Discover Howth: Dublin's Ultimate Seaside Escape
Ah, Howth , that salty, windswept peninsula jutting out into the Irish Sea, just a hop from Dublin city centre. If you're craving a breath of fresh sea air, panoramic cliff views, and plates piled high with the freshest seafood, you've found your spot. As a local who's wandered these cliffs more times than I can count, let me be your guide to this charming fishing village turned beloved day trip destination. Whether you're tackling the famous Howth Cliff Walk, spotting seals at the harbour, or sipping a pint with harbour views, Howth delivers that perfect mix of rugged nature and cosy village life. It's no wonder Dubliners flock here for weekends away , and now it's your turn.
What Howth is Known For
Howth punches way above its weight as a Dublin neighbourhood. Perched on the northern edge of Howth Head, it's famed for its dramatic sea cliffs, bustling harbour teeming with fishing boats, and a lineage of Viking raids and smuggling lore. The star attraction? The Howth Cliff Walk, a network of trails offering jaw-dropping vistas over Dublin Bay, Ireland's Eye, and Lambay Island. Spot seals bobbing in the waves, wild goats grazing heather-covered slopes, and WWII Martello towers standing sentinel. Beyond the outdoors, Howth boasts a lively seafood scene , think oysters straight from the boats , and a Sunday market that's a feast for the senses. It's the antidote to urban hustle, blending wilderness with waterfront pubs and hidden beaches like Balscadden Bay for a bracing dip.
Best Streets and Areas to Wander
Start at the harbour on Harbour Road, where the air hums with gull cries and fishmongers' calls. Stroll the East Pier to the red-and-white lighthouse, dodging dog walkers and seal-spotters. Main Street buzzes with indie shops, galleries, and cafes , pop into Howth Market on Sundays for artisan cheeses, street food, and live music. Venture up Church Path for pastel cottages and the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey. For cliff thrills, follow the Cliff Path Loop from the Summit car park: 6km of heather blooms, crashing waves, and 200m drops (wear sturdy boots!). Insider tip: The longer 15km Howth Head Loop circles the entire peninsula, passing Bray Head's gorse fields and Red Rock Beach , pack a flask of tea for the bench at Black Rock.
- East Pier: Iconic stroll with seal sightings and lighthouse selfies.
- Harbour Road: Seafood central, lined with restaurants and the RNLI station.
- Main Street: Charming high street for shopping and people-watching.
- Cliff Footpath: Wild trails to hidden coves like Bog of Frogs.
- The Summit: Panoramic viewpoint for Ireland's Eye ferries departing below.
The Local Vibe in Howth
Howth feels like a world away from Dublin's Temple Bar frenzy. It's laid-back, outdoorsy, and fiercely proud of its fishing heritage , think weather-beaten faces in the pub recounting storm-tossed tales. Families picnic on the pier, hikers refuel with chowder, and couples linger over sunset gins. The vibe shifts seasonal: summer brings buskers and kayakers, while winter's gales make for epic, moody walks. It's community-driven too , join a guided forage with Hidden Howth or chat with locals at the yacht club. Not too touristy, but lively enough; evenings hum with laughter from pubs like The Brass Monkey. Pro tip: Time your visit for low tide to explore rock pools teeming with crabs and anemones.
Food & Drink Scene: Seafood Heaven
Howth's grub is legendary , hyper-fresh from the boats. Kick off with coffee and crab claws at The Oar House on Harbour Road, then lunch on lobster rolls at Octopus. For fine dining, The House (formerly Aqua) serves Michelin-worthy seafood in a Georgian pile overlooking the bay. Casual gems? Beshoff Bros for fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, or Crab & Mussel for moules frites with Howth stout. Veggie? The Purty Kitchen does plant-based platters. Drink-wise, hit O'Donoghue's for trad music and Guinness poured perfectly, or The Harbour Bar for ice cream cones while seal-watching. Sunday market stalls sling wood-fired pizzas and gin from local Howth Distillery. Pair it all with a Howth IPA from niche brewers , pure bliss.
- Breakfast: Lemon Crepe at Middle Mama.
- Lunch: Fish goujons at Beshoffs.
- Dinner: Scallops at The House.
- Drinks: Sunset pint at The Summit Inn.
A Brief History of Howth
Howth's story spans millennia. Neolithic tombs dot the headland, but Vikings made it home in 841 AD, naming it 'Hóð' (bay of offerings). St. Nessan founded a monastery here in the 5th century; ruins linger near the abbey. The 13th-century Howth Castle (still private) watched over smuggling coves used by 18th-century rogues. The Great Famine hit hard, but fishing endured. James Joyce fans: Howth features in Ulysses as the proposal spot for Molly Bloom. Today, Martello towers (one now the Howth Gun Fort museum) echo Napoleonic defences. Dive deeper at the National Transport Museum in the old station, crammed with trams and trains.
Things to Do Beyond the Basics
Adrenaline junkies: Kayak sea caves with Shearwater or sail from Howth Yacht Club. Families love seal-watching cruises to Ireland's Eye (puffins in summer!). Golfers tackle Howth Golf Club's clifftop links. Culture vultures: Catch gigs at Howth House or exhibits at Howth Castle Gallery (when open). Stay overnight at The Cliff House Hotel for spa pampering. Events? Howth Penal Weights Festival (June) revives old smuggling games. With all this, your Howth day trip stretches easily to two.
Howth isn't just a neighbourhood; it's Dublin's wild heart. Lace up those boots, grab a map, and let the peninsula work its magic. Sláinte!
