About Howth East Pier
Strolling Howth East Pier is the quintessential way to kick off any visit to Howth, feeling like a Dubliner on a sunny afternoon. This 400m-long Victorian pier stretches into Howth Harbour from the West Pier Road area, ending at a beacon lighthouse that's been guiding ships since 1818. Lined with fishing boats, yachts, and the occasional seal begging for scraps, it's alive with the salty tang of the sea, cries of gulls, and chatter from locals walking dogs or grabbing fish and chips. Built in the 19th century to shelter the harbour, it's now a hub for the fishing fleet that supplies Dublin's freshest seafood. Spot the seals year-round, Ireland's Eye offshore, and on clear days, the Wicklow Mountains. It's flat, easy-going, and pairs perfectly with a pint at the end overlooking the bobbing boats.
What to Expect
A leisurely 15-30 minute walk out and back, with benches for resting, angling spots for keen fishermen, and photo ops galore. Summer brings buskers and ice cream vendors; winter offers moody waves smashing against the granite walls. Free entry, pram-friendly, and the best seal-spotting in Howth. Combine with harbour swims or ferry departures for a full morning.
Insider Tips
Visit at low tide to see starfish in rock pools; early morning nets the freshest catch from boats unloading. Avoid peak weekends if you hate crowds, or time it with the DART arrival. Grab coffee from a harbour van and watch the world go by. For history buffs, note the pier's role in the 1916 Easter Rising smuggler stories. It's more atmospheric than Bray's promenade, cementing Howth as Dublin's premier coastal escape.