Top 25 Incredible Things to Do in Howth (2024)
Ireland is a beautiful country with plenty of things to do, but if you’re looking for an incredible experience or have some extra time to get outside of Dublin City Centre, you need to check out the small fishing village of Howth. This charming seaside town has something for everyone, from breathtaking hikes and amazing seafood to family-friendly activities and fun pub life. Here are the top 25 things to do in Howth!
Jump to…
• Fun Things to Do in Howth
• Adventurous Things to Do in Howth
• Things to Do in Howth for Kids
• Unique Things to Do in Howth
• Free Things to Do in Howth
• • •
• From Dublin to Howth
• Best Howth Restaurants and Pubs
• Is Howth Worth Visiting?
• Howth Map
• Howth Cliff Walk Information
• Is Howth Walkable?
• Where to Stay in Howth – Howth Hotels
Fun Things to Do in Howth
#1 – Sightseeing Cruise Along the Howth Cliffs
The large majority of the reason people venture out to Howth is to experience the coast and take in the magnificent ocean views, which is why a cruise around the cliffs is the number ONE thing to do in Howth!
A boat trip in Howth will allow you to see the cityscape of Dublin and Howth Head plus take in the Baily Lighthouse from below, all while enjoying the sea breeze and being out on the open water.
Howth is one of the best places in Ireland to see a variety of bird and marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for seagulls and other animals. The Howth cliffs are a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the views are simply breathtaking.
➡️ LEARN MORE + BOOK A TOUR HERE
#2 – The Most FUN Hike You Might Ever Go On
Hiking along the cliffs in Howth is one of the top things to do, but this Coastal Hike and Pints tour takes it up a notch for an even more enjoyable experience! And what gets more Irish than ending your hike with a deliciously refreshing pint of Guinness?
Your hike is led by fascinating local tour guides (Mark and Missy) who will share information and historical facts while you stop at highlights of Howth such as the Howth Summit to admire the beautiful views of the Dublin mountains and Dublin Bay, the Baily Lighthouse, and St Mary’s Abbey.
Then enjoy a refreshing pint in a village pub after your exploring is complete!
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
#3 – Coastal Castles + Distillery Tour
This might be one of my favorite things to do in Howth of all time because it combines the best of Ireland – the coast, castles, and… casks? An amazing tour for whiskey and history lovers!
The tour starts with Howth Peninsula to take in the stunning views of Dublin Bay while learning about its rich history. Next, experience two unique castles: Malahide (one of the most pristine castles in Ireland) and Ardgillan Castles.
Last… tour the Pearse Lyons Distillery where you will view St. James’ Graveyard, hear some great Irish storytelling, and of course, taste some Irish whiskey!
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
#4 – Play Golf at One of Two Top-Rated Courses
Howth has two golf courses on the peninsula: Deer Park Golf and Howth Golf Club.
Deer Park Golf has an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course with stunning coastline views and a newly refurbished Clubhouse.
Howth Golf Club also has remarkable views and is noted as a Google 5-star rated golf course with a perfect blend of traditional and modern trends.
#5 – Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Trail
Howth is best known for its hiking and for its seafood… so of course, you should combine the two for a fun day in Howth!
This tour takes you to some of Howth’s less-known eateries and bars that are popular with (and often only known by) locals. You will have a freshly-caught two-course seafood lunch along with a selection of North County Dublin’s finest craft beers.
You will explore Howth and take in its stunning views, experience the ruins at St. Mary’s Abbey, and learn about the lighthouse.
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
Adventurous Things to Do in Howth
#6 – Panoramic E-Bike Tour
If you’re looking for a more adventurous day in Howth, consider biking instead of walking to explore the peninsula. Taking an e-bike is an easier, but still active and fun way to get around!
With this e-bike tour, you’ll be able to explore much more of Howth than on foot, so it’s a great tour if you’re just doing a day trip from Dublin. The highlights of the tour include:
- Baily Lighthouse
- Howth Castle
- Deer Park Golf (views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Islands)
- This is the only tour that travels along Strand Road by the coast to overlook Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains
- Martello Tower Sutton
- Howth Head + Summit
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
#7 – Hike Along the Coast
Of course, when looking for an adventurous day in Howth, you’ll likely want to hike the coast and take in the views.
This small-group tour explores the harbor, coastal village, and has stunning scenery while learning about the local culture and history. You’ll see popular landmarks throughout your hike as well.
