Baily Lighthouse Viewpoint, Dublin - A very tall white tower sitting under a blue sky
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Baily Lighthouse Viewpoint Dublin

4.8
·65 reviews·Dublin, Ireland

Iconic Baily Lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs, accessible via the stunning Howth Cliff Walk with panoramic Dublin Bay views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Baily Lighthouse Viewpoint, Dublin - A very tall white tower sitting under a blue sky

Baily Lighthouse Viewpoint Dublin

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Baily Lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs, accessible via the stunning Howth Cliff Walk with panoramic Dublin Bay views.

4.8
(65 reviews)

"The Howth Cliff Walk to Baily Lighthouse offers breathtaking coastal views and a refreshing escape."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Cliff Walk is Key

The cliff walk from Howth Village to Baily Lighthouse is highly recommended for the best views.

🚌 Bus to the Summit

Take the H3 or 6 bus to the Summit to shorten the walk if needed.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baily Lighthouse

Baily Lighthouse

Howth Head

Iconic lighthouse perched dramatically on the cliffs, offering breathtaking panoramic sea views.

Howth Cliff Walk

Howth Cliff Walk

Coastal path from Howth Village

A stunning coastal trail with dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and abundant wildlife. A must-do for nature lovers.

Howth Summit Views

Howth Summit Views

Howth Head Summit

Panoramic vistas of Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, and the surrounding coastline. Perfect for photos.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cliff Walk

The most rewarding way to experience the Baily Lighthouse is via the scenic cliff walk from Howth Village. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the stunning coastal views and fresh sea air. Wear comfortable shoes!

Getting to Howth Summit

While the cliff walk is ideal, buses like the H3 or 6 can take you closer to the Summit, reducing walking time. Consider this if you have mobility concerns or are short on time, but the walk offers the best vistas.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Summer
Why
Pleasant weather, blooming flora
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

How to get around Howth?

🚶‍♀️ Cliff Walk is Key

The cliff walk from Howth Village to Baily Lighthouse is highly recommended for the best views. Reddit

🚌 Bus to the Summit

Take the H3 or 6 bus to the Summit to shorten the walk if needed. Reddit

reddit.com

Day Trip to Howth - Which trail should I take from the summit?

reddit.com

Howth Planning

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the cliff walk; sturdy footwear is a must for navigating the terrain. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Howth Head is a great spot for photos of the lighthouse and coastline. Reddit

reddit.com

when’s the best day to go to Howth ?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Cliff Walk is Key

The cliff walk from Howth Village to Baily Lighthouse is highly recommended for the best views. Reddit

🚌 Bus to the Summit

Take the H3 or 6 bus to the Summit to shorten the walk if needed. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Essential for the cliff walk; sturdy footwear is a must for navigating the terrain. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

Howth Head is a great spot for photos of the lighthouse and coastline. Reddit

🚲 Consider E-Bikes

Electric bike trials are available in Howth for an alternative way to explore. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(65 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking coastal scenery and the invigorating Howth Cliff Walk. The Baily Lighthouse itself is a picturesque landmark, and the opportunity to spot wildlife adds to the charm. Some find the walk challenging, and weather can be a factor, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and fresh air.

"This place will always have a special place in my heart. I recommend it to all the lovers of hiking and adventures but also to all the people searching a place to quite their mind and relax in front of nature’s beauty !"

Martina Minardi

"Really beautiful, and if it’s not raining I could be a really nice hike
I took the green/blue trip"

Charles-Henry Bourlier

"Can’t get to lighthouse. Disappointing after the walk but looped around to the harbour for stunning views"

Stephen Kenny

What People Like

Stunning cliff views
Invigorating cliff walk
Picturesque lighthouse

What People Dislike

Weather dependent
Can be challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most scenic route is to take the DART train to Howth Village and then embark on the cliff walk. Alternatively, you can take the H3 or 6 bus from Howth Village up to the Summit, which is closer to the lighthouse. Reddit+1

Howth is best explored on foot, especially the cliff walk. Buses are available for shorter distances or to reach the summit. Reddit

Driving directly to the lighthouse viewpoint is not recommended due to limited parking and the desire to experience the cliff walk. Parking is available in Howth Village. Reddit

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train is a convenient and scenic option, taking you directly to Howth Station. Reddit

Taxis can be found in Howth Village, but they may be less readily available for specific points along the cliff walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Baily Lighthouse viewpoint and the surrounding cliff walk is free. Reddit

The viewpoint and cliff walk are accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times. Reddit

The Howth Cliff Walk is a public path and does not have an entrance fee. Reddit

The Baily Lighthouse itself is an operational lighthouse and is not open to the public for tours. You can admire it from the exterior viewpoints. Reddit

The main restriction is weather-dependent; the cliff path can be slippery and dangerous in wet or windy conditions. Always check local weather advisories. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The full cliff walk from Howth Village to the Baily Lighthouse and back can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are essential. Layers of clothing are recommended as the weather can change quickly by the coast. Reddit

There are limited facilities directly on the cliff path. Restrooms and refreshments are available in Howth Village and at the Summit pub. Reddit

The cliff walk is generally suitable for children, but caution is advised near the cliff edges. Younger children should be supervised closely. Reddit

You might spot various seabirds, seals in the water below, and if you're lucky, dolphins. The coastal flora is also beautiful. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire cliff walk offers stunning vantage points. Look for dramatic angles of the lighthouse against the sea and sky, and capture the rugged coastline. Reddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear views. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife. Don't forget a polarizing filter for the sea. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in sensitive natural areas and near operational lighthouses. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

Yes, cloudy days can create dramatic, moody shots with soft light, especially for the lighthouse and rugged cliffs. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Howth Cliff Walk offers a wonderful outdoor adventure for families. While the full walk can be long for very young children, you can opt for shorter sections or take the bus to the Summit to reduce the walking distance. Reddit Ensure children are closely supervised near cliff edges. The chance to spot seabirds and seals can be a big hit with kids, making the journey engaging. Reddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, and choose a weekday to avoid larger crowds. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers

For those who love to hike, the Howth Cliff Walk provides a rewarding experience. You can tackle the full loop or extend your exploration by venturing further along the coastal paths. The varied terrain offers a good workout, and the panoramic views are a fantastic reward. Reddit Consider starting early on a weekday to enjoy the trails with fewer people. Reddit Don't forget to bring a map or use a navigation app, as some paths can be less clearly marked. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Baily Lighthouse and the Howth Cliff Walk are a photographer's dream. The dramatic cliffs, the iconic lighthouse, and the vast expanse of the sea offer endless composition opportunities. Reddit Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light. Reddit A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sweeping landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Reddit Be prepared for changing weather conditions, which can add to the moodiness of your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Howth Cliff Walk

The Howth Cliff Walk is the star attraction for many visiting the Baily Lighthouse viewpoint. This well-maintained path winds along the dramatic coastline of Howth Head, offering unparalleled views of the Irish Sea, Dublin Bay, and the iconic Baily Lighthouse itself. The walk is generally considered moderate, with some inclines and uneven terrain, making sturdy footwear a must. Reddit+1 Many visitors opt to start from Howth Village, enjoying the full coastal experience, while others take a bus to the Summit to shorten the trek. The journey is as much about the destination, with opportunities to spot seals, diverse seabirds, and enjoy the fresh sea air. Reddit

The walk can be tailored to your fitness level and time constraints. A popular option is to walk to the lighthouse and then retrace your steps, or to continue on a loop if you're feeling adventurous. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning rock formations, hidden coves, and expansive ocean vistas. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and experience the rugged beauty of the Dublin coastline. Reddit Remember to bring water and snacks, as facilities directly on the path are scarce. Reddit

Navigating to the Baily Lighthouse

Reaching the Baily Lighthouse viewpoint involves a bit of planning, with the Howth Cliff Walk being the most celebrated route. From Dublin city center, the most straightforward and scenic option is to take the DART train to Howth Station. Reddit From the station, you can begin your walk directly into Howth Village and onto the cliff path. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the coastal scenery from the outset. Reddit

For those seeking a shorter walk or who have mobility considerations, bus services are available. The H3 or 6 bus can take you from Howth Village up to the Summit area, which is considerably closer to the lighthouse. Reddit This option allows you to experience some of the views with less strenuous effort. While taxis are available in Howth Village, they may not be the most practical for reaching specific points along the cliff walk itself. Reddit Electric bike trials are also an emerging option for exploring Howth. Reddit

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