There’s an awful lot to like about Howth in Dublin.
Easily accessible via the DART (train), Howth Village is a short, 30-minute journey from the city centre, making it an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle.
Although it’s arguably best-known for the famous Howth Cliff Walk, the village is steeped in history (and it’s home to lots of great pubs and restaurants, too!).
In this guide, you’ll find a map of things to do in Howth along with advice on the best places to eat, sleep and sip. Enjoy!
Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Howth in Dublin
Although a visit to Howth in Dublin is nice and straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
You’ll find Howth in North Dublin. Along the coast, you’ll find Sutton and Clontarf on the Dublin City side and Malahide and Portmarnock on the Dublin Airport side.
2. Well serviced by public transport
Getting to Howth from Dublin City is handy:
- By DART: You can reach Howth using the northbound DART from Connolly Station in Dublin City
- Bus: You can jump on the number 31 bus that also leaves from Connolly Station.
3. Home to plenty to see and do
The Howth Cliff Walk is arguably the main attraction here, but there’s a few other notable things that make Howth a fine day out. Also worth your time is the lovely Howth Village, Howth summit, Bailey Lighthouse, the gardens of Howth Castle and St. Mary’s Abbey.
About Howth
One of Dublin’s oldest working harbours, Howth has been a fishing village and port since at least the 14th century and Howth Castle has stood on its present grounds in some form for over 750 years.
The harbour didn’t begin to take its present shape until the 19th century and only in the later 20th century were the leisure areas added.
However, it’s still an active centre of the fishing industry and one of Ireland’s “tier 2” fishing ports.
For travellers, though, it’s the gorgeous landscapes and fascinating history that keeps drawing people in.
Howth gets especially busy in the summer, as people from all over county Dublin and beyond come to experience its unique charm.
Things to do in Howth
So, I have a dedicated guide on the best things to do in Howth, but I’ll give you a quick overview of my favourite attractions.
Below, you’ll find everything from the Howth Cliff Walk and the towns many beaches to the castle and more.
1. The Howth Cliff Walk
With its cinematic coastal scenes and easy-to-follow trails, the number one reason to visit Howth is to tackle the mighty Howth Cliff Walk (arguably one of the best walks in Dublin).
Despite the title, there are actually a number of different walking routes in Howth that treat the eye to lovely views of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, Dublin Bay and Baily Lighthouse.
But for this purpose, we’re talking about the easy 1.5 hour walk that begins at Howth Summit car park and takes you north to Howth Head Peak.
You’ll be treated to views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island on the trail. Here’s a guide to follow.
2. Ramble along the harbour
For something a little more leisurely, you can just stay in Howth Village and take a ramble around.
This is regarded as one of Dublin’s most picturesque towns for good reason!
When the sun is shining, there are few better things to do than to grab an ice cream from Gino’s and then stroll around while soaking up the views.
There are also a couple of fish and chips shops if you want that classic coastal break experience, as well as plenty of pubs to rest your legs with a pint.
3. Beaches galore
If you read our Howth Beach guide, you’ll know that there’s 4 main beaches in the area:
- Claremont Beach
- Balscadden Bay Beach
- Red Rock
- The ‘hidden’ beach.
The ‘hidden’ beach is best viewed from above on the cliff walk and, as you’ll see us mention in our guide to the best beaches in Howth, you should avoid walking down to it.
Although Claremont and Balscadden Bay are relatively easy to reach, you need to go off-the-beaten path to reach Red Rock.
4. Howth Castle
Lying just south of Howth Village, Howth Castle is one of the longest continuously inhabited private homes in Europe and has been in the care of the St Lawrence family since 1177.
Though that means you can’t see inside the house, you can still walk around its charming grounds and view the ancient castle in all its glory.
With the current castle dating back to around the 14th-century, its gardens are especially lovely in early summer when the azalea and rhododendron collections are in bloom.
Howth Castle has recently be sold to an investment firm and they’re set to turn it into another castle hotel in Dublin.
5. The Hurdy Gurdy Vintage Radio museum
Ignore the name for a moment, as this is a serious collection that’s arguably one of the more unique museums in Dublin.
And not only that, the building (The Martello Tower) was a genuinely important part of Ireland’s early communications network.
It was here that the first communications cable from Holyhead in Wales to Ireland was laid in 1852.
Inside you’ll find Pat Herbert’s extensive collection of early Morse equipment, gramophones, crystal sets and valve radios, alongside ancient-looking photographs, telegrams, batteries, TVs, stamps, household items and more.
Places to eat in Howth
Although I go into the towns food scene in depth in our Howth restaurants guide, you’ll find the best of the bunch (in our opinion!) below.
1. Aqua Restaurant
An award-winning seafood restaurant situated at the end of Howth Harbour’s west pier, Aqua has some of the best views of any Dublin restaurant. Its selection of locally caught fish is as fresh and full of flavour as you can imagine.
2. Beshoffs
I’d argue that Beshoff Bros in Howth Village does the best fish and chips in Dublin. Buy a bag and head across the road and grab a bench that overlooks the harbour. If you feel like mixing it up, check out their calamari and chips.
3. The Brass Monkey
A little further down from Aqua lies the Brass Monkey, a great spot for a less formal seafood experience. If you’re with friends, then order in a few pints and a mix of seafood platters.
Pubs in Howth
There’s some mighty pubs in Howth that are perfect for a post-walk pint with friends. Below, you’ll find three of my favourites.
1. Abbey Tavern
Decked out in striking cream and blue from the outside, the Abbey Tavern in Howth Village dates back to the 16th-century. Serving exceptional food and drink under its historic low ceils, there’s always a lively atmosphere here.
2. McNeills of Howth
Sitting at the top end of Howth Village, McNeills of Howth is a handsome spot to escape to if you’ve had enough of the busy harbour. And as soon as the kitchens close, the music starts so you can enjoy yourself long into the night.
3. O’Connell’s Pub
Perfectly perched to look out over the Harbour, O’Connell’s is in a picturesque spot. It’s also one of the first pubs you come across on your way back into town following the Howth Cliff Walk so we wouldn’t blame you for falling in here for a pint!
Howth accommodation
If you’re wondering where to stay in Dublin that’s scenic and perfectly positioned to explore from, consider Howth.
Note: if you book a stay via the link below we may make a commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.
1. King Sitric
Practically next door to O’Connell’s, King Sitric is an easy-going spot in a great location that provides instant access to the Harbour and the Howth Cliff Walk.
There are several different room types available here and some offer glorious bay views!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.