Walk overview
Howth Cliff Walk
Howth (Binn Éadair in Irish — Hill of Howth) is a fishing village and peninsula 15km north of Dublin city centre, connected to the city by the DART coastal rail service in 35 minutes. The cliff walk that circles the headland is one of the most accessible great walks in Ireland — no car required, no permit, no booking — just a train ticket and a good pair of shoes. The walk takes you around the outer cliff face of the peninsula, from Howth village and harbour around the seaward edge to the summit at Binn Éadair (171m), past the ruins of Corr Castle, and back. The views are remarkable for a walk that starts at sea level — Dublin Bay, the entire Wicklow Mountains skyline, the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland on clear days, and the island of Ireland's Eye just 300 metres offshore. Ireland's Eye is an uninhabited island with a ruined 8th-century church and a significant seabird colony — gannets, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and shags all breed there. Boat trips run from Howth Harbour in summer if you want to explore it further. The island was the site of a famous Victorian murder trial — the Howth Murder Case of 1852 — and was once inhabited by a small fishing community.
Route guide
Step-by-step route
Start: Howth DART Station
Howth DART Station to the cliff path
Exit Howth DART station and turn right onto Harbour Road, passing the East Pier where the fishing fleet ties up and the lobster pots stack up. Walk past the harbour restaurants (resist stopping — that's for afterwards) and continue east along the coast road. At the end of the road, the cliff path signage begins. Pass through the gate onto the open hillside.
East Cliff to Baily Lighthouse
The path climbs steadily along the southern cliff face, with increasingly dramatic views south across Dublin Bay. Ireland's Eye comes into full view to the north. The path passes Casana Rock (where grey seals often haul out — binoculars useful) and rounds the headland. The Baily Lighthouse (1814) sits on the lower southern tip of the peninsula — not accessible without permission, but visible from above. This is the most dramatic section of the walk.
Baily Lighthouse to Howth Summit
The path climbs from the lighthouse area to the summit of Howth Head at Binn Éadair (171m). This is the steepest section — about 150m of ascent on a clear path. The summit has a small cairn and the remains of a Bronze Age promontory fort. On a clear day you can count the Wicklow peaks: Kippure, Tonelagee, Lugnaquilla — all visible to the south. The Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland are visible to the north on exceptional days.
Summit to Corr Castle
Descend west from the summit towards the ruins of Corr Castle — a 15th-century fortified tower visible from the summit path. The castle was home to the St Lawrence family for centuries and is now a romantic ruin in a private garden (not accessible). The views west from this section take in the full length of Dublin Bay, Dun Laoghaire pier, and the city skyline.
Corr Castle to Howth Village
The path descends gently through the western hillside gorse, past the Martello Tower (one of many built around the coast during the Napoleonic Wars), and returns to Howth village. You'll arrive back near the harbour — perfectly positioned for a late lunch or early dinner at one of the harbour restaurants before the DART back to the city.
What to bring
Essential gear
Getting there
Transport & parking
Take the DART from Connolly Station, Tara Street, or Pearse Station to Howth — approximately 35 minutes, running every 15 minutes. The walk starts directly from Howth DART station. There is no need for a car and the DART is significantly cheaper and more convenient than driving. For those driving: limited paid parking on the East Pier, or use the main Howth car park on Harbour Road.
When to go
Best time to walk
Safety
Safety & conditions
After the walk
Food & drink nearby
Howth has some of the best seafood restaurants in the Dublin area. The Oar House on the West Pier is excellent and consistently recommended. Beshoff Bros fish and chips on the harbour has a queue for good reason. For a sit-down meal, Aqua Restaurant on the pier is the best in the village. After the walk, the Abbey Tavern in the village (dating from the 16th century) is perfect for a pint.
Questions answered
About Howth Cliff Walk
Can I do the Howth Cliff Walk without any walking experience?
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Can I take a boat to Ireland's Eye?
Where to stay in Dublin for the Howth walk?
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