Best Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland: Discovering Howth

Nestled on the picturesque coastline just a short journey from Dublin, Howth is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This quaint fishing village is rich in charm, offering breathtaking landscapes, delicious local seafood, and the perfect mix of history and modern.

We caught the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train from the Pearse Station to the sweet fishing village of Howth. At six euros, the 30 minute train ride was quite a bargain! The Pearse Station is conveniently located in the middle of Dublin right next to Trinity College. We found the station easy to navigate — tickets for single, return and multiple journeys can be bought at ticket machines in all stations or online before the trip…. in addition, the major stations (such as Pearse) have a manned ticket booth where you can ask questions or purchase your tickets.

The DART journey offers stunning coastal views as it winds its way to Howth Station. Trains run frequently (about every 15-30 minutes), making it an efficient and enjoyable mode of transportation.

Before we knew it, we were at the last stop —- Howth!

Howth is a picturesque coastal village that lies at the Northern end of Dublin Bay. Its quaintness envelops you as you exit the train station —- it reminded us a bit of Carmel-By-The Sea, back home in California. There are colorful storefronts and restaurants that stand shoulder to shoulder as they look out on the harbor and all of her boats. We chose to start off in the direction of the harbor.

We watched as fishing boats bobbed in the water, and seagulls glided overhead — it was the perfect backdrop to a romantic stroll in this coastal town.

There is an assortment of restaurants along the walk to the harbor —- take time to look at their enticing menus. After a walk along the harbor you may want to return for lunch! We returned later in the day to Kish Fish. Kish Fish sells a large assortment of fresh fish (take time to look at the local fish on hand and ask questions — they were happy to talk about the local catch). Next door is their restaurant complete with heat lamps and cozy blankets for your lap. You’ll find an assortment of selections to choose from — prawns, fish + Chips, Fish cakes. I ordered the fish chowder —- Creamy and brimming with chunks of fresh fish with a chunk of Irish Soda Bread and butter on the side. The best chowder I’ve ever had!

I was really struck by the textures and colors in Howth. I loved the juxtaposition of rustic beauty and aging from time and weather with bright colors… beautiful against the grey skies and seaside backdrop. Each building seemed to have its own story to tell.

Howth is a true fishing village and we loved wandering past the fishing boats that had no doubt been out getting fresh catches in the wee morning while we were still asleep.

Sailboats were coming in as we arrived at the end of the harbor…… we were treated with sweeping views of the bay and the lighthouse in the distance protectively keeping watch as a local artist played a mesmerizing tune on his guitar.

On the other other side of the Harbor are views of the lighthouse and the rugged coastline as well as the other side of the Cliff Loop Walk. The loop is a very easy walk —- relatively flat, trails are marked and really nowhere to get lost. We found it to be not crowded at all but, I can image it being very busy in warmer months. The whole loop is about 3.5 miles long and you’ll enjoy views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island, Baily Lighthouse and Dublin Bay.

The return back into town welcomes you back with colorful storefronts as well as views of St. Mary’s Abbey ruins upon the hill.

You’ll find Howth Abbey (also known as St. Mary’s Abbey) at the top of the hill. Founded in 1042 by King Sitric, it has a history spanning over eight centuries —- even that of a Viking Settlement!

Our final stop in Howth was to Howth Market. It reminded me of our Farmer’s Markets at home…. with about 25 stalls of local vendors sharing their wares of handmade soaps, caramels, baked goods, jewelry, gifts and an assortment of Irish and international foods. It’s a great place to end your trip to Howth and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs.

We certainly enjoyed our day in Howth and I couldn’t imagine our trip to Dublin being complete without a visit to this fishing village. If you’re spending more than a day in Howth, you might also consider taking a boat trip to Ireland's Eye, a small island just off the coast of Howth. It's known for its birdlife and tranquility. In addition, you might want to explore Balscadden Bay, another picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll and if you’re visiting during good weather - Balscadden is listed as being one of the top 10 beaches in the Dublin area. And, if you’re looking for learning a bit more about the history of this area - Howth Castle is a must. Finally, we were blessed with dry weather but Ireland's weather can be unpredictable, so we suggest dressing in layers and perhaps pack a small collapsible umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan on exploring the cliffs. We hope you’ll add the town of Howth to your travel list as well.