This tour in particular is special for exploring Aideen’s Grave, a portal tomb that goes back to the Druids. You’ll follow the secret paths and trails through the famous giant rhododendrons, woodlands, and heathlands.
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
#8 – Option 2 for a Howth Coastal Hike + Sea Caves!
Also an incredible hike for the more adventurous explorers. This hike varies in that you will explore Martello Tower Sutton (Dublin’s best-kept secret) and you will explore coastal sea caves which is always a highlight for hikers.
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
Things to Do in Howth for Kids
#9 – Walk Out to Howth Head Lookout
If your kids are old enough to do a little exploring, take them on some of the walks around Howth to experience nature and see the wildlife. The Howth Head walk is actually a few stops along a path following the cliffs, so you can make it a short walk and stop at any point your kids get tired and turn around.
The walk is easy to access from the main Howth waterfront, just follow the signage to the path, and is an easy and mostly flat hike with some harder stretches. It’s not suitable for very young kids or strollers.
#10 – National Transport Museum
This one is great for kids who love trains and cars! It’s a lesser-known attraction in Howth that has around 60 items on display from 1883 to the newest item from 1984.
The National Transport Museum is Ireland’s only comprehensive assembly of public service and commercial road transport vehicles (passenger, commercial, fire and emergency, military, and utility vehicles), many of which are very rare and unique.
Admission tickets start at €1.25 for children, €3 for adults, and €8 for families.
#11 – Spend Time at the Beach
The beaches are perfect for families to explore on a sunny day. Check out Claremont Beach or the more hidden Balscadden Bay Beach. Stroll along the shores, go tide pooling, look out for marine life, or take a ball or frisbee to toss around.
If it’s a warm enough day you might even be able to dip your toes in the water!
#12 – Admire the Boats in Howth Harbor
Families and kids of all ages can appreciate walking around the harbor and down by the pier so see what unique fishing and commercial boats are docked or going in and out of the harbor.
#13 – Take an Island Ferry
Ireland’s Eye Tour is one of the better-known Island ferries that explores the treasures of Ireland’s Eye (a Nature Reserve and a sanctuary for wildlife), Howth Harbor, and Dublin Bay.
It’s one of the few (possibly only) that gives passengers the option to land on the Island and stay as long as they wish.
Tickets start at €10 for kids, €20 for adults, and €50 for families.
Unique Things to Do in Howth
#14 – Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Museum Of Vintage Radio
This funky little museum is curated by Pat Herbert, who collected all things radio and communications throughout his life. The museum has over 1,000 exhibits of early radio and communications in Ireland and beyond.
The museum is housed in a piece of history itself, the Martello Tower which goes back to the early 1800s.
Tickets start at €5 for adults and are free for children.
#15 – Ardán Flower and Sculpture Garden
This gorgeous flower garden is on half an acre of land situated on a coastal hillside location close to the summit. The gardens are stunningly designed and feature a white garden, an exotic garden with a pond, a vegetable and herb garden, a bog garden, a small woodland garden, and a natural rocky outcrop.
Plus, there are unique sculptures woven throughout the gardens to add a flare of artistry.
Admission starts at €8 per person.
#16 – The Dog House Blue’s Tea Room Restaurant
This unusual and quirky restaurant is a very unique stop in Howth. It’s noted as one of the “most Instagram-Worthy Restaurants & Pubs in Dublin” and it certainly has quite a flare for the dramatic in terms of decoration.
The staff is friendly and welcoming to both you and your furry friends. The Dog House Blue is a fun thing to do to take in the atmosphere and enjoy a cup of tea or warm meal while out exploring the town!
Free Things to Do in Howth
#17 – Howth Cliff Walk
The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the top things to do and is completely free! There are five different versions of the walk ranging from 1.5 hours to 3 hours.
- The Black Linn loop
- The Bog of Frogs loop
- The Howth Cliff Path loop
- The Tramline Loop
- The Howth Summit Walk (1.5 hours)
The first four begin at the DART station and are a long, steep walk. For the last, drive or take the bus to Howth Summit for a shorter and less challenging walk.
Parking can be tricky to come by, so make sure to arrive early!
#18 – Walk Along the Howth Pier
Howth Harbor is more than 200 years old and is still functioning to this day, making it one of the oldest working harbors in Ireland. The West Pier is the older of the two piers you will find in Howth. The East Pier was built in 1807 and is the more scenic of the two with the iconic Howth lighthouse on the end.
Take a stroll along the piers and watch the fishing boats go in and out of the harbor, or stop for a pint or bite to eat at one of the restaurants along the way.
