Just half an hour from Dublin,Howthis one of the best kept places in Ireland. This charming fishing village combines wild landscapes, hiking routes next to cliffs, medieval history and a coastal gastronomy that falls in love. If you’re planning a getaway from the Irish capital, here’s everything you need to know.
– How to get to Howth from Dublin
The most comfortable and fast way is to take theDART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), the nearby train that connects the centre of Dublin to the coast.
- Output stations: Dublin Pese, Tara Street or Connolly Station
- Destination: Howth DART Station
- Duration30-35 minutes
- Price: between €2 and €4 per trip
- You can also go by bus (line H3 or 6), but it takes longer and is less scenic
Council: Sit on the right side of the train to enjoy the sea views during the journey.
– What to see in Howth, Ireland
1. Port of Howth – What to see in Howth, Ireland
Colorful, active and full of life. Here there is the possibility to see seals swimming among fishing vessels and enjoy the marine environment.
2. Walk the cliffs (Howth Cliff Walk) – What to see in Howth, Ireland
There are several signposted routes bordering the peninsula. The most popular one lasts about 2 hours and offers spectacular views of the sea and the Bailey lighthouse.
There are people who go to the port, who see themselves walking left after leaving the DART train station and start the route there.
What I did is I stopped at the bus stop that’s just leaving the train station. There’s no need to cross the street. There, you can take a bus to the top of the route, known as Howth Summit.
– How to get to the top (Howth Summit) – What to see in Howth, Ireland
- Local Bus:You can take thebus number 6 or H3from central Dublin (for example, from Abbey Street Lower) and get off at the stopHowth Summit.
- Duration of the journey:Approximately50 minutesfrom central Dublin.
- Price:Around€3,30 per route.
From the stop on the top, you’ll be very close to the cliff trails, like theSummit Walkor access toBailey Lighthouse, and you can enjoy the views from the beginning without having to go up from the port.
3. St. Mary’s Abbey (St. Mary’s Abbey) – What to see in Howth, Ireland
Medieval ruins built in 1042 by a Viking. Although only the front, the tower and part of the walls are preserved. The place has a melancholy charm. The cemetery houses the regs of the 13th Baron of Howth and his wife.
And the rest of the places I’m going to mention I didn’t visit them, as I considered that to pass one morning I had enough with the typical Howth Cliff route. But other places to visit are:
4. Howth Castle – What to see in Howth, Ireland
Anglonormanda fortress with over 800 years of history. Although you can’t visit inside, your facade and gardens can deserve a stop.
5. Look Ben of Howth – What to see in Howth, Ireland
The highest point on the peninsula, 171 m above sea level. From here you can see the whole bay of Dublin.
6. Howth Market – What to see in Howth, Ireland
Open on weekends, it offers local products, crafts and street food. Ideal to try something typical and take a souvenir.
♪ What to eat in Howth: typical dishes
Howth is famous for hisfresh seafoodand theirtraditional pubs. Here are two dishes you can’t stop trying:
– Cottage Pie
A comforting Irish classic: minced beef cooked with onion, carrot and peas, covered with mashed gold potatoes. It is served hot, ideal for windy days.
- Some places to prove it: In pubs likeThe Bloody StreamorThe Abbey Tavern
– Seafood Chowder
Creamy seafood soup with salmon, cod, mussels, potatoes and cream. It is accompanied by soda bread and Irish butter.
- Where to prove it:Octopussy’s Seafood TapasorKing Sitic Fish Restaurant
To see other traditional Irish dishes, do not hesitate to visit my postWhat to eat in Ireland: typical dishes and traditional drinks to try – The leisure of the partner.
– Tips for your visit
- Wear coat: the Atlantic wind can be strong even in summer.
- Comfortable footwear for walking on the cliffs.
- If you can, visit every week to avoid agglomerations.
- Book restaurant if you go on weekend: Howth is very popular among the Dublinese.
Ο Why visit Howth?
Howth is the perfect mix between wild nature, medieval history and local taste. Just a few minutes from Dublin, it offers an authentic experience, far from mass tourism. If you like to walk, eat well and breathe pure air, this coastal town will conquer you.