Howth Castle & Demesne Dublin
Historic castle and sprawling demesne offering stunning cliff walks, a vibrant harbor, and a taste of coastal Irish life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Howth Castle & Demesne Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic castle and sprawling demesne offering stunning cliff walks, a vibrant harbor, and a taste of coastal Irish life.
"Howth offers breathtaking coastal walks and a charming harbor, making it a perfect escape from Dublin."
🎯 DART is King!
Take the DART train from Dublin city center. It's cheaper, faster, and more scenic than driving.
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the cliff path. Pack good walking shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Howth Cliff Walk
Starts near the train station
Breathtaking coastal views and a refreshing walk to the iconic Baily Lighthouse. Perfect for photos!
Howth Harbour
Adjacent to the train station
Vibrant atmosphere with colorful boats, fresh seafood stalls, and charming pubs. A true taste of local life.
Howth Castle
Demesne grounds
Explore centuries of history within this ancient property, surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Howth: DART is Your Best Bet
Embrace the Walk: Howth is All About Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 DART is King!
Take the DART train from Dublin city center. It's cheaper, faster, and more scenic than driving. +1
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the cliff path. Pack good walking shoes!
📸 Cliff Walk Views
The Howth Cliff Walk offers stunning photo opportunities of the coastline and Baily Lighthouse.
🐟 Fresh Seafood Delights
Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood right from the harbor. Many pubs and restaurants offer great options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 DART is King!
Take the DART train from Dublin city center. It's cheaper, faster, and more scenic than driving. +1
👟 Comfy Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on the cliff path. Pack good walking shoes!
📸 Cliff Walk Views
The Howth Cliff Walk offers stunning photo opportunities of the coastline and Baily Lighthouse.
🐟 Fresh Seafood Delights
Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood right from the harbor. Many pubs and restaurants offer great options.
🚌 Bus to the Summit
Consider the H3 bus to the summit to shorten the uphill climb on the cliff walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Howth for its stunning coastal scenery, particularly the cliff walk, and its charming harbor atmosphere. The ease of access via the DART train from Dublin is a major plus. Some find the castle tours a bit brief, and on busy days, the harbor can feel crowded.
"A charming location to visit. It has good parking and the castle grounds are large. I was able to photograph it from all angles and its in great condition. Well worth a visit but the interior can't be accessed as its private, cheers"
Michael Raj Groves
"Took a guided architecture tour for Heritage week. The castle grounds are very beautiful, with well kept gardens and interesting stonework. The inside of the castle is very ornate with lots of pretty decorative plaster work and paintings, although most of the furniture and decorations are missing. The architectural history of the sight is very interesting and is reflected in the stone work and plaster work inside. Great work has been done on the restoration and I look forward to its opening to the public."
Andrew Conn
"The transportation museum was closed when we visited but the grounds were beautiful. We were the only people around so we were able to take a lot of pictures and explore the outside of the castle."
Jordan Hunter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train is the most recommended way to get to Howth from Dublin. It's a direct line, takes about 25-30 minutes from Connolly Station, and is significantly cheaper and more convenient than taking a taxi or Uber. +2
Most locals and travelers advise against driving to Howth due to potential traffic congestion, roadworks, and limited parking, especially on nice days. The DART is a much smoother experience. +1
Yes, you can take buses like the H3 to Howth. Some travelers suggest taking the bus to the summit to start the cliff walk from a higher point, which can save you some uphill effort.
The DART journey from Dublin city center (like Connolly Station) to Howth typically takes around 25-30 minutes.
Absolutely! Howth is very well-connected by public transport, primarily the DART train, making it an easy day trip from Dublin. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Howth Castle itself offers public tours and cooking classes, which require tickets. However, exploring the grounds and the cliff walk are generally free and accessible to the public.
No, the Howth Cliff Walk is a public amenity and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the scenic coastal path for free.
Opening hours for Howth Castle tours can vary. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour schedules and availability.