>>> RELATED POST: Top-Rated Cliffs of Moher Day Tours From Dublin
#19 – View the Baily Lighthouse
The Baily Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses in the Howth Penninsula and is the more common lighthouse to be featured on tours.
Located in the southeastern part of Howth Village, you can view the lighthouse at Howth Summit and look down on it from above. Or, you can get up close to the lighthouse and even visit some of the lighthouse buildings that have been converted into a museum.
#20 – Walk Through the Howth Weekend Market
The Howth Market is one of my favorite things to do when visiting on the weekends! It’s full of organic produce, freshly baked goods, jewelry, clothing, antiques, and more.
It’s fun to wander through the stalls for free, or you can grab food for a picnic or do some souvenir shopping there. Make sure to stop for some delicious ice cream!
There are five permanent shops that are open all week, but the 25 stalls that make up the market are only open on weekends and bank holidays.
#21 – St. Mary’s Abbey
The ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey are wonderful to walk through as well as to marvel over the views of the harbor and ocean behind them. The first church was built around 1042, but the ruins you see today date back to the late 14th century.
To get to the Abbey, start at the end of the harbor where the road takes a sharp right turn onto Abbey Street. Take the next right turn and you will find the Abbey at the top of the road.
>>> RELATED POST: Most Beautiful + Historic Dublin Churches
#22 – Walk Around Howth Castle
Take some time to wander around the exterior of Howth Castle. The castle is a centuries-old property with extensive gardens and grounds. It is one of the longest continuously inhabited private homes in Europe.
Unfortunately, as of 2021, the castle was sold to be turned into a luxury hotel. However, you can still see the outside of the castle and enjoy walks through the rhododendron gardens.
#23 – Have a Picnic Along the Beach
A fun free thing to do in Howth is to pack a picnic (or pick up some delicious local foods at the Howth Market) and have a picnic. Some of the best spots to picnic are along the beach, in one of the grassy areas around town, or to walk the Howth Cliff Walk until you find somewhere suitable.
From Dublin to Howth
Howth is one of the more common day trip destinations from Dublin because of how close and easily accessible it is.
How to Get to Howth From Dublin?
The easiest way to get to Howth is to take the DART from Pearse Station to Howth Train Station, which takes about 30 minutes and costs about €6 each way.
Otherwise, you can take the Dublin Bus (costs a little less but takes a bit longer), take a taxi, or drive if you have a car. The drive only takes about 20-25 minutes.
Renting a Car in Ireland?
My go-to car rental service in Ireland is Discover Cars. They compare prices across the leading car rental services to find you the lowest prices and best deals.
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Another option is to bundle your transportation from Dublin to Howth with a day tour. Here are two great options to consider:
#24 – Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour from Dublin
This guided tour includes the best of the sites and experiences you should get in a day trip from Dublin to Howth. One of the unique stops on this tour is a photo stop and a chance to learn about the Casino Marino, an architectural jewel of Ireland.
You will also explore the Malahide Castle (dating from the 11th century) and hear the ghost stories that are associated with its walls and corridors.
Additionally, you will make stops at St. Anne’s park, Portmarnock beach, take an optional walk from Howth’s Summit cliff to the village, and explore the town of Howth before returning return along Bull island and the park of Santa Ana and Fairview.
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
#25 – Private Tour of Howth From Dublin
Whenever possible within your budget, I always recommend taking a private tour so you can customize your experience to your taste.
The tour guide will take you to several local landmarks including Howth Head, the Baily Lighthouse, and Howth Castle. You will learn about fascinating history and folklore, take in the fabulous views, and enjoy your included Howth Chowder and a pint of Guinness!
➡️ LEARN MORE + RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE
Best Howth Restaurants and Pubs
Howth is renowned for its food scene, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants and pubs to choose from. Howth is especially well known for its seafood and chowders, which I highly recommend trying while you’re in town. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Howth has something to offer everyone.
The top three Howth restaurants to check out are:
- Abbey Tavern – Delicious menu (with great veggie options). Hosts a ‘Traditional Irish Night’ with live Irish ballads, dancing, and dinner.
- O’Connell’s Howth – Overlooks the harbor and sea and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere (try the fresh fish and chips!).
- Octopussy’s Seafood Tapas Bar – Fresh and tasty fish, bests for trying a variety of seafood dishes.
>>> RELATED POST: 7 Best Dublin Pub Crawls
Is Howth Worth Visiting?
