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Howth is a picturesque fishing village that makes the perfect destination for a day trip from Dublin. Also, Howth is a great starting point for some great hiking trails on the peninsula. So, you can even consider a weekend full of activities in Howth village. Here are some of the best things to do on a day trip from Dublin to Howth.
How to get to Howth from Dublin
Howth is about 16km from Dublin City Center, so it’s easy to get there for a day trip. You can get to Howth by DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). The ride takes less than 25 minutes from Dublin Connoly station.
Exploring Howth on a day trip from Dublin
Best Things to do in Howth
1. Walk the West Pier
The Pier is home to a few very good restaurants as well as fresh fish shops. It’s also a good place for a walk to work up an appetite for the next step.
2. Stop for a fresh fish lunch
After all, Howth is a fishing village. It’s the main reason you came from Dublin in the first place. We had lunch at the Oar House. The food was amazing, as well as the service. I recommend the fish pie and the seafood plate, but you can stick to the fish and chips too.
3. Visit Howth’s Castle grounds
The estate was in the same family for more than 800 years before being sold in 2019. The Castle itself can only be visited with an organized group but the extensive estate grounds are open to the public and worth visiting.
The perfect time to visit is in May or early June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. There are also many trails with spectacular views over the bay on the castle’s grounds.
4. Walk to the Lighthouse on the East Pier
Lighthouses are always beautiful, and this one has a lot of history too.
5. Take a boat trip to Ireland’s Eye
Ireland’s Eye is the small, uninhabited island in front of Howth Harbour. It hosts a seabird reservation and also the ruins of a fort.
These forts, the Martello Towers, were built in the 19th century all over the British Empire. In summer, boats take tourists to the island or around it.
6. Visit the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey
The first church was built here by the King Sitric of Ireland. It was modified a few times over the centuries. Today it lies in ruins, but the site is very peaceful. Also, the view over the bay from above the abbey’s grounds is amazing.
7. Hiking
Howth is the starting point of several hiking trails, so if you’re an active person this might be your favorite activity here. The most popular is the Howth Cliff Path Loop Trail which offers incredible views around Howth Head.
I recommend hiking with a local guide, and this Howth Hike and Pints tour might be just the thing for you.
8. Take a stroll through Howth Market
The Market is open every Saturday and Sunday and also on bank holidays. It’s a great place to buy street food, something sweet, a souvenir, or even jewelry and antiques.
9. Have a beer in a pub
I don’t need to convince you of this one. You are in Ireland, and pubs are all around you, so having a pint of beer is always a good idea.
More things to do in Howth
I spent a beautiful evening listening to live music at The Harbour’s Bar in Howth. I loved Howth village, but this was the absolute highlight for me. It didn’t seem organized, but more like a few friends gathering on a Sunday afternoon in a pub to make some beautiful music together. People were sitting down with their instruments and taking turns playing different types of music. It was a great and unique experience.
If you’re in Howth on a Sunday, make your way to this bar. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in for a real treat.
The Dublin Bay Prawn Festival happens every year for one weekend in March in Howth Harbour. Check out the official website for the dates.
However, if you’re more of a tour person, take this Craft Beer and Seafood Trail. It’s a great intro to Howth!
Howth Castle Cookery School is a cooking school that organizes its classes in the castle’s restored kitchen. They host 3 hours classes as well as 6 weeks courses to fit any interest. I don’t know about you, but I would spend a few hours learning how to cook something spectacular and then enjoying my work.
Gaelforce 10k Howth Summit in October is one of the epic runs of the world. If you’re into running, change the scenery with this trail run around Howth Hill Summit.
Final Thoughts
That’s about it! These are the best things you can do on a day trip from Dublin to Howth. If you have more time in the area, visiting Malahide Castle and Gardens in Malahide village should be next on your list. Check out these easy day trips from Dublin too.
Disclosure
Some of the above may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend companies, activities, or products that I use myself. Thank you for your support in keeping my blog live!