While you can explore the extensive demesne grounds and gardens surrounding Howth Castle, access to the interior of the castle for tours is typically by booking in advance.
Yes, there is a cost for the DART ticket. You can purchase tickets at the station or use a Leap Card for a discounted fare. It's significantly cheaper than a taxi. +1
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The most popular trail is the Howth Cliff Walk, which offers stunning coastal views and leads to the Baily Lighthouse. You can do a portion of it or the full loop, depending on your time and energy.
The green trail of the Howth Cliff Walk can take around 1.5 hours to complete. You can also turn back at any point if you prefer a shorter walk.
Don't miss the Howth Cliff Walk for incredible views, exploring the bustling Howth Harbour with its seafood stalls, and visiting the historic Howth Castle and its demesne.
The cliff walk is generally considered a moderate walk, with some inclines. It's more of a scenic walk than a strenuous hike, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Besides the cliff walk, you can explore the charming harbor, enjoy fresh seafood, visit local pubs, browse the shops, and tour Howth Castle and its gardens.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Howth is famous for its seafood! The harbor area is packed with restaurants and pubs serving fresh catches. Bloody Stream, O'Connells, and 30 Church Street are often recommended for their harbor views and food.
Yes, Howth has several traditional Irish pubs. The Harbour Bar is a popular spot, and many pubs offer great food and a lively atmosphere, especially after a walk.
Many restaurants are within walking distance of the train station in Howth Harbour. Look for places offering fresh seafood with views of the boats.
While seafood is the specialty, most restaurants in Howth will offer vegetarian options on their menus. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask staff.
After your cliff walk, returning to the harbor for lunch is ideal. You'll find a variety of pubs and restaurants offering hearty meals and refreshing drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The Howth Cliff Walk offers incredible panoramic views of the coastline and the Baily Lighthouse, making it a prime photography location. The harbor itself, with its colorful boats, is also very picturesque. +1
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for photos of the coastline and harbor. However, daytime offers clear views of the landscape.
Yes, the Howth Cliff Walk leads you to viewpoints where you can capture excellent photos of the Baily Lighthouse.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on the lighthouse or distant views.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas like the cliff walk and harbor. However, always be respectful of private property and individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Family-Friendly Tips:
* Cliff Walk: Choose shorter routes or start from the summit.
* Harbour: Great for spotting seals and watching boats.
* Food: Many family-friendly restaurants available.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
Solo Traveler/Hiker Advice:
* Easy Access: DART is perfect for independent travel.
* Safety: Well-trafficked trails offer peace of mind.
* Flexibility: Choose your own adventure on the cliff walk.
📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers
Photography Tips:
* Key Locations: Cliff walk, Baily Lighthouse, Howth Harbour.
* Gear: Wide-angle lens recommended for landscapes.
* Timing: Golden hour offers beautiful light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Howth Cliff Walk
Key Takeaways for the Cliff Walk:
* Trail Options: Various loops are available, with the green trail taking approximately 1.5 hours.
* Starting Points: DART station or bus to the summit.
* Scenery: Dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and the Baily Lighthouse.
* Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for most fitness levels.
Navigating Howth: DART vs. Other Options
While taxis and Ubers are available, they are significantly more expensive and can be subject to traffic delays, especially during peak times.
Transportation Tips:
* Primary Choice: DART train for cost-effectiveness and convenience.
* Avoid: Driving due to traffic and parking issues.
* Alternative: Bus H3 to reach higher points for walks.
A Taste of Howth: Seafood and Pub Culture
Beyond the seafood, Howth boasts a vibrant pub culture. After a refreshing walk along the cliffs or exploring the village, settling into a traditional Irish pub for a pint and some hearty food is a quintessential Howth experience.
Culinary Highlights:
* Specialty: Fresh seafood is a must-try.
* Dining Locations: Harbor-front restaurants and traditional pubs.
* Atmosphere: Lively pubs with local charm.
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