of Dublin: 31 km of driving in total, about 1h 19m behind the wheel, and the rest of the day on your feet.
The plan below is paced so the driving doesn't eat the day: leave after breakfast, be back for the evening. Every stop can be swapped for one of three alternatives if it isn't your kind of thing.
Your days
A short loop out of Dublin: cliff views and a working harbour in the morning, a seafood table and island vistas by afternoon.
From the cliff viewpoint, it's a quick drive down into the village and the harbourfront itself.
A short hop inland from the harbour brings you to the castle grounds.
Back down at the harbour for a table looking out over the boats.
A final stroll along the pier before heading back.
Nothing stops you at the road, so this is on you to settle. The M50 around Dublin has no barriers — pay online by 8pm the next day or it becomes a penalty.
Buy at www.eflow.iePrice checked 2026-07-30. Confirm on the official site.
- The whole round trip is under 30 km each way — no need to fill the tank before leaving Dublin.
- Howth's harbour car parks fill on weekends — arrive before midday for easy parking.
- Dublin's city centre has a low-emission focus but Howth itself has no restricted zone.
- No timed tickets needed for any Howth stop except booking ahead for a harbourside restaurant table.
- Ireland's Eye boat trip+2 km
A short boat crossing lands you on a small uninhabited island with a Martello tower and seabird colonies.
- Baily Lighthouse viewpoint+3 km
A dramatic working lighthouse at the tip of Howth Head, visible from the cliff path.
- Sutton Cross to Portmarnock Beach+8 km
A long sandy beach just past Howth's peninsula, popular for an easy flat coastal stroll.
- Malahide Castle and Gardens+15 km
A well-preserved medieval castle with extensive walled gardens, a short drive north of Howth.
This route was drafted with AI. Please double-check roads, opening hours and local conditions before you go.
Questions, answered
- Are the Cliffs of Moher really doable in a day from Dublin?
- Yes, but it is a long one: roughly three hours each way, so plan on ten to eleven hours door to door. It works best if you make the drive part of the point and add the Burren on the way back, rather than treating it as a single stop.
- Do I need to pre-book Newgrange?
- Yes. The passage tomb can only be visited on a guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre, tours sell out in summer, and you cannot drive to the monument itself: the shuttle from the centre is the only access. Book before you drive.
- What about the M50 toll?
- The eastbound and westbound toll at Junction 6–7 is barrier-free: cameras read your plate and you pay by 8pm the next day online. Hire companies charge an administration fee on top if they pay it for you, so do it yourself the evening you drive.
- Which day works best in bad weather?
- Kilkenny: the castle, the medieval mile and the brewery are all indoors or short hops. Glendalough is fine in drizzle and better without crowds, but the upper lake walk turns to mud.
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