PlizioGo

Howth

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
town
PlizioGo—°51611
Howth (Ireland)
ℹ️

Practical info — Howth

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit on a weekday if possible; the weekend traffic and crowds along the pier can be overwhelming.
  • The Howth Cliff Path Loop has several routes of varying lengths; always stick to the marked trails for safety.
  • Beware of the seagulls near the harbor, they are notorious for snatching food right out of your hands!
  • Take the DART directly from Dublin; it's much faster and easier than trying to find a parking spot near the pier.
  • Bring a windbreaker regardless of the season, as the peninsula is very exposed to sea winds.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Fish and Chips

Grab a paper-wrapped portion of traditional fish and chips from one of the renowned takeaways along the West Pier.

🍽
Howth Tapas

Try local Dublin Bay prawns or calamari at one of the lively seafood tapas restaurants near the harbor.

🍽
Seafood Market Oysters

Buy fresh oysters directly from the fishmongers along the pier to taste the true flavor of the Irish Sea.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Howth Market

Located near the DART station, it’s excellent for picking up local crafts, artisan foods, and sweet treats on weekends.

🛍
Pier Fishmongers

Purchase locally caught, fresh fish or smoked salmon to take home from the cluster of seafood shops on the West Pier.

🧘
Howth Summit

Drive or hike up to the Summit for wide-open, sweeping views of Dublin Bay and the Baily Lighthouse away from the village noise.

🧘
Deer Park Gardens

Wander through the peaceful grounds and rhododendron gardens of Howth Castle, a quiet alternative to the cliff walks.

Highlights of 2026

5

Howth is a scenic fishing village located on the Howth Head peninsula, about 15 kilometers northeast of Dublin city center. Its history stretches back to the Viking era, when it served as a vital maritime stronghold. In 1177, the Anglo-Norman knight Almeric St. Lawrence captured the area, establishing a lineage that occupied Howth Castle for over 800 years. Today, Howth is celebrated for its bustling harbor, which remains a primary landing center for Ireland's fishing industry, and its world-class seafood restaurants. The peninsula is famous for its cliff walks, particularly the trail leading to the Baily Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea. Historical sites include the 14th-century Howth Abbey and a Martello Tower dating from the Napoleonic Wars. Despite becoming a sought-after suburb of Dublin, Howth maintains a distinct village atmosphere, characterized by its rugged coastal scenery, diverse birdlife, and rich botanical heritage in the surrounding heathlands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C666811141515141187
Rain mm86707061677680917610210697

Live webcam – Howth

See what it looks like near Howth right now.

Howth ED › North · 0.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
8,277
Coordinates
53.38900, -6.07000

Facts

  • The St Lawrence family owned Howth Castle from 1177 until 2019.
  • The Baily Lighthouse was constructed on Howth Head in 1814.
  • Howth was the site of a famous gun-running incident in 1914.
  • The ruins of Howth Abbey date mainly from the 14th century.
  • The offshore island, Ireland's Eye, is a sanctuary for seabirds.
  • Howth is the northern terminus of Dublin's DART rail system.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Howth (16)

Howth Lighthouse📍 landmark

Howth Lighthouse on Howth Head peninsula, painted red and white.

Burrow Beach🎡 recreation

Also known fondly by locals as the 'Hole in the Wall', Burrow Beach features a spectacular sweep of sand on the Howth peninsula. It radiates a serene and inviting ambiance that easily draws walkers, eager swimmers, and sunbathers when the Irish sun emerges. The soft dunes create a beautiful natural border that separates the tranquil beach from the surrounding urban life. Bringing a windbreak and some snacks ensures a perfectly comfortable afternoon by the sea.

National Transport Museum🏛 museum

Transport museum in Howth housed in the Howth Depot, featuring a collection of vintage vehicles.

Howth Castle🏰 castle

Historic castle in Howth dating from the 15th century with extensive gardens.

Baily Lighthouse📍 landmark

Active lighthouse on the Howth peninsula, built in 1814.

Aideen's Dolmen🏺 historical

5000-year-old portal dolmen on Howth Head with views of Dublin Bay.

Shielmartin Hill Cairn🏺 historical

Bronze Age burial cairn on Shielmartin Hill in Howth.

Picnic Rock🏺 historical

Large granite rock on Howth Head, popular picnic spot with sea views.

Claremont Beach🎡 recreation

Tucked away quietly within the Howth peninsula, Claremont Beach provides a small, comforting slice of sandy shore. This spot maintains a relaxed and cozy ambiance, often frequented by locals out for a peaceful daytime stroll or a quiet paddle in the shallows. The sweeping views out towards Ireland’s Eye make it a beautifully photogenic setting for outdoor relaxation. Access is closely tied to the tides, so arriving during low water is highly recommended to enjoy the expansive sand.

Broad Strand🎡 recreation

True to its name, Broad Strand reveals a wide and welcoming expanse of coastline in the scenic town of Howth. The environment is wonderfully calm, appealing directly to those who enjoy gentle shore walks and building sandcastles away from the bustling town center. The crisp coastal air and rhythmic waves provide a deeply restorative outdoor experience. It is a fantastic spot to simply spread out a blanket and watch the passing boats on the horizon.

Bull Island Wildlife Only Area🌿 nature

Restricted wildlife sanctuary for seabirds on North Bull Island.

Ben of Howth🌿 nature

Ben of Howth is a notable peak in Howth known for its extensive views over Dublin Bay.

Cliffs of Howth🌿 nature

The Cliffs of Howth offer scenic coastal views over the sea.

Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy (Museum of Vintage Radio)📍 landmark

Museum housing a collection of vintage radios and gramophones in Howth.

St Mary's Abbey⛪ religious

Ruins of a medieval abbey in Howth, protected as a national monument.

Sutton Methodist Church⛪ religious

Sutton Methodist Church is a local place of worship located in the city of Howth.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get to Howth?
The DART train from Dublin city center is the quickest way (about 25-30 mins) and stops at the harbor.
What should you eat in Howth?
Freshly caught seafood and fish right on the pier are a must; try the local fish and chips.
Are there seals in the harbor?
Yes, you can often spot seals in the harbor waiting for scraps from the returning fishing boats.
How difficult is the Cliff Path Walk?
There are several loops; the shortest is moderate but requires sturdy shoes for uneven terrain.
Can you visit Howth Castle?
The grounds (especially the rhododendrons) are free to enter; castle tours are available on limited dates.
Howth: where is it located?
Howth is located in Ireland.
Howth: what is there to see?
Highlights include Howth Lighthouse, Burrow Beach, National Transport Museum.
Howth: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Howth: why is it worth visiting?
Howth is a scenic fishing village located on the Howth Head peninsula, about 15 kilometers northeast of Dublin city center.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Ireland →

Nearby cities