Admiring Idyllic Sceneries at the Howth Cliff Walk
While enjoying city life might be one of the few perks of living in the modern era, something we often forget is that, as humans, we yearn for nature. I had thought that I would be fine staying in Dublin City for most of the year, but I was so wrong.
When a friend had asked me to join them for a Howth Cliff Walk, I scoffed and said it would simply be a waste of time. I quickly took back what I said as I saw the amazing view, felt the fresh air, and enjoyed the cool breeze along the coast.
There’s nothing better than a hiking trip, and I’ve learned a thing or two after going on the Howth Cliff Walk a couple of times. If you’re planning on heading out on this adventure, then I’ve got the perfect guide for you.
What is the Howth Cliff Walk Known for?
The Howth Cliff Walk is known for its stunning coastal views, fresh sea air, and scenic looped trails that offer some of the best landscapes near Dublin City.
Best Time to Go to the Howth Cliff Walk
The best time to go to the Howth Cliff Walk is in the early mornings, as that’s the perfect time to go on a hike. If you’re not a morning person, then hiking 2 to 3 hours before sunset is also a wonderful time to go through the hiking trail.
Things to Know about the Howth Cliff Walk
Address: The Howth Cliff Walk is situated in Howth, Dublin, Ireland, and is adjacent to other hiking trails. These include the Bog of Frogs Loop, Howth Tramline Loop, and the Howth and Bailey Lighthouse Loop.
Operating Hours: The trail is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We suggest avoiding the trail when it’s still dark, as some parts of the path are steep and visibility is limited at night.
Parking: There are several parking spots available near the hiking trail. The closest one is located at 4 Harbour Road, while there’s also one at Harbour Public Car Park near the pier.
Contact Information: The Fingal County Council, which governs the entire Howth Cliff Walk trail, can be contacted through their mobile number at (01) 890 5000. They also have an email at [email protected].
Pets: While pets are generally allowed on these paths, be mindful of others who are traversing the hiking trail. Also, be wary of the many cliffs and spaces close to the edge, as you or your pet might get hurt if you fall.
How to Get to the Howth Cliff Walk
Car: You can easily get to the Howth Cliff Walk hiking trail through Balscadden Road. This road can be accessed by heading to Howth Village, which is reachable via Burrow Road or Greenfield Road.
Dublin Bus: There are only two different bus routes that travel to Howth Cliff.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 6 | Abbey Street Stop | Monday to Friday:6:10 AM – 12:10 AM Saturday:6:35 AM – 12:10 AM Sunday:7:10 AM – 12:10 AM |
| Route H3 | Abbey Street Stop | Monday to Friday:5:45 AM – 11:45 PM Saturday:6:10 AM – 11:45 PM Sunday:7:45 AM – 11:45 PM |
Bike: You can easily head through the same road we suggested in the car section. As for bike parking, you can park at the same car parks that we suggested earlier.
DART Train System: The closest DART train station to Howth Cliff Walk is the Howth Dart Station. The start of the Howth Cliff Walk is located at the Dart Station.
Taxi: You can easily get a taxi to Howth Cliff Walk. We wouldn’t suggest doing this if you’re coming from Dublin City, as this will be extremely expensive. You can try getting a taxi when you’re already at Howth Village, which should be cheaper.
Different Routes For The Howth Cliff Walk
There are quite a few different routes that you’ll have the option to take when experiencing the Howth Cliff Walk. Here’s a breakdown of each trail and the highlight/s of each one.
The Howth Cliff Path Loop
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Start Point: Howth DART Station
Finish Point: Howth DART Station
Duration: 6 km
The Howth Cliff Path Loop is the most popular version of the Howth Cliff Walk. While this might be considered a moderate-level trek, we’d rank it as an easy-level, mainly because it’s the most travelled one. You’d also easily find other people on the trail.
This specific trail takes you through most of the eastern tidal areas and beaches that litter Howth, and you’ll get to take in some of the best scenery on this trail. The latter half will take you inland through the grassy plains and forests.
The Bog of Frogs Loop
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Start Point: Howth DART Station
Finish Point: Howth DART Station
Duration: 12 km
The Bog of Frogs Loop is the toughest and longest version of the Howth Cliff Walk. In this route, you’ll be taken through most of the first half of the previous trail. However, it takes a different course as you then trail through most of the southern border of Howth.
