Dublin to Howth

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Howth is Dublin's easiest genuine escape: a working fishing harbour, dramatic cliff paths and a headland covered in gorse and heather, all reachable on the same suburban train line locals use to commute. There's no need for a car, a tour or any real planning — just a train ticket and a few hours to spare.

The quickest way: the DART

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), the city's electrified coastal rail line, runs directly to Howth from central stations including Connolly, Tara Street and Pearse, with the journey taking around 25–30 minutes. Trains run frequently — every 10 to 20 minutes for most of the day — so there's no need to plan around a timetable; simply head to the nearest DART station and board the next northbound train marked for Howth. A Leap card is the easiest way to pay, tapping on and off at the barriers, and works out cheaper than buying single paper tickets. See our Leap card in Dublin guide for how to get one and top it up.

The bus alternative

Dublin Bus services also run out to Howth from the city centre, but the journey takes considerably longer than the DART once traffic along the northern approach roads is factored in, generally an hour or more depending on the route and time of day. The bus can be useful if you're starting from a part of the city not well served by a DART station, but for most visitors staying centrally, the train is faster, more scenic and simpler.

Driving to Howth

Howth is about 16 km from central Dublin, a drive of 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, via the coast road or the M50/M1. Driving offers