Howth Cliff Walk: Map, Routes + Best Coastal Walk Near Dublin (2026 Guide)
The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the best hikes near Dublin, offering dramatic coastal views, wildlife, and fresh sea air, all just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre.
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic walk near Dublin, this is one of the top choices.
Located on the Howth Peninsula, this looped trail starts in the harbour village and follows a stunning route along rugged cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea.
You can choose between several routes, with the Blue Loop (7 km) and the green loop (6km) being the most popular.
Why the Howth Cliff Walk is So Popular
The Howth Cliff Walk stands out from other hikes near Dublin because it offers:
- Incredible coastal views within minutes of starting
- Easy access via the DART
- A well-marked and beginner-friendly trail
- Excellent wildlife and bird watching opportunities
Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of:
- Ireland’s Eye
- Lambay Island
- Dublin Bay
And don’t forget to check out the other great hikes near Dublin.
Howth Cliff Walk Snapshot
| Hike Distance | 6-7 km |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Duration | Approx 2 hours |
| Total Ascent | 194m |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Buggy | Suitable up to Balscadden Car Park (~2 km), not suitable beyond |
| Dogs | Allowed in leash (watch the cliffs) |
| Hike Trail Map | Howth Cliff Walk Map |
| Dublin Drive | 30 min |
| Dubkin bus time | 55 min (bus 31 a) |
| Dublin train time | 30 min |
| Driving Directions | Howth Driving Direction |
| Beauty | Wildlife, bird-watching, cliffs, Sea, photography, picnics, railway |
Howth Cliff Walk Map & Route Guide
Looking for a Howth Cliff Walk map?
Download the full map here:
Howth Cliff Walk Map (PDF)
You can also follow the step-by-step route guide below.
Which Howth Cliff Walk Route Should You Choose?
There are four waymarked trails in Howth:
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Loop | 6 km | Easy | Beginners / families |
| Blue Loop | 7 km | Easy–Moderate | Best overall |
| Red Loop | 8 km | Moderate | Longer walk |
| Purple Loop | 10+ km | Moderate–Hard | Experienced hikers |
Is the Howth Cliff Walk Family-Friendly?
The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the best family-friendly walks near Dublin, but it depends on which section you do.
Buggy-Friendly Section
The trail is buggy-friendly from Howth Harbour to Balscadden Car Park (approximately 2 km).
- Smooth surface
- Gentle incline
- Ideal for families with young children
After this point, the trail becomes uneven and is not suitable for buggies.
Is It Suitable for Kids?
- Suitable for children aged 5+
- Some cliff-edge sections require supervision ⚠️
- Best in calm weather
For families, an out-and-back walk to Balscadden is a great option.All routes start in Howth village and share the same initial section.
Howth Cliff Walk: How to get there & trailhead
Like the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk , it is easy to reach the trail head of this walk by using the public transport from Dublin.
By Train (DART)
This is probably the easiest way to get to Howth from Dublin city. You can get the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit system) Northbound from the train station of your choice in Dublin City (Connolly station, Tara Street, Pearse Street …) and be in Howth in approximately 30 min. Ticket fare for a return trip to Howth is around 6€. Check out the journey planner or the Irish rail website for more details. Make sure though that you get out of the DART at Howth station and NOT at Howth Junction which is a station before Howth.
Once you get out of the DART, you will find yourself right in the village off Howth, at the harbour and the start of the beautiful Howth promenade.
By car
Park along the Howth Promenade beside the market and railway station (or at Balscadden Car Park if you plan a shorter loop). Follow the Google Map Howth Driving direction.
By Bus
Take routes 31, 31a, or 31b from Talbot Street / Abbey Street. Check timetables on Dublin Bus website.
Howth Cliff Walk: the route details
Howth Cliff Walk Part 1: up to Balscadden Car Park
There are 4 different way-marked trails in Howth: green loop (Cliff Path Loop, 6 km) , blue loop (tramline loop walk, 7km), Red (black linn loop walk, 8 km)and purple (Bog of Frogs loop walk, 10 km). The one I am going to describe is the Blue loop\ Green loop. But all those trails have the same starting part of the Howth Cliff walk in common.
The Howth Cliff Walk starts at the DART (train) station in Howth village and follows the blue (and all the other color arrows!) arrows walking along Howth Harbour, the Marina all the way towards East Pier and the end of the promenade.
At the end of the promenade, turn right onto Balscadden Road. Notice the Martello tower on your right. It was build by the British in 1805 to protect themselves from a possible Napoleon Bonaparte invasion. Today, Howth’s Martello Tower is a vintage radio museum that exhibits radios and gramophones from the early 1900’s to present day.
Walk up the Balscadden Road and pass by the house, on the left side of the road, where lived the poet William Butler Yeasts between 1880 & 1883. You can often see kids jumping from the rocks below into the sea. After about 1 km, you will reach the Balscadden Car Park.
This first part of the hike (nearly 2km) can be done with a buggy.
Howth Cliff Walk Part 2: From Balscadden Car Park to The Summit Car Park
Once you pass the car park, you leave the tarmac road and start walking on a well trodden gravel cliff path for about 3 km. This is were you will appreciate the full beauty of the Howth Cliff Walk and understand why it is considered the best cliff walk in Ireland.
The cliffs are great to observe the birds nesting, guillemots, razorbills , fulmars and gulls. Grey seals may also be seen sometimes if you watch carefully. During the summer, the trail is lines by beautiful yellow gorse flowers, wild flowers and pink thrifts carpet the cliffs of Howth.
Be aware that some sections of the Howth Cliff walk pass along the top of steep cliffs so I wouldn’t recommend to take this trail on very windy conditions.
Soon you will see appearing the Baily Lighthouse and the end of a long promontory. And in behind it, you can see the coast of Wicklow. Built in 1814, the Baily Lighthouse is the last of Ireland’s lighthouses to become automated
Howth Cliff Walk Part 3: From The Summit Car Park back to Howth Village
The trail will soon ascends uphill to the highest point at ‘The Summit’ car park. From here you return to Howth Village via the route of the old tramline (blue loop) going down the road until you reach a junction of roads at The Summit Stores and pub.
Just across the road from the Summit Pub, the entrance to the old tramline is marked by stone bollards. Cross Thormanby Road and join the tramline pathway. Follow the pathway downhill to exit directly opposite the DART Station
If you prefer to admire the sea view on the way back to Howth Village, just before you reach the summit car park turn turn right and begin the return journey along a sandy pathway parallel to and above the cliff path. At the end of the sandy pathway, the loop joins Thormanby Road where you turn left – almost immediately turn right onto Dungriffin Road.
After 200m along Dungriffin Road you will turn right and rejoin the blue and red loops on the tramline walkway to descend into the village directly opposite the railway station.http://www.secret-ireland.com/howth-harbour-dublin/
Howth Cliff Walk FAQs
What is the most popular Howth Cliff Walk route?
The Green Loop (6 km) is the most popular route for most visitors, especially families and casual walkers. However, the Blue Loop (7 km) is the most recommended option for those looking for the best overall hiking experience.
Is the Howth Cliff Walk difficult?
It is an easy to moderate walk suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness.
How long does the Howth Cliff Walk take?
Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on pace.
Is it buggy-friendly?
Yes, but only for the first 2 km up to Balscadden Car Park.
What is the best route?
The Blue Loop (7 km) offers the best overall experience.
Can you get there by public transport?
Yes — the DART to Howth makes it very accessible.
Submit your review | |
I do this hike regularly, several times every year. Always enjoy it as much each times. Views are absolutely amazing. Highly recommend it. Howth is easy access from Dublin by train so nice for those without a car. Nice description of the hike by the way on this website. Thanks
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