Howth Pier
A charming fishing village just a DART ride from Dublin, offering stunning coastal views, playful seals, and legendary fish and chips.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Howth Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming fishing village just a DART ride from Dublin, offering stunning coastal views, playful seals, and legendary fish and chips.
"Howth Pier is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a refreshing coastal retreat."
🎯 Easy DART Access
Take the DART train from central Dublin for a scenic 30-min ride. It's affordable and drops you right at Howth Station.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's often windy by the sea, so bring layers and a windbreaker, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Seals
Howth Harbour
Watch seals frolic in the water, a delightful and unexpected sight for visitors.
Iconic Fish and Chips
Various eateries along the pier
Savor some of Ireland's best fish and chips, a must-try experience by the sea.
Howth Cliff Walk
Starting near the pier
Enjoy breathtaking coastal views and invigorating sea air on this popular scenic walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Seals, Seafood, and Scenery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Easy DART Access
Take the DART train from central Dublin for a scenic 30-min ride. It's affordable and drops you right at Howth Station. +1
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's often windy by the sea, so bring layers and a windbreaker, even on sunny days.
💰 Budget-Friendly Day Trip
Howth is an affordable escape from Dublin, with cheap train fares and many free activities.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning coastal vistas and harbor scenes. Clear days offer the best photo ops.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Easy DART Access
Take the DART train from central Dublin for a scenic 30-min ride. It's affordable and drops you right at Howth Station. +1
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It's often windy by the sea, so bring layers and a windbreaker, even on sunny days.
💰 Budget-Friendly Day Trip
Howth is an affordable escape from Dublin, with cheap train fares and many free activities.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning coastal vistas and harbor scenes. Clear days offer the best photo ops.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Walks
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the pier and cliff walks, making it great for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Howth Pier is widely praised as a delightful coastal escape from Dublin, offering fresh air, scenic views, and abundant wildlife, especially the playful seals. Visitors consistently rave about the delicious fish and chips and the enjoyable cliff walks. While generally a positive experience, some note that it can get crowded, and the weather can be unpredictable.
"Going for a walk around Howth Harbor is a very nice way to get some fresh air and some exercise. Plenty of parking available, as well as toilets ( well maintained) on both ends of the harbor."
Barry Sullivan
"Howth Pier is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a refreshing coastal retreat just a short trip from Dublin. From the moment you step onto the waterfront, you’re greeted by the sight of seals playfully bobbing between the boats, adding a touch of magic to the experience.
The walk along the pier is both peaceful and invigorating, with the salty sea breeze and panoramic views of the Irish coastline making it a must-do for nature lovers. Whether you’re here for a relaxing stroll, a seafood feast. Or simply to take in the scenery, Howth Pier never disappoints!
It’s easy to see why this spot is a favorite among Duliners, the combination of fresh air, stunning views, and lively harbor life makes for an unforgettable visit. Don’t forget to stop by once of the local seafood spots to complete the perfect Howth experience!"
Xinqi Chen
"We spent a day out in Howth. It was a windy day but we still wanted to have a walk on the Howth Pier. It was actually nice even though it was windy. To feel the fresh sea air.
There are some great views. I am sure on a nice day the views are great. It was always a thing to get fish and chips and have it on the pier. Afterwards we did have fish and Chips in The House Restaurant nearby. Anyway it's a great walk. Will definitely be back to do it again."
Liz Tyrell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train from stations like Tara St, Connolly, or Pearse. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the train stops right in Howth, a short walk from the pier. +1
Yes, Howth Pier is very well-connected by public transport. The DART train is the most popular and convenient option, with frequent services throughout the day.
The DART train ride from central Dublin to Howth typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on your starting station. +1
Yes, there is parking available near Howth Harbour, though it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Howth Station is conveniently located, and you can easily walk to the pier, shops, restaurants, and the start of the cliff walk from there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting Howth Pier and walking around the harbor is free. You only need to pay for the DART train fare to get there.
The Howth Cliff Walk is a public path and is completely free to access. Enjoy the stunning scenery without any cost.
Howth Pier is a public area and is accessible at all times. Shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours.
Yes, Howth Cliff Cruises offer boat tours around the bay, providing a unique perspective of the coastline and wildlife. +1
Yes, there is a fee for the Howth Bay Cruise. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their website for current rates.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many visitors rave about the fish and chips. Popular spots mentioned include Bailey Bites and Octopussy's. +1
Yes, the pier and surrounding harbor area are lined with excellent restaurants, many specializing in fresh seafood. The House Restaurant is a notable option.
While seafood is prominent, many restaurants offer other options. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff for vegetarian and vegan choices.
Howth Market, located near the station, offers various local treats and food stalls, perfect for a casual bite.
You can expect a wide variety of fresh, locally sourced seafood, including fish and chips, oysters, mussels, and more, reflecting its fishing village heritage.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire harbor offers great photo opportunities, from the colorful boats and seals to the sweeping coastal views from the cliff walk.
Early morning or late afternoon/early evening often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Clear days offer the most dramatic scenery.
Yes, you can take photos of the seals, but remember to keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
The iconic Howth Lighthouse, the colorful fishing boats, and the dramatic cliffs are all excellent subjects for photography.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and harbor scenes. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive cliff views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
👟 Active Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Howth from Dublin
For those considering driving, there is parking available near Howth Harbour. However, it's worth noting that parking can become quite congested, particularly during peak times and weekends.
Experiencing Howth's Wildlife and Nature
Beyond the seals, Howth offers stunning natural beauty, most notably the Howth Cliff Walk. This popular trail provides breathtaking panoramic views of Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, and the surrounding coastline.
Culinary Delights: Howth's Famous Seafood
Beyond fish and chips, Howth's restaurants offer a wider array of fresh, locally sourced seafood. You can enjoy everything from oysters and mussels to grilled fish, reflecting the area's strong fishing heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit