The photo shows a bustling harbor scene with a variety of boats, including fishing vessels and a larger blue ship, docked against the concrete quay. The boats display vibrant colors and are equipped with fishing gear, indicating their commercial use. In the background, there's a view of a coastal village with houses and buildings, as well as parked cars and infrastructure related to the fishing industry. The water is calm and reflects the clear blue sky above, suggesting favorable weather conditions. The scene is lively with maritime activity, characteristic of a working fishing port.

How To Visit Howth From Dublin: The Coastal Retreat

ByMaria Dol

A visit to Howth from Dublin offers a refreshing escape to a scenic fishing village, complete with a stunning coastline, historical sites, and mouth-watering seafood. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit to Howth.

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Discovering Howth’s scenic landscape and fishing heritage

Howth is celebrated for its picturesque landscape and rich fishing heritage. A visit to Howth isn’t complete without soaking in the breathtaking views from the Howth Cliff Walk, where you can admire the Baily Lighthouse perched on the peninsula’s southeastern tip. The Cliff Walk offers various routes, with the green path leading to the Eire 6 sign, an intriguing historical marker from WW2. As you amble along, consider pausing at Balscadden Bay Beach for a serene moment by the water.

How long to visit Howth

The journey from Dublin to Howth typically takes around 30 minutes, making it an ideal destination for a half-day or full-day excursion. The best way to experience Howth is to arrive in the morning, giving you ample time to explore without rush.

The photo shows a picturesque marina filled with numerous sailboats moored in calm blue waters, with a protective stone breakwater on the left. Buoy markers float on the water's surface, with one green buoy in the foreground. The background features a hillside town with a variety of houses, some with visible gardens, terraced up the slope. The sky is a clear, vivid blue, suggesting a sunny day without clouds. The image conveys a serene maritime setting, typical of a coastal community.
Howth

Best time to visit Howth

The area is beautiful year-round, but visiting on a clear day can greatly enhance the coastal views and overall experience.

Attractions Not to Miss

Beyond the Cliff Walk, don’t miss Howth Market for a taste of local produce and crafts, open on weekends and bank holidays. Howth Castle’s grounds are open to the public, and although the castle itself is privately owned, its presence adds a historical layer to your visit. For those looking to engage with Howth’s fishing roots, consider hopping on a boat tour to the nearby Ireland’s Eye, an island teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.

Getting from Dublin to Howth

Howth from Dublin by train

The most straightforward option is the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), with Howth serving as one of the line’s northern terminuses. Departures from Dublin Connolly Station to Howth are frequent, with roundtrip fares around €6.

Howth from Dublin by car

Driving from Dublin to Howth is another viable option, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the village or want the flexibility to travel on your own schedule.

How to get to Howth by bus

While not as direct as the DART, bus services are available from Dublin city center, offering a scenic route to Howth.

The photo captures a serene harbor with commercial fishing boats moored along the dock, featuring a variety of colors and sizes, with some boats displaying fishing gear. A blue sky with minimal cloud cover suggests a clear day. On the right, a stone breakwater extends into the water, leading to a classic lighthouse painted with red and white stripes, which serves as a navigational aid for the boats. The background showcases quaint buildings lining the waterfront, hinting at a coastal town's architecture. The calm water in the harbor reflects the vessels and bright sky, conveying a peaceful maritime setting.
Howth Ireland

Tours from Dublin to Howth

For a guided experience, several tour operators provide day trips to Howth, which can include insights into the area’s history and stops at key attractions.

You can make other day trips from Dublin to the country’s landmarks and attractions. Visit Newgrange and the Boyne Valley for the ancient passage tombs. You can also visit Corcomroe Abbey, an impressive 13th-century Cistercian monastery. Malahide Castle and Gardens are the perfect choise for a family-friendly excursion. Bunratty Castle with the folk park will show you the 19th-century Irish life. Plan a day to visit the Cliffs of Moher, where dramatic cliffs drop into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views.

How far is Howth from Dublin

Howth is approximately 16 km (about 10 miles) from Dublin City Center. The journey to Howth by car can take around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic, while by train (DART) or by bus it typically takes about 30 minutes.

Travel tips

Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes for the Cliff Walk and pack a blanket if you fancy a picnic with a view.

Whether it’s for a hike, a taste of the finest local seafood, or simply a leisurely stroll through the village, a visit Howth from Dublin is a refreshing seaside getaway just a stone’s throw away.

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