Howth — Day Trip to the Sea★★
Howth (rhymes with "growth") is Dublin's most beautiful day trip — a picturesque fishing village on a peninsula 15 km northeast of the city, reachable in just 25 minutes by DART train (Dublin's suburban train). Here you escape the city hustle and find dramatic cliff paths, fresh seafood, and seals waiting for fish scraps at the harbor.
The Cliff Walk is the highlight: A 6 km circular trail on the cliffs above the sea with views of Ireland's Eye island, the Wicklow Mountains, and on clear days, all the way to Wales. The path is well-marked but not paved — sturdy shoes are necessary, and it can be gusty at the edges when windy. Allow 2–3 hours for the full round.
At the harbor, fish restaurants line up. The most famous is Octopussy's Seafood Tapas — tiny, loud, and fantastic. For a cheaper option: At the fish stalls on the West Pier, you can get fish & chips and fresh oysters to go (from €8). Then sit on the quay and watch the seals frolicking in the harbor and being fed by the fishermen.
The Howth Market (weekends, on Howth Harbour Road) offers local products, crafts, and street food. The Howth Castle (gardens accessible for free, the castle itself is private) is surrounded by a 30-hectare rhododendron garden, which blooms spectacularly in May and June.
💡 Tipp
Take the DART train from Dublin's Connolly Station or Tara Street to Howth (€3.20 one way, 25 min., every 10–20 min.). Perfect half-day trip: Cliff Walk in the morning, fish & chips at the harbor at noon, seal watching for dessert. In good weather, one of the most beautiful places in the Greater Dublin area.
