Things to see or do
Amenities
- Directions: Howth village is situated 15km (9½ miles) north-east of the city centre on the north side of Howth Head.
- Route Summary: Start your walk to the east of Howth Village at the parking area of Balscadden Bay. From here, a good path leads you up and around the Nose of Howth and onto the cliff tops. Continue uphill, taking in the stunning views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, but take care of your footing as the path draws very close to the lip of the cliff and you must walk near to the edge. All around, you’ll be overwhelmed by the magnificent heady scent of coconut from the bright yellow gorse on the heath. Moving upwards to 120m, a slight detour to the south takes you to the magnificent Baily Lighthouse – the last of Ireland’s 82 lighthouses to become automated. At the highest point of your walk (171m), the Ben of Howth awaits and it’s marked by an ancient burial cairn, which, according to legend, is said to be the final resting place of the last of the Irish giants. Your return to Howth Village begins along a path running parallel to your outward route. Swinging gently away from the cliffs, you’ll be glad to know that it’s downhill from here, over the heath and into the bustling village.
- Distance: 7km
- Terrain: mix of tarmac, gravel and firm earthen paths
- Estimated Time: 2hrs - 3hrs
- Ascent: 140m
- Grade: easy
- Start and Finish: Parking area few hundred metres east of Howth Village.
Howth Coastal Path
Howth
Dublin
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Ireland East
At the northern tip of Dublin Bay, prepare yourself for a picturesque walk over cliff tops as you circle Howth head . With its stunning panoramic views, glance north to County Down’s Mountains of Mourne, south to the lush green Wicklow Mountains, and straight ahead for the expanse of Dublin city and its bay in between. Howth is a bustling village that offers visitors a myriad of attractions – look out for Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, Howth Castle, The National Transport Museum, the Martello Tower and the brilliantly visible Baily Lighthouse, along with the legendary burial cairn at the peak of your walk. Wildlife enthusiasts will adore this area, particularly Ireland’s Eye and its bird sanctuary, which boasts guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, gulls and gannets to name just a few. If you’re lucky, you may even see grey seals diving for fish just offshore.
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Sights & Culture
Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio
