Howth Village & Harbour Dublin
A picturesque fishing village and stunning coastal walk, just a short DART ride from Dublin. Perfect for nature lovers and seafood enthusiasts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Howth Village & Harbour Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque fishing village and stunning coastal walk, just a short DART ride from Dublin. Perfect for nature lovers and seafood enthusiasts.
"A must-do day trip from Dublin for breathtaking cliff walks and the freshest seafood imaginable!"
🎯 DART is the way to go
Take the DART train from Dublin; it's cheaper, faster, and more scenic than buses or taxis. :train:
🚶♀️ Cliff Walk: Summit to Sea
Consider taking a bus to the summit and walking back down for an easier experience. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Howth Cliff Walk
Starts near the DART station
Breathtaking coastal views, lighthouse vistas, and a chance to spot seals and puffins. A must-do for nature lovers.
Howth Harbour
Central Howth
A vibrant fishing village with colorful boats, fresh seafood restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.
Ireland's Eye & Coast Cruise
Departing from Howth Harbour
See puffins nesting on Ireland's Eye and enjoy stunning coastal scenery from the water.
Hidden Pool
Coastal area
Discover a secluded natural swimming spot for a refreshing dip with a view.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: DART is Your Best Bet
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 DART is the way to go
Take the DART train from Dublin; it's cheaper, faster, and more scenic than buses or taxis. +1 :train:
🚶♀️ Cliff Walk: Summit to Sea
Consider taking a bus to the summit and walking back down for an easier experience. +1 :athletic_shoe:
🐟 Fresh Seafood Delights
Indulge in the freshest fish and chips or tapas at the harbour restaurants. +1 :fish_cake:
🦭 Seal Spotting Fun
Keep an eye out for playful seals near the harbour, especially around feeding times. :seal:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 DART is the way to go
Take the DART train from Dublin; it's cheaper, faster, and more scenic than buses or taxis. +1 :train:
🚶♀️ Cliff Walk: Summit to Sea
Consider taking a bus to the summit and walking back down for an easier experience. +1 :athletic_shoe:
🐟 Fresh Seafood Delights
Indulge in the freshest fish and chips or tapas at the harbour restaurants. +1 :fish_cake:
🦭 Seal Spotting Fun
Keep an eye out for playful seals near the harbour, especially around feeding times. :seal:
📱 Use Local Apps
Consider electric bike trial apps like Tier for easy exploration around the village. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Howth for its stunning coastal scenery, particularly the cliff walk, and its delicious, fresh seafood. The ease of access from Dublin via the DART train is a major plus. Some find the village can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, and the weather can be unpredictable.
"Small market beside the harbour in Howth. Cute little shops and stalls, with artisan bakes and street food, coffee, cakes, ice cream and sugary delights. Some nice tourist souvenirs to pick up from your holiday, and then you have a whole range of pubs, cafes, seafood restaurants, wine bars, fish and chips, within a few minutes walk. Very close to Dart station. Mind those seagulls. They might steal your food if you blink 😉 Howth is always worth visiting!"
Orbit Artist
"Travelled to Howth Market via bus then train from Dublin centre, was right near the train station.
Between 4-6 Lovely street food stalls and a couple of jewellery stalls. Bought some chilli honey from a guy who specializes in local honey. A little underwhelming so knocked off a star but only because of how small the market was with a small amount of vendors. I also think if you have a jewelery store, you should have only one, so there's more variety."
Rebecca Howard
"Great little spot on the middle of Howth that offers quick street food bites, local crafts and jewelry, and fresh baked goods from local vendors. Nice spot to get a treat for kids or pick up something made by a local."
Kyle Harris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train is highly recommended. It's affordable, efficient, and offers scenic views. The DART stops directly at Howth Harbour, making it incredibly convenient. +1 Avoid driving if possible due to potential roadworks and traffic congestion.
The DART journey from Dublin city center to Howth typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on your starting station. +1
Yes, you can take buses like the H3 or Dublin Bus routes to Howth. Some travelers suggest taking a bus to the summit for a different perspective on the cliff walk. +1 However, the DART is generally preferred for its speed and ease.
Howth is quite walkable, especially around the harbour and pier. For the cliff walk, you can start from the DART station or take a bus to the summit. Electric bike trials are also available for exploring the area.
Most locals and experienced travelers advise against driving to Howth due to traffic congestion and roadworks. Parking can also be challenging. The DART is a much more stress-free option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Howth Cliff Walk is a public access area and does not require any tickets or admission fees. +1
Howth Harbour and its surrounding areas are free to explore. You only pay for food, drinks, or any boat tours you choose to take.
Howth is a village and harbour, so it's accessible at all hours. However, shops and restaurants have their own operating times, typically from morning to evening.
It's highly recommended to book Howth Cliff Cruises in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and check sailing times. +1
Yes, Howth hosts events like the Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival in September, offering a vibrant celebration of local culture and cuisine.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most popular route is the cliff walk from Howth Harbour to the Baily Lighthouse and back, offering stunning coastal views. +1 You can also take a bus to the summit and walk back down for a different experience.
The full cliff walk loop can take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. Many people opt for a shorter section or turn back when they've had enough.
Yes, seals are frequently spotted in Howth Harbour, often lounging on the rocks or swimming in the water. They are a common and delightful sight for visitors.
The entire cliff walk offers incredible photo opportunities. Don't miss the views of the Baily Lighthouse, the rugged coastline, and the panoramic vistas from the higher points. +2
Absolutely! Howth is a perfect day trip destination from Dublin, offering a refreshing escape with nature, sea air, and delicious food, all easily accessible. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Howth is famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, particularly fish and chips, due to its working fishing harbour. +1
There are numerous excellent seafood restaurants lining the harbour. Many visitors rave about the fish and chips and tapas options. +1
While seafood is the specialty, many restaurants in Howth offer a variety of other dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus beforehand.
For a delightful start to your day, consider cafes like Green Bench Cafe for coffee and breakfast. The village offers charming spots for a morning bite.
Yes, Howth is a working fishing harbour, and you can often find stalls or shops selling very fresh fish directly from the boats.
📸 📸 Photography
The Howth Cliff Walk offers dramatic coastal scenery, the Baily Lighthouse, and panoramic views. The colourful fishing boats and bustling harbour also make for great shots. +2
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for landscape and seascape photography. Mornings can also be lovely with softer light and fewer crowds.
Yes, if you take a boat tour like the one offered by Howth Cliff Cruises, you'll have opportunities to photograph the puffins nesting on Ireland's Eye.
Keep an eye out for the 'hidden pool' mentioned on TikTok, offering a unique natural swimming spot that can make for striking photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing wildlife like seals and puffins from a distance. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Howth Cliff Walk
Key Takeaways for the Cliff Walk:
* Accessibility: The walk is generally well-maintained, but sturdy footwear is recommended.
* Wildlife: Keep an eye out for seals and a variety of seabirds, especially during nesting season.
* Duration: The full loop can take 2-3 hours, but you can turn back at any point to shorten your walk.
* Weather: The weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and be prepared for wind and rain.
A Taste of Howth: Seafood and Harbour Life
Beyond the food, simply strolling around the harbour is an experience in itself. Watch the fishing boats come and go, observe the local fishermen at work, and perhaps even spot some of the resident seals that frequent the waters.
Exploring Beyond the Main Path
Another intriguing find, highlighted on social media, is a hidden pool in Howth. This natural swimming spot offers a more secluded and adventurous experience for those looking to take a dip in the sea.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit