Dublin’s Howth Cliff Walk: Top Routes, Views & Parking Info
Stepping off the DART train in Howth on a crisp morning, I feel the salty breeze and immediately sense the adventure ahead. The charming fishing village of Howth lies just 25 minutes by train from Dublin, yet it feels a world away from the city’s bustle. One of the best things to do here, hands down, is the Howth Cliff Walk.
This rugged clifftop trail offers stunning coastal views, fresh sea air, and rich birdlife, with the occasional seal bobbing in the waves below if you’re lucky. As I start my hike, the path hugs emerald slopes above the Irish Sea, revealing endless blue horizons and the promise of breathtaking viewpoints around every bend.
Getting to Howth: Trains & Buses from Dublin
Reaching Howth is half the fun, especially by public transport. The most popular option is the DART train from Dublin – a scenic 25–35 minute ride along the coast that drops you right at Howth Village. For just a few euros (around €5 round-trip), you can hop on at Connolly or any central Dublin DART station and enjoy views of Dublin Bay as you zip toward Howth. The train’s final stop is Howth Harbour, the heart of the peninsula, where your cliff walk adventure begins.
If trains aren’t your thing, Dublin’s bus system offers another easy route. Several Dublin bus lines, such as the H3 bus from Abbey Street, head to Howth; one even goes all the way up to the summit of Howth Head. From the city center, bus routes to Howth take roughly 45–60 minutes. The bus option is great if you plan to start your walk at the top of the cliffs – you can ride up to the Howth Summit stop and begin your hike from there. And if you miss it too, your best route will be long streets. Whether by train or bus, public transport to Howth is convenient and frequent, making this an effortless day trip from Dublin without a car.
Driving to Howth: Parking Tips for the Howth Cliff Walk
Bringing a car? No problem, but plan, as Howth is a popular spot. There is no official “Howth Cliff Walk” car park at the trailhead, so you’ll need to use public parking in the village or near the summit. If you’re starting your hike down in Howth Village, your best bet is to park by Howth Harbour. The harbourside parking lots are the go-to choice for walkers, just steps from the DART station and the trail start. Spaces can fill up quickly on weekends, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. Imagine sipping a coffee by the marina as fishermen unload the morning’s catch, a perfect pre-hike ritual, but get that spot before the crowds!
For those who prefer a shorter walk or less uphill climbing, drive up to Howth Summit and park there. The Summit car park, located near the Summit Inn pub on Howth Head, is free and puts you right atop the cliffs. From this lofty parking area, you can join the trail without the initial steep ascent. It’s a family’s favoured option for anyone with limited time or mobility, as you’re immediately on the easier portion of the cliff path.
The downside is you might miss the gradual reveal of views you’d get by starting at the bottom, but the upside is an easy stroll straight to panoramic vistas. Whichever parking option you choose, remember to secure belongings (petty theft can occur in busy lots) and soak in that fresh Irish Sea breeze the moment you step out of the car.
Choosing Your Trail: Overview of Howth Cliff Walk Routes
Not just one trail awaits you in Howth, but an exciting variety of looped routes – each with its own length, difficulty, and highlights. In fact, there are five versions of the Howth Cliff Walk, all beginning near the DART station in the village.
These routes are well-marked with colored signposts (so you won’t get lost) and range from a short cliff-top stroll to a half-day hike around Howth Head. Whether you’re a casual walker or an avid hiker, there’s a path for you. To help you pick the perfect route, here’s a handy summary of the top Howth Cliff Walk loops:
| Route Name | Distance | Difficulty | Key Highlights |
| Cliff Path Loop (Green) | 6 km | Moderate | Classic route with clifftop views, Balscadden Bay, and summit vantage point. |
| Bog of Frogs Loop (Purple) | 12 km | Hard | Longest loop via Heather Hills, Red Rock Beach, and views of Baily Lighthouse. |
| Black Linn Loop (Red) | 8 km | Moderate | Quieter loop through rugged sections and heathland; some tricky turns near the Summit. |
| Tramline Loop (Blue) | 7 km | Moderate | Easier navigation, following the old tram route partway, joins the cliff path with fantastic sea views. |
| Summit Cliff Walk | ~2 km | Easy | Short out-and-back from Howth Summit car park to cliff vistas (minimal climbing). |
Each trail offers something special. The green route is the crowd-pleaser – a moderate loop with nonstop seascapes. The purple route (despite its quirky name, “Bog of Frogs”) lures seasoned hikers to more isolated corners of Howth Head, while the red and blue routes provide their twists on the journey. Even a short summit walk can be rewarding if you’re short on time, offering big views for little effort. With clear signs at the trailhead map in Howth, you can easily find these routes. Now, let’s dive deeper into what it’s like to hike the most popular path and beyond.
