6 Best Pubs In Howth For A Post-Walk Pint

The best pubs in Howth are, in my opinion, The Abbey Tavern and McNeills, but there are plenty of pubs in the town worth your consideration.

If you’ve just spent the afternoon working up a sweat on the Howth Cliff Walk or tackling the various things to do in Howth, you’ll have worked up a thirst.

Fortunately, the lively harbour town of Howth boasts many fine old-school pubs that have stood the test of time.

Below, you’ll find a map of the various Howth pubs along with a bit about each. Cheers!

The best pubs in Howth

As is the case with all of my Dublin pubs guides, the pubs in the guide below are old, traditional style pubs.

Now, there are gastropubs in Howth if that’s what you’re into, but I’m going to focus on my favourite traditional bars in this guide!

1. The Abbey Tavern

With its striking cream and blue exterior, the Abbey Tavern in Howth dates back to the 16th-century.

The pub occupies a corner of the original site of nearby St. Mary’s Abbey, which was founded by the Viking King of Dublin Sigtrygg Silkbeard in 1042.

The Abbey Tavern is arguably most famous for live music. Every year, hundreds of musicians perform at the historic venue, with everyone from The Dubliners to The Chieftans taking to the stage.

Dublin’s longest-running traditional Irish show: Takes place late in the evening and guests can enjoy a 3-course meal along with music, dancers and singers

2. McNeills of Howth

Sitting at the top end of Howth, McNeills is a cosy spot to escape to if you’ve had enough of the busy harbour.

I first visited this pub during Christmas time several years back. We ordered a pint from the front bar and then made our way into the room on the right.

Here, you’ll find plenty of comfy arm chairs along with a roaring fire during the winter. There are bookcases hugging the walls, quirky artwork adorning the walls and a relaxed atmosphere.

This is one of many Howth pubs with a regular live music schedule. You’ll find tunes here every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening.

3. O’Connells Pub

Perfectly positioned to look out over the harbour, O’Connell’s is in a fine spot if you’re looking for pubs in Howth where you can sip a pint with a view.

The interior of O’Connell’s oozes coziness, thanks to a rich, dark wooden floor and bar which reflects the soft lighting.

Even during the warm summer months, when you’ll be drawn to the upstairs of the pub to enjoy the view of Ireland’s Eye, you can’t help but picture winter evenings at O’Connell’s, with the fire ablaze and the rain pounding the windows.

There’s a great food menu on offer here along with live music on Saturdays and Sundays. This is widely regarded as one of the best pubs in Howth for good reason!

4. The Harbour Bar

If you watched the Netflix hit series ‘Bodkin’, you might recognise The Harbour Bar.

It played ‘The Muddy Farmer’ in the show! However, before Netflix came-a-kocking, this place was a long-standing favourite among locals and tourists alike!

The tourist trap Irish bar called The Muddy Farmer is actually The Harbour Bar on the Howth Peninsula in Dublin.

There has been a pub on this site since the 1750s and thus is one of the oldest pubs in Dublin, let alone Howth. 

Inside it’s all dark wood, small cosy areas to hide away in, open fires and exposed brick. If you’re a fan of ‘the Black Stuff’, you’re in for a treat here.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Howth

5. The Summit Inn

As its name suggests, The Summit Inn is indeed located at the summit of Howth Hill, a stone’s throw from the Summit car park where you’ll get some superb views.

A big stately pub that was built back in the 19th-century as a thatched cottage, it was once the highest stop on the old GNR Hill Of Howth Tramway.

The tram  snaked its way from Sutton train station up the hill to the summit and then back down the hill to Howth station.

While the tram sadly no longer exists, the lovely pub it left behind most certainly is. There’s a fine big outdoor seating area here that makes a great pitstop after the Howth Cliff Walk.

6. The Bloody Stream

With its ostentatious Mediterranean-style design, The Bloody Stream is striking at first glance, especially on a fine summer’s day.

Its name, however, relates to something far less glamorous – the results of a battle that took place here over 800 years ago.

Fair to say that these days it’s a much more welcoming place!

With a warm and welcoming old-world interior, an open fireplace, classic signage and interesting bric-a-brac, it’s a unique spot for a few pints in Howth.

Explore beyond the bars in Howth

Although the various Howth pubs are worth a visit, make sure to explore the village and its surrounds, first.

Some of the main things to do in Howth are:

• The Howth Cliff Walk
• Howth Market
• The Pier Walk
• St. Mary’s Abbey
• The various beaches in Howth