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Howth itineraries

Howth Itineraries

Half a day or a full weekend. Here are the best ways to spend your time in Howth, planned step by step.

Whether you have a few hours off the DART or a full weekend to explore, these itineraries give you a local’s route through Howth. Each one links directly to the restaurants and activities along the way.

Half-Day Highlights·3-4 hoursFull-Day Explorer·7-8 hoursRainy Day Plan·4-5 hoursWeekend Escape·2 days

Half-Day Highlights

3-4 hoursYear-round

The essential Howth experience in a half day: cliff walk, fresh seafood, and harbour strolling.

First timersFamiliesLimited time
  1. 1
    10:00·35 min

    Arrive by DART

    Take the DART from Dublin Connolly to Howth Station (28-35 min).

  2. 2
    10:30·1.5 hours

    Shorter Cliff Walk

    Take the shorter cliff walk loop for stunning coastal views without the full 3-hour commitment.

    View Shorter Cliff Walk
  3. 3
    12:00·45 min

    Lunch at the Harbour

    Grab fish and chips from Beshoffs or chowder from Baily Bites and eat by the water.

    View Beshoffs
  4. 4
    12:45·45 min

    Harbour & Market Stroll

    Walk along the harbour, watch the seals, and browse Howth Market if it's the weekend.

  5. 5
    13:30·35 min

    DART Home

    Head back to Dublin from Howth Station.

Full-Day Explorer

7-8 hoursBest in spring

The complete Howth experience: full cliff walk loop, boat trip, sit-down lunch, and evening pints.

AdventurersNature loversCouples
  1. 1
    09:00·35 min

    Arrive by DART

    Early DART from Dublin Connolly to get the most from your day.

  2. 2
    09:30·3 hours

    Full Cliff Walk Loop

    The 12km Howth Head Loop (the Bog of Frogs Purple Route) with panoramic views.

    View Howth Head Loop
  3. 3
    12:30·1.5 hours

    Lunch at Aqua or Mamo

    Reward yourself with a sit-down seafood lunch overlooking the harbour.

    View Aqua
  4. 4
    14:00·2 hours

    Ireland's Eye Boat Trip

    Take a coastal cruise around Ireland's Eye to spot seals and seabirds, or, April to late September, the Howth Cliff Cruises ferry to land on the island.

    View Ireland's Eye Ferry & Cruise
  5. 5
    16:00·1 hour

    Howth Castle & Gardens

    Explore the castle grounds, Deer Park, and rhododendron gardens.

    View Howth Castle & Estate
  6. 6
    17:00·1-2 hours

    Pints at The Abbey Tavern

    Finish the day at Howth's historic pub with a pint and some traditional music.

    View The Abbey Tavern

Rainy Day Plan

4-5 hoursYear-round

Rain doesn't stop Howth: cookery classes, cosy pubs, indoor museums, and harbour dining.

FamiliesFoodiesRainy days
  1. 1
    10:00·35 min

    Arrive by DART

    Short walk from the station. You'll barely get wet.

  2. 2
    10:30·2.5 hours

    Castle Cookery School

    Learn to make Irish scones, brown bread, or seafood chowder in the 18th century Georgian kitchen.

    View Howth Castle Cookery School
  3. 3
    13:00·1 hour

    Lunch at 30 Church Street

    Warm up with fresh oysters and harbour views at this cosy spot.

    View 30 Church Street
  4. 4
    14:00·1 hour

    National Transport Museum

    Explore vintage buses, trams, and Irish transport heritage, all under cover.

    View National Transport Museum
  5. 5
    15:00·1-2 hours

    Pints by the Fire

    Settle into The Bloody Stream or Abbey Tavern for pints and shelter.

    View The Bloody Stream

Weekend Escape

2 daysBest in spring

A full weekend in Howth: combine Day 1's cliff walks and seafood with Day 2's boat trips and castle exploring.

CouplesNature loversWeekenders
  1. 1
    Day 1 AM·3 hours

    Full Cliff Walk Loop

    Start with the 12km Howth Head Loop for the full coastal experience.

    View Howth Head Loop
  2. 2
    Day 1 Lunch·1.5 hours

    Seafood Lunch

    King Sitric or Aqua for a celebratory post-walk meal.

    View King Sitric
  3. 3
    Day 1 PM·2 hours

    Howth Market & Harbour

    Browse the weekend market and watch the seals in the harbour.

  4. 4
    Day 1 Eve·3 hours

    Dinner & Live Music

    Dinner at Mamo, then live music at The Abbey Tavern.

    View Mamo Restaurant
  5. 5
    Day 2 AM·2-3 hours

    Ireland's Eye Boat Trip

    Boat trip around Ireland's Eye for seabirds and seals. To explore the island itself, take the Howth Cliff Cruises landing ferry, April to late September.

    View Ireland's Eye Ferry & Cruise
  6. 6
    Day 2 Lunch·45 min

    Fish & Chips by the Water

    Baily Bites chowder or Beshoffs fish and chips, eaten harbourside.

    View Baily Bites at Kish
  7. 7
    Day 2 PM·2 hours

    Howth Castle & Gardens

    Explore the castle, Deer Park, and rhododendron gardens.

    View Howth Castle & Estate

Ready to plan your visit?

Check tide times, live DART departures, and the weather forecast before you head out.

Planning Tips & Packing GuideGetting to Howth