no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Landscape photo of a small fishing village marina with fishing boats

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Nicola Brady

Sitting on a peninsula north of Dublin Bay, the beautiful suburb of Howth began life as a small fishing village and is home to a castle, a pretty harbour, scenic walking trails, seafood restaurants, quaint pubs and a weekend market. If you’ve had your fill of Guinness, hop on the local DART railway and instead drink in Dublin’s wonderful rugged coastline during the pleasant 20-minute scenic ride to get there.

While you’re there 

There’s a lovely, fairly easy 2-hour coastal hill walk to Bailey Lighthouse at Howth Head, that rewards with fine views of the surrounding coastline. Start in the centre, skirt the harbour and continue up onto the clifftops.  And don’t miss one of Dublin’s finest seafood restaurants, Aqua, which treats diners to freshly caught produce and stunning views of the coast.

Boat trips depart from Howth harbour to Ireland’s Eye, a small island and bird sanctuary with the ruins of a Martello tower and an 8th-century church.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

You can pick up a return or one-day ticket at a number of DART stations in the city centre – the main stations are Tara and Pearse (south of the river) and Connolly (north of the river). These link you to stations in each of the villages along Dublin’s east coast. 

When to do it

Trains run to and from Howth year-round with a regular daily service. The first train leaves around 7am, last train home is around 10pm. 

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Howth Cliff Cruises

Howth Cliff Cruises

Dublin

Thousands of people flood to Howth every year to see Howth Cliffs and walk or hike the cliffs. Our cruises allow for people to experience Ho...

€30 | Rating 4.57 / 5 [61 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Howth Walking Tours experience not to be missed with John..

Howth Walking Tours experience not to be missed with John..

Dublin

howth walking tours has a passion for this location its people there stories and it,s history leave no stone unturned live every moment fill...

€35 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [330 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Dublin Coastal Hike with Howth Adventures

Dublin Coastal Hike with Howth Adventures

Dublin

All the outdoor beauty of Dublin on the Howth tour that takes you to the highlights and panoramic views while surrounded by nature and wildl...

€39 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [81 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Dublin Coastal Hike & Pints, With Mark & Missy

Dublin Coastal Hike & Pints, With Mark & Missy

Dublin

Leave the city behind and discover the beauty of the Emerald Isle on this 3.5 hour Hidden Howth Peninsula experience - See Howth through the...

€43 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [248 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Clontarf Castle Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[10 miles]

A medieval castle that oozes history and grandeur, boasting four-star service at reasonable rates. Just a ten-minute drive from the city centre.

Official star rating:

The Mayson Dublin

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[12.1 miles]

Right on the River Liffey, this boutique hotel blends sleek, modern style with a historical, industrial chic charm. Set in a former warehouse in the heart of the Dublin Docklands, and one of the few city hotels with a pool.

Official star rating:

Dylan Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[13.3 miles]

A gorgeous boutique hotel that oozes style, blending bold design with superior service and a fun vibe.

Official star rating:

The Merrion Hotel

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[13.8 miles]

Old-world glamour and romanticism linger at this luxury, 5-star hotel just steps from Merrion Square in the city centre.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dublin

County Dublin, Ireland

Medieval history, literature, art and culture marry epic nightlife and dining in a charming urban village.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[13.7 miles]

Birthplace of Oscar Wilde, and originally built in 1592, Trinity College is Dublin’s hallowed seat of learning, and home to the world-famous Book of Kells.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Irish Whiskey Museum
Experience

Irish Whiskey Museum

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[14 miles]

Take an expert-led guided tour and discover the origins of Irish Whiskey, how it has developed through the ages, the secrets of how to make it, and the leading Irish Whiskey brands. Tours end, of course, with a tasting.

Best for ages: 18+ | £17

Website >
Overview >
Exterior of the grey stone gallery
Experience

Hugh Lane Gallery

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[14 miles]

A giant, airy gallery right on the edge of the historic Parnell Square, Hugh Lane has the foremost collection of contemporary masterpieces in the city. Visit on Sunday for free music recitals.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
A festive Brown Thomas department store entrance with All Aboard signage and clock
Experience

Brown Thomas

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[14.1 miles]

Dublin’s equivalent of Fortnum & Mason, this elegant department store first opened its doors in 1849 and remains the city’s go-to place for designer brands.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Outdoor seating in the central atrium of a beautiful historic building
Experience

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland[14.2 miles]

A chic mix of speciality shops, art galleries and restaurants housed in an atmospheric, 18th-century Georgian mansion that retains many of its period features. Centrally located, just off Grafton Street.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >