Howth Cliff Walk is one of those day trips that I took during my time in Dublin. I’ve been here twice, and for the first time, my friends and I planned a day trip from Dublin on a sunny day. It created such lovely memories that we wanted to visit again.
Howth Cliff Walk offers a lovely walk with breathtaking ocean views and nearby attractions.
Detailed Guide to Howth Cliff Walk
Location
Howth is a charming coastal town in Dublin. It is situated about 14 km northeast of Dublin.
I’ve included the Google Maps location below for easy navigation.
How to get to Howth Cliff?
There are several ways that you can try to get to Howth Cliff. One way is to try DART (Train). You can take the train from any of the main stations in Dublin city centre. Check this website for more information.
You can also try the bus or car. If you’re going by car, arriving early is suggested, as parking can fill up quickly. From Dublin to Howth Cliff, it takes around 50 minutes to reach, and the distance is about 17.7 km.
Parking
Although there is a parking spot, finding a parking place is challenging. As the place is very busy during summer, you won’t have many parking spots. So, you might have to park near or alongside the road.
Tours
There are several tours that you can try exploring the cliff. For instance, Howth Cliff Walk Tour with Howth Adventures offers you a 3-hour interactive walk best for beginners with with general fitness level.
If you prefer to hike independently, you can follow well-marked trails, making it hard to miss the path.
The Lighthouse
The Howth Cliff Walk features the Baily Lighthouse which is a landmark along your trail. The lighthouse if a popular stopping point along the trail best for taking some photographs. It was established in 1814, showcasing the scenic beauty of the region and maritime life.
Safety Tips
Some parts of the trails are not fenced and you need to be very careful. Please, do not get too close to the cliff edge. You also need to be mindful of the weather to dress properly.
Strong winds can be challenging especially when you are near the edges. So, if the condition is not good plese postpone your hiking.
Howth Cliff Walk Trails / Loops
The Howth Cliff Walk offers several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. There are actually 5 main loops that you can try and I’m going to describe each to you based on my personal experience.
1. Howth Cliff Path Loop (Green Route)
- Trail Name: Cliff Path
- Start Point: Train Station (Howth DART station)
- Length: 6 km
- Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Metres Climb: 130m
- Finish Point: Train Station
- Trail Way Marking Colour: Green
2. Tramline Loop
- Trail Name: Tramline Loop
- Start Point: Train Station
- Length: 7 km
- Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Metres Climb: 130m
- Finish Point: Train Station
- Trail Way Marking Colour: Blue
3. Black Linn Loop
- Trail Name: Black Linn Loop
- Start Point: Train Station
- Length: 8 km
- Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
- Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
- Metres Climb: 160 m
- Finish Point: Train Station
- Trail Way Marking Colour: Red
4. Bog of the Frogs Loop
- Trail Name: Bog of the Frogs Loop
- Start Point: Train Station
- Length: 12 km
- Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Degree of Difficulty: Hard
- Metres Climb: 240 m
- Finish Point: Train Station
- Trail Way Marking Colour: Purple
Where to Eat?
Aqua Restaurant
Aqua Restaurant is a lovely place in Howth that offers a variety of options for lunch and dinner. From Wednesday to Sunday, they offer you lunch from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM. And from Tuesday to Sunday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, they offer you dinner.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
The Pier House
The Pier House Restaurant is modern in Howth, offering a variety of delicious dining options. From delicious pasta to tasty desserts, this restaurant has everything to create a nice culinary experience for you. the staff are friendly and the atmosphere is also lovely.
You can check their official website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How difficult is the Howth Cliff Walk?
Most trails along the Howth Cliff Walk are considered easy to moderate in case of difficulty level. In general, Howth Cliff Walk is suitable for various skill levels with its diverse walking trails. But beginners and people with lower level of fitness should be cautious on challenging routes.
How high are the Howth Cliffs?
The Howth Cliffs rise up to 171 meters above the Irish Sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Is Howth Cliff Walk stroller friendly?
Howth Cliff Walk is not stroller-friendly. Some parts of the path are uneven, rocky, or muddy, making it challenging in some parts.
How long is the Howth Cliff Walk?
The Howth Cliff Walk features several routes with various lengths, depending on the route you choose. So, it can change from 6 km to 12 or 17 km.
Is the Howth hike worth it?
Howth Cliff Walk is worth visiting with various engaging trails, stunning views, and scenic hikes.
Conclusion
Howth Cliff Walk is a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy a day out hiking and exploring its natural beauty.
Hope you enjoyed reading this guide. If you have any more questions, please comment below and also share your experience with me if you’ve visited here. Have fun and be safe!
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