I love that lighthouse. You are right, lighthouses are always beautiful.
Love that lighthouse! And the ruins of he chapel are very picturesque. Sounds like a great place to visit if I make it to Dublin one day 😀
I love travelling to Ireland. Good to have new ideas about where to visit next! Thanks for sharing
Howth really has a lot to offer and I’d love to go back sometime. I would also love to explore more of Ireland, unfortunately I had to postpone a trip for now 🙁
I love any boat trips. You inspired me. This is a great guide! Thanks!
This sounds amazing! I’d love to visit Ireland!
I’d love to visit more of Ireland too! 😀
I hope you get to visit Ireland soon 🙂
Me too!
I am desperate to go to Dublin so if I ever do make it there I’ll be sure to try and squeeze in a trip to Howth! It looks great and there’s so much to do during a day trip. Thanks for sharing.
Holly x
It’s a great little place and I’m sure you will love it! I hope to get back there again too..when we can travel again. 🙂
How fun! I would love to explore Dublin to Howth! I have only flew through and slept in Dublin!
Well, I’ve only been in Dublin for a few nights so I have a lot more to explore in and around Dublin too. Thanks for stopping by, Lee Anne!
My sister in law is from Howth. The last time we were in Ireland we were supposed to go visit her home town but we didn’t have time. Would love to visit on our next trip…pictures look so nice!!
It’s a lovely place and I guess visiting with a local makes it even better. 🙂
I’ve been there and done that (Dublin to Howth). You’ve definitely compiled a great list. It’s a great day trip from Dublin and I highly recommend your list of things to do. Cheers,
Thank you so much, Mark 🙂
This looks like a fun place to visit! I’d love to walk around the trails and that Craft Beer and Seafood tour looks right up my alley!
Mine too, I just didn’t know about it at the time. Well, I hope I’ll have the chance to get there again 🙂
Howth is awesome. You need to go back and give the hike a go. It’s got amazing views. Glad to hear you got to an Irish session. Some of the best nights in Ireland are at those impromptu sessions.
I definitely will, I had tickets for this week but I had to postpone for now. That Irish session was incredible, I wonder if that happens every Sunday on that particular bar, it felt that way.
Sounds like a wonderful trip!
Dublin is very high up on my places to go when the lockdown is over (especially the for the day trips you can take from there). I’d love to try Howth. 🙂
Great list of things to do, I have never been, maybe one day 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
It’s a nice little place and I’d love to go back and explore those hiking trails. Thanks for reading, Nic!
Howth looks like a nice little place to visit from Dublin! I’ve been to Ireland only once but once this stupid lockdown and corona is over, Im booking tickets everywhere! A love fish pies and that one looks soooooo delicious! Also the lighthouse looks beautiful, love old lighthouses! 🙂 Great tips, thank you for sharing!
Ha ha! That’s what I want too, book tickets everywhere! I hope we can all travel again soon enough. Thank you for stopping by, Karina 🙂
Thanks for sharing 💖
Lovely tips! Ireland is on my bucket list xxx
Hey Jenni! Oh, you should visit, it’s a beautiful country and I’d love to explore more of it when we can travel again.
Great post! I love your blog because I always discover places that weren’t on my radar, but I’m happy that Howth is, now! That fish pie looks incredible….
Thanks, again!
It was delicious too! Thank you so much, Chris! 🙂
I would love to visit Dublin hopefully when things are back to normal! Howth looks so pretty too would be a great day trip!
I hope you visit both soon after things go back to normal. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Interesting travelogue. I always want to visit Dublin. Thank you for sharing your awesome post.
🙂 Thank you! I hope you get to visit Dublin and Howth soon!
Such a perfect list of activities! I’d love to go to Dublin one day so I’ll add these to my list. Thank you for sharing x
Howth was really great and it’s worth the trip from Dublin. Thanks for stopping by 🙂