Howth Cliff Walk - Dublin's Best Coastal Walk

The Howth Cliff Walk is Dublin’s finest outdoor experience. A looped walk around Howth Head with dramatic cliff-top views, rugged coastline, seabird colonies, heather moorland, and on clear days, views stretching from the Wicklow Mountains to the Mountains of Mourne.

What to Expect

Several route options from easy to challenging. The full loop is about 6km and takes 2-3 hours. The cliff-top path gives you stunning views of Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Dublin Bay, and the open sea. In spring and summer, the cliffs are alive with nesting seabirds - guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and gannets.

Howth village has excellent seafood restaurants (try King Sitric, Octopussy’s, or the fish and chips at Beshoff Bros), and the harbour is lovely for a stroll after the walk.

Good to Know

• Free, open year-round
• Multiple route options (30 minutes to 3 hours)
• Proper walking shoes essential - paths can be muddy and uneven
• Cliff edges are unfenced in places - stay on marked paths
• Can be very windy - check weather before going
• No facilities on the walk itself - bring water
• Dogs allowed but on lead near cliff edges
• The Howth Market at the harbour runs weekends (food and craft)

Getting There

DART to Howth station (30 minutes from Connolly, frequent service). The walk starts from the village or the Summit car park. Dublin Bus 31 from city centre. If driving, park in Howth village or the Summit car park (free). The DART makes this the easiest outdoor adventure from Dublin city.