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Baily Lighthouse perched on Howth Head cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea

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 7.8km 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 the ferry to Ireland's Eye or a coastal cruise to spot seals and seabirds.

    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 7.8km 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

    Ferry to Ireland's Eye for seabirds, seals, and island exploring.

    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