This picturesque seaside town located just outside of Dublin is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area, especially in the summer months. There are plenty of incredible things to do and see in Howth, from hiking and cycling to fishing and bird watching.
The town is also home to some great restaurants, cafes, and pubs, so you can definitely find something to suit your taste. And of course, no visit to Howth would be complete without taking a walk along the iconic Cliffs of Howth.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the sea or an action-packed weekend away, Howth is definitely worth a visit and was one of my favorite day trips from Dublin while studying abroad there!
Howth Map
The peninsula is not terribly big, but even still there are so many great things to see in Howth. Check out the map of Howth below to see where some of the top sights are and to plan your route in Howth if you’re going without a tour.
How Do You Get to the Cliffs in Howth?
The easiest way to start the Howth Cliff Walk is from the DART station in town, though it’s a long, steep walk. For a shorter and less challenging walk, drive or take the bus to Howth Summit.
Or, you can take a guided cliff walk tour and have someone else lead the way.
How Long Is the Howth Cliff Walk?
The Howth Cliff Walk takes about 1.5 hours (from Howth Summit) or 2-3 hours for the other four trails starting in town.
How Difficult Is the Howth Cliff Walk?
It’s a moderate loop hike that includes some road walking, rugged cliff walking, and incredible scenery. You don’t have to complete the entire loop to see the scenery, and you can start from Howth Summit to make the walk less difficult.
Is Howth Walkable?
Howth is a very small and walkable town.
When I visited Howth I took the DART from Dublin so I didn’t have a car. I found it extremely easy to get around and wander through the harbor, the cliffs, around the town, and to the restaurants and pubs.
Where to Stay in Howth – Howth Hotels
There are not a ton of places to stay in Howth, most people stay in the Dublin area and make day trips (or half-day trips from Dublin) out to the peninsula. However, there are two stays I would recommend that you could look into:
King Sitric Hotel
This adorable stay is right near the Howth Harbor and I love it for the ocean view rooms! Plus, it has incredible proximity to the cliff walk trails and the best restaurants. The King Sitric is really the only consistent accommodation in the heart of Howth as well.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Though it’s not on the Howth peninsula, it’s close enough and a fantastic stay, which is why I recommend looking into it. It’s a four-star hotel with its own restaurant, located in a gorgeous castle!
It’s only 20 minutes from Howth (but right near Bull Island!) and would be a memorable stay while exploring Dublin and Howth.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY
>>> RELATED POST: Top Stays in Dublin
If you’re looking for things to do in Howth, look no further. There are plenty of places to see and activities to enjoy in this charming seaside town. Whether you’re interested in hiking trails, admiring the views from the summit of Howth Head, or simply strolling along the pier, there’s something for everyone in Howth. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head on over to Howth for an unforgettable Irish vacation!
Make sure to pin this post or bookmark it for when you’re planning your trip to Howth!
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☘️ Ireland FAQs ☘️
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1. Scott’s Cheap Flights – FREE flight deals alert, works best if you can be flexible
2. Skyscanner – FREE search engine, great for budget flights + deal
❗Is Travel Insurance Required in Ireland?
No, it’s not.
However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance any time you travel in case of injury, accident, lost luggage, missed flight, etc. The best and most affordable travel/expat insurance is Safety Wing.
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☔️ When Is the Best Time to Visit Ireland?
Summer (June-August) – is the warmest and rains the least but you will have the most crowds.
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) – are cooler and have more rain but you will beat the crowds and see some incredible wildflowers (spring)/greenery (fall).
🏠 Where Should You Stay in Ireland?
Hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and house sitting are all available in Ireland for accommodation. My top recommendations for each are:
• Booking.com
• Hostelworld
• Vrbo (usually better options than Airbnb in Ireland)
• Trusted Housesitters (watch a home/pets in return for a FREE place to stay)
☘️ Where Can You Find Tours?
I found incredible tours in Ireland >>>HERE for private and guided group tours of both the most popular attractions and ones that fit your specific interests.
🚘 Should You Rent a Car in Ireland?
I always tell my friends and family to rent a car in Ireland so that they don’t miss out on the gorgeous scenery and wonderful things to do in between the big cities! However, if you plan to stay only in the cities, then you should be fine getting by with buses and walking.
>>> What to know about driving in Ireland
>>> The best car rental in Ireland
🍻 Make sure to try out the pubs! Even if you don’t drink, the atmosphere, live music, and friendly people are very uniquely Irish.
