An escape from the city!
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Howth is a charming seaside village located just North of Dublin. It is a popular day trip destination for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its stunning scenery, delicious food, and variety of activities.
Here is our suggested itinerary for day trip to Howth from Dublin based on what we did:
The best way to get to Howth from Dublin is by the DART train. The train journey takes about 25 minutes and departs from Connolly Station, or you can drive. There are a number of parking options available in Howth, but it can get crowded, so it is best to arrive early.
On arrival, we started our day wandering the range of little markets that were on offer as we walked towards the beginning of the various walking trails. If you are planning on doing the Howth Cliff Walk, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water (something we didn't do - and regretted!) This 6-kilometer cliff walk offers stunning views of the Irish Sea, Dublin Bay, and the Wicklow Mountains. The walks are relatively easy and can be enjoyed by people of all ages… and there's a pub just off the track half way! Bonus!
After the cliff walk, head to Howth Harbour. This is a great place to go for a stroll, have a seafood lunch, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands although this wasn’t on our itinerary! (Jess wouldn’t have been impressed!)
In the afternoon, visit Howth Castle and Gardens. This historic castle offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The gardens are also beautiful and worth exploring before heading into town to enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of Howth's many restaurants.
The best time to visit Howth is during the Spring or Autumn, when the weather is mild. However, Howth is a popular destination all year round. We went in January and the weather was dry and mild. However, I don’t think that even bad weather could spoil some of the views.
We were thoroughly impressed by this little seaside village, just out of the hustle and bustle of Dublin’s fantastic city centre. It will always be on our list for whenever we return to Dublin!
Thank you for reading and hope you get to explore Howth soon! : ) - Owen
Useful links:
- Read our Inspiration post about Dublin
- Look for things to do in Dublin on GetYourGuide here
- Look for things to do in Howth on GetYourGuide here
- Search for places to stay in Dublin on Expedia here
- Search for places to stay in Howth on Expedia here
- More information about trains in Dublin, including the DART
- More information about the Howth Cliff Walk