Hiking the Famous Green Route Loop
The Howth Cliff Walk Green Route is the crown jewel of Howth’s trails, a popular yet well-deserved attraction. At about 6 kilometres, it offers the perfect mix of accessibility and awe-inspiring views. As you climb gently from Howth Harbour, the sea quickly spreads beneath you, shimmering with every step.
One highlight is Balscadden Bay, a picturesque cove located just below the path, which local fishermen once used to shelter their boats. Take a moment here; it’s not uncommon to spot seals bobbing playfully in the waves. The midpoint of this trail greets you with the iconic Baily Lighthouse, constructed in 1814 after frequent shipwrecks proved Howth’s waters perilous.
Standing here, you can imagine ships of old navigating these rocky shores, guided by their comforting beam. This route balances gentle climbs with incredible panoramas, making it a favourite for families and seasoned walkers alike.
Beyond the Green Route: Exploring Purple, Red & Blue Trails
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and venture deeper into Howth Cliff Walk, the Purple, Red, and Blue trails are your go-to.
The Purple Route, humorously known as the Bog of Frogs Loop, is the longest, at 12 kilometres. Don’t worry, you won’t encounter bogs filled with frogs, but you will explore wilder landscapes. The trail offers more secluded coastal views, including Red Rock Beach, known for its striking, crimson-hued cliffs, a sight that may be missed if you stick to only the popular Green Route.
For moderate hikers, the Red (Black Linn Loop) and Blue (Tramline Loop) routes provide excellent alternatives. The Red route takes you through heathlands and past Black Linn Lake, a small glacial lake hidden among the hills. Meanwhile, the Blue route gently ascends along an old tramline path, offering glimpses into Howth’s fascinating past as a Victorian-era holiday destination. Each of these trails rewards explorers with quiet pathways and charming hidden viewpoints.
| Route Name | Distance | Difficulty | Key Highlights |
| Green Route | 6 km | Moderate | Balscadden Bay, Baily Lighthouse, easy paths |
| Purple (Bog of Frogs) | 12 km | Challenging | Red Rock Beach, remote cliffs, abundant wildlife |
| Red (Black Linn Loop) | 8 km | Moderate | Black Linn Lake, rugged terrain, quiet spots |
| Blue (Tramline Loop) | 7 km | Moderate | Old tram route, gentle ascent, panoramic views |
Tips for an Unforgettable Howth Cliff Walk
Howth Cliff Walk is magical any time, but a little preparation ensures a memorable adventure:
- Check the Weather: Irish weather is famously unpredictable. Layers and a rain jacket will make your walk comfortable, whether it’s raining or not.
- Start Early or Late: Early mornings offer serene solitude, while late afternoons can provide spectacular sunsets. Both are ideal times to experience the cliffs without peak crowds.
- Historical Tidbit: Did you know that Howth was raided by Vikings around 819 AD, making it an essential Norse settlement? Look for heritage signs that share fascinating historical snippets.
- Safety First: Cliff paths can be steep. Stay on marked trails and watch your footing, especially near edges and after rain.
- Post-Hike Treat: Finish your hike with local seafood at Howth Harbour. The fish here has fed generations of locals and visitors perfectly after an invigorating walk.
Following these tips will turn your Howth Cliff Walk from a simple hike into an unforgettable Irish adventure.
