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ExploreHowth

Plan Your Visit

Half-day or full-day, rain or shine — plan the perfect trip to Howth with our curated itineraries.

Curated Itineraries

Half-Day Highlights

3-4 hours

The essential Howth experience in a half day — cliff walk, fresh seafood, and harbour strolling.

First TimersFamiliesLimited Time
  1. 10:00

    Arrive by DART

    Take the DART from Dublin Connolly to Howth Station (28-35 min).

    35 min
  2. 10:30

    Shorter Cliff Walk

    Take the shorter cliff walk loop for stunning coastal views without the full 3-hour commitment.

    1.5 hours
  3. 12:00

    Lunch at the Harbour

    Grab fish and chips from Beshoffs or chowder from Baily Bites and eat by the water.

    45 min
  4. 12:45

    Harbour & Market Stroll

    Walk along the harbour, watch the seals, and browse Howth Market if it's the weekend.

    45 min
  5. 13:30

    DART Home

    Head back to Dublin from Howth Station.

    35 min

Full-Day Explorer

7-8 hours

The complete Howth experience — full cliff walk loop, boat trip, sit-down lunch, and evening pints.

AdventurersNature LoversCouples
  1. 09:00

    Arrive by DART

    Early DART from Dublin Connolly to get the most from your day.

    35 min
  2. 09:30

    Full Cliff Walk Loop

    The 7.8km Howth Head Loop — the Bog of Frogs Purple Route with panoramic views.

    3 hours
  3. 12:30

    Lunch at Aqua or Mamo

    Reward yourself with a sit-down seafood lunch overlooking the harbour.

    1.5 hours
  4. 14:00

    Ireland's Eye Boat Trip

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

    2 hours
  5. 16:00

    Howth Castle & Gardens

    Explore the castle grounds, Deer Park, and rhododendron gardens.

    1 hour
  6. 17:00

    Pints at The Abbey Tavern

    Finish the day at Howth's historic pub with a pint and some traditional music.

    1-2 hours

Rainy Day Plan

4-5 hours

Rain doesn't stop Howth — cookery classes, cosy pubs, indoor museums, and harbour dining.

FamiliesFoodiesRainy Days
  1. 10:00

    Arrive by DART

    Short walk from the station — you'll barely get wet.

    35 min
  2. 10:30

    Castle Cookery School

    Learn to make Irish scones, brown bread, or seafood chowder in the 18th century Georgian kitchen.

    2.5 hours
  3. 13:00

    Lunch at 30 Church Street

    Warm up with fresh oysters and harbour views at this cosy spot.

    1 hour
  4. 14:00

    National Transport Museum

    Explore vintage buses, trams, and Irish transport heritage — all under cover.

    1 hour
  5. 15:00

    Pints by the Fire

    Settle into The Bloody Stream or Abbey Tavern for pints and shelter.

    1-2 hours

Weekend Escape

2 days

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. Day 1 AM

    Full Cliff Walk Loop

    Start with the 7.8km Howth Head Loop for the full coastal experience.

    3 hours
  2. Day 1 Lunch

    Seafood Lunch

    King Sitric or Aqua for a celebratory post-walk meal.

    1.5 hours
  3. Day 1 PM

    Howth Market & Harbour

    Browse the weekend market and watch the seals in the harbour.

    2 hours
  4. Day 1 Eve

    Dinner & Live Music

    Dinner at Mamo, then live music at The Abbey Tavern.

    3 hours
  5. Day 2 AM

    Ireland's Eye Boat Trip

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

    2-3 hours
  6. Day 2 Lunch

    Fish & Chips by the Water

    Baily Bites chowder or Beshoffs fish and chips, eaten harbourside.

    45 min
  7. Day 2 PM

    Howth Castle & Gardens

    Explore the castle, Deer Park, and rhododendron gardens.

    2 hours

Weather & What to Bring

Weather

Howth has a maritime climate. Expect changeable weather year-round — it can be sunny and raining within the same hour. Temperatures range from 4-8°C in winter to 14-20°C in summer. Wind on the cliff walks can make it feel cooler.

Packing Checklist

  • ✓Waterproof jacket (essential year-round)
  • ✓Layers — temperature drops on the cliffs
  • ✓Sturdy walking shoes (not sandals for cliff walks)
  • ✓Camera — the views are stunning
  • ✓Binoculars for birdwatching (optional)
  • ✓Sunscreen — yes, even in Ireland

Best Time to Visit

Spring

March - May

Rhododendrons bloom, puffins arrive in April, castle tours resume. Fewer crowds.

Summer

June - August

Peak season. Longest days, best weather, puffin season until July. Book boat trips early.

Autumn

September - November

Beautiful light for photography, fewer tourists, festivals winding down. Great for cliff walks.

Winter

December - February

Quietest time. Harbour seals year-round, cosy pub fires, cheapest accommodation. Oyster festival in Feb/March.