Once you see the nearby Martello Tower by the latter half of your journey, you’ll then be directed inland to explore the western section of Howth. It should take you through some of the less populated areas of the village.
The Tramline Loop
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Start Point: Howth DART Station
Finish Point: Howth DART Station
Duration: 7 km
The Tramline Loop is one of the shorter loops on the Howth Cliff Walk. Like the others, it will take you through most of the eastern and southern borders of Howth. It differs slightly once you reach the southern border’s edge.
The trail then takes an interesting turn as you’re suddenly thrust into the main village area of Howth. You won’t get lost once you reach this point, and it should lead you back to where you started if you follow the trail correctly.
The Howth Summit Walk
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Start Point: Howth DART Station
Finish Point: Howth DART Station
Duration: 4 km
The Howth Summit Walk is the shortest of the trails that you can take, and is perfect for those new to hiking. You’ll basically walk to the cliff views near the north-eastern border, which might be the most impressive sight in all the trails.
After which, you’ll find yourself heading back the way you came. It’s through a different route until you reach a crossroads that will take you back the same way you came initially, which makes it the shortest trail at Howth Cliff Walk.
Where to Eat When Heading to the Howth Cliff Walk
Whether you’re looking to eat before or after your hike, we’ve got a few different local restaurants for you to try when going through the Howth Cliff Walk. These are local favourites and might become your favourites as well if you frequent the trails.
Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas
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Website: https://octopussy.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Octopussy-Seafood-Tapas-Bar-100063662168496
Address: W Pier, Howth, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 839 0822
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday:
- 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Yes, we can understand that the name might sound crass. But let us assure you that this restaurant has some of the freshest and finest seafood dishes in all of Howth. It’s quite popular among the locals, and you’ll find out once you visit this beloved restaurant.
Tapas is the game of this restaurant, and it’s perfect for those who want to try a few small dishes rather than committing to one single meal. The highlights of the menu are the Gambas Picantes, Squid Calamari, Carlingford Oysters, and Seafood Chowder.
O’Connell’s Pub & Restaurant
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Website: https://www.oconnellshowth.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oconnellshowth
Address: E Pier, Howth, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 839 5087
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday:
- 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:30 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 12:30 PM to 11:00 PM
O’Connell’s Pub & Restaurant offers that classic Dublin pub experience near the coast of Howth. Opening quite recently during July 2012, it has become a beloved attraction to locals, tourists, and hikers who fancy themselves a nice and cool ale after their trips.
We’d recommend that you sit at the upstairs bar because the views are as breathtaking as the ones at the Howth Cliff Walk. If you’re looking for something filling, we suggest the traditional Irish butcher’s breakfast. It’s packed with enough meat to feed one or two people.
Wright’s Findlater Howth
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Website: https://findlater.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WrightsFindlaterHowth
Address: Harbour Rd, Howth Demesne, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 832 4488
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday:
- 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Wright’s Findlater is where you’d go if you want something akin to a fine-dining experience without spending that pretty penny. Located near the DART station, it’s perfect for those who have just finished their tiring hiking trip through Howth Cliff Walk.
While the restaurant may look classy, it actually feels more like a posh home than an exclusive restaurant, which suits our tastes perfectly. The highlight of the menu is undoubtedly their Smoked Salmon Plate, which pairs fresh salmon with capers and bread.
The Brass Monkey
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Website: https://www.brassmonkey.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrassMonkeyDublin
Address: 12 W Pier, Howth, Dublin, D13 T1X6, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 806 3746
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday:
- 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
The Brass Monkey is a modern restaurant located at the West Pier. While there aren’t actual monkeys to serve you your dishes, they do have a cosy and intimate experience that will leave you feeling comforted and delighted with your visit.
No, there aren’t any monkeys on the menu either; we’ve checked it multiple times. What we did find, and it certainly delighted us to do so, were their prawn tacos. While not traditionally Irish, they are certainly a joy to eat, and they’re quite filling and delicious.
The Oar House
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Website: https://www.oarhousehowth.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oar.howth/
Address: 13 W Pier, Howth, Dublin, D13 V9R3, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 839 4568
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday:
- 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday:
- 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM
The Oar House is another of the common fish-centred restaurants in Howth, given that the village is known for its fishing. We chose this one over others simply because the dishes are scrumptious and the plating is lovely.
The food not only looks fantastic, but it also tastes even better. What we’d recommend is that you sample their seafood pasta. It isn’t fishy and comes with mussels, prawns, and salmon that are all seasoned well.
Where to Stay When Going to Howth Cliff Walk
You have quite a few different options as to where you should stay when heading to the Howth Cliff Walk. Whether you want to stay in Howth Village or play it safe and stay at a hotel in Dublin, we’ve got some incredible recommendations that might tickle your fancy.
The Marine Hotel
Website: https://www.marinehotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarineHotelSutton
Address: 13 Sutton Cross, Sutton, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 839 0000
Price Range: Starts at €164
The Marine Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Howth, closer to Sutton. Although this might be a bit removed from the Howth Cliff Walk, we’d still recommend considering them because they offer a stay that is comparable to hotels in Dublin City.
Their rooms are warm and comfortable, and they have certain amenities, such as Wi-Fi and hot drinks equipment, that’ll make your stay that much more convenient. You can easily take a bus from this hotel to Howth, so the distance shouldn’t be a problem.
King Sitric Seafood Bar & Accommodation
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Website: https://www.kingsitric.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastCafeBar
Address: 6 E Pier, Howth, Dublin, D13 F5C6, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 832 5235
Price Range: Starts at €180
King Sitric is actually named after the 11th-century Norse King of Dublin who was reportedly a cousin of Brian Boru, one of Ireland’s legendary High Kings.
We love this hotel for its oversized windows, nautical decor, and every room is named after an Irish lighthouse. You can literally see a lobsterman hauling his catch right in front of your room, out on Balscadden Bay.
LATROUPE Jacobs Inn
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Website: https://www.latroupe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoinLatroupe/
Address: 21-28 Talbot Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 W5P8, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 855 5660
Price Range: Starts at €23.66
If you’re looking for a quick trip to the Howth Cliff Walk and don’t require anything fancy for your accommodation, we suggest Latroupe. While it’s a hostel, it also offers private bedrooms for those who prefer a more personal stay.
We also love the pod-style beds, which feature curtains, lights, and USB ports. The thing that attracts us to Latroupe is its price. They offer cheap accommodation while offering amenities that you’d only find in a hotel at a higher price point.
Martello Tower Sutton
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Website: https://martellotowersutton.com
Address: Red Rock, Sutton, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 86 164 2671
Price Range: Starts at €525
This is for those who want to spend a substantial amount of money on the Howth Cliff Walk. The Martello Tower Sutton is extravagant and extremely expensive, but the experience makes up for the steep price.
The tower features three floors: bedrooms at the base, a living area in the middle, and a modern kitchen with 360-degree views at the top. Thick stone walls, a stone-spiral staircase, and cannon remains give it a strong historical feel.
The Address Connolly
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Website: https://www.theaddressconnolly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAddressConnolly
Address: Amiens St, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 X6P6, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 836 3136
Price Range: Starts at €149
The Address Hotel is situated in Dublin City Centre and is ideal for those who prefer a straightforward and reliable hotel experience. The rooms range from simple classic rooms to fancy club suites with their own lounge access.
It also features a trendy restaurant called McGettigan’s Cookhouse, a rooftop-style lounge with city views, a gym, and even meeting rooms for business purposes.
Tips When Heading to Howth Cliff Walk
We’ve gone through the Howth Cliff Walk numerous times, and we’ve learned a few things from the experience. We’ve also met fellow hikers who’ve frequented the place, and we’re willing to share some tips to make your visit a special one.
| Wear Sunscreen and Sunglasses We cannot emphasise enough how important these are. Even on cloudy or mild days, UV rays can still cause sunburn, so sunscreen is important. Also, don’t forget sunglasses, as we mentioned, there is a lot of sun. Visit the Fish Markets Howth is renowned for its locally produced fish. If you’re in the area and have the means to cook, then snagging a few bags of seafood before you head home should be a perfect way to end your trip. Use Public TransportWhile it might be tempting to ride a taxi, we’d highly suggest that you simply take public transport instead. The DART station and bus stations are operational daily, making your visit to Howth easier and more affordable than taking a taxi. Bring a CameraWhile it might be a no-brainer to some, it still needs to be emphasised. Some of the most beautiful views in Dublin City can be found on the trails of Howth Cliff Walk. Please, if you want beautiful memories, bring your camera. |