Adventure

Howth: Dublin’s Seaside Escape

Howth sucked the breath out of my mouth when I first climbed over the summit to see the panoramic view of its peninsula. Located less than 30 minutes outside Dublin, it is a haven for nature lovers. (Check out my video of the sweeping coastal walk here.)

The placid grey sea stretched for miles below me. The last rays of the fiery setting sun jabbed the sky, a boxer punching its taut surface. The green terrain rolled precipitously down until it vanishes into the sea. Giant slabs of grey rock punctuated the surface. I felt so small battling the wind.

But then a group of hikers climbed up the mountain path. An Aussie Shepherd led the group, bolting ahead to reach the top. Laughing out loud, I thought of my golden retriever back home. How he would love to romp and run along these grassy paths. 

If my bus didn’t depart in 30 minutes, I would endeavor a “ramble” down to the sea. But the cliff path loop would take nearly two hours.

Howth Summit

I had reached the outskirts of Howth, a spectacular seaside village located near cosmopolitan Ireland. But it is a world apart from the medieval castle, Temple Bar, tenement museums, and historic Liberties neighborhood.

I recommend you start at Howth Summit to appreciate the geography of this town perched near the Irish Sea.

Rock steps to guide the hiker

The Vikings named the village Hofuth. The Old Norse word means promontory. Today the Irish name of the village is Howth.

If arriving by bus, you must get out and climb the road to reach the summit. Your seaside is view is hidden until you top the crest. 

Cliff Loop Walk

I followed the path of rock slabs to begin my initial descent. Far below, the village crouched. The miniature houses and stores reminded me of a Lego village.

Hikers reaching the summit on the coastal loop walk

But I discovered the Irish Sea is my biggest distraction on this hike. I couldn’t resist stopping at every juncture to admire these wild waters. I wanted to chant a line from Aubrey De Vere’s poem about sea cliffs.

 “Awfully beautiful art thou, O sea!”

Like the poet, I viewed “from the vantage of these giant rocks” and shuddered at the “dread abyss, till the depth mocks.”

Irish Sea

Sea foam delighted me, little fairies of light dancing on the water at sunset. The clouds billowed and rolled across the sky. This panorama of mountains, water, and sky stretched to infinity. I struggled to focus on one object, choosing the fire orb of the soon-to-be-setting sun. It was only 2:51 pm. 

Sunsets come early in December

Unlike the poet, I did not hear the “shrill sea-bird’s scream.” But the wind whistled its eerie tune in my ear. How I longed to visit this site when I could fling off my winter coat, knitted hat, and woolen pants and feel the sun’s hot rays on my skin. But my winter visit offered its own appeal as I “owned” this solitary moment away from the seasonal crush of tourists and Irish daytrippers. I could commune with the wild sea.

“Here man, alone, is naught; Nature supreme,    
Where all is simply great that meets the eye,—    
The precipice, the ocean, and the sky.”

Aubrey De Vere

Howth Village

About 8,000 people live in Howth but the population balloons as soon as warm weather arrives. 

Once a secluded seaside village famous for its fresh catch, Howth now is a favorite destination for visitors. 

Dubliners can also get their beach fix since there is easy access by train or bus.

Even though my legs were tired from my hike down toward the cove, I didn’t want to miss exploring this fairytale village. 

We had a short bus trip into town as the road takes a sharp turn onto Abbey Street after leaving the summit. Down below, I viewed the harbor. Boats bobbed in the water. On the main road, I spied a “Dog Parking” area.

Our driver delivered us in front of a row of restaurants. We were given 90 minutes to explore Howth. 

St. Mary’s Abbey

Instead of getting dinner, I headed into the darkening night. I wanted to see medieval Howth by visiting its monastery.

My hike past the bars, shops, and restaurants was considerably longer than I appreciated while sitting on a bus looking out the window.

Closewise (top): Howth store, rowhome, St. Mary’s Abbey monastery wall

But I was rewarded when I reached the main road (Abbey Street) to see the brightly painted row homes clustered in a row.

I discovered St. Mary’s Abbey was closed so I could only admire the exterior. The Viking King of Ireland (Sigtrygg) built the first church in Howth in 1042. It was replaced by an abbey in 1235.

About

Howth at nightfall

If Guinness is famous for brewing its creamy “black Irish champagne,” Howth is renowned for its promontory. I pledge to return to Ireland one day to see its revered West Coast, including the Cliffs of Moher (since I was forced to cancel my trip due to the snow). But I glimpsed the wild face of Ireland on the cliff path at Howth.

“Hidden under wild ferns on Howth. Below us bay sleeping sky. No sound. The sky.”

James Joyce

In addition to the monastery, Howth features a 15th-century castle and gardens, a lighthouse, a transport museum, three nautical sculptures, a vintage radio museum, harbor restaurants, and a fish market to purchase the day’s fresh catch. Book a boat tour to visit Howth’s island bird sanctuary (Ireland’s Eye) as well as see the ruins of an ancient church. 

Three wooden sculptures created by Patrick Comerford are located at Howth Harbor.

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  • Hazel
    January 21, 2023 at 10:52 am

    Lovely post, Terri. Howth is one of the nicest places in Dublin. Thanks for sharing.

    • Terri
      January 21, 2023 at 3:37 pm

      You are welcome. I fell in love with Howth!

  • Bejal
    January 21, 2023 at 11:42 am

    I have yet to visit Dublin and Howth looks like such a pretty seaside town. I’ll be adding it to my itinerary when I go. Love a wander around an Abbey or Monastery.

    • Terri
      January 21, 2023 at 3:37 pm

      I wish I had stayed overnight in Howth as I would love to walk around the harbor at sunrise and watch the fishermen go out in their boats.

  • Linnea K Jordan
    January 21, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    Ireland is on my list of potential travel spots for this year! Thank you for the rec!

    • Terri
      January 21, 2023 at 3:36 pm

      You won’t regret spending time in Ireland. I spent 7 nights in Dublin. I wish I had more time. There was so much to see and do.

  • Allison Baxley
    January 21, 2023 at 5:35 pm

    Beautiful place! Adding it to the bucket list!

    • Terri
      January 22, 2023 at 5:55 am

      Europe had cheap flights so you should plan a long weekend.

  • Laureen Lund
    January 21, 2023 at 5:38 pm

    Well I have never heard of this place but now I need to go. It’s everything I love in a destination. We hope to return to Ireland and Scotland in the near future. I will save this to refer to in our plans.

    • Terri
      January 22, 2023 at 5:54 am

      Lauren I hope you can visit! It is an easy trip via bus or train from Dublin. I wish I had stayed overnight to give myself more time to explore.

  • Pam
    January 21, 2023 at 7:01 pm

    Your pictures are stunning! They definitely took me back to when I was in Howth. It’s such an overlooked place to visit and you really got the charm of it here.

    • Terri
      January 22, 2023 at 5:53 am

      Thank you! I was stunned by the panoramic views at the summit. I was also lucky to be visiting near sunset so the photos are “moody.” I loved Howth.

  • sam
    January 21, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    Wow, looks lovely…never been to ireland but hoping for a trip soon!

    • Terri
      January 22, 2023 at 5:52 am

      I put off visiting Ireland for so long. I really regret it. Beautiful country. GO!

  • Dotti
    January 22, 2023 at 4:19 pm

    What an idyllic place to visit! It looks like such a relaxing place to be.

  • Denise
    January 24, 2023 at 11:46 am

    What a beautiful country! I can’t believe I’ve never been to Dublin or Ireland for that matter!

  • Helena
    January 24, 2023 at 1:48 pm

    Absolutely love the cliff walk here! Such a beautiful spot to get to if you’re in Dublin!

  • Krista
    January 27, 2023 at 4:58 pm

    Beautiful area to go on a coastal walk at! We didn’t have time to leave Dublin last time we were in Ireland but hopefully we’ll be able to check this out next time.

  • John
    January 28, 2023 at 1:24 pm

    Beautiful post. Now I am missing Ireland! And yes, you must visit the Cliffs of Moher when you return.

    • Terri
      February 4, 2023 at 12:36 pm

      I am counting the days until I return to Ireland again. I can’t wait to see the West Coast. Thank you for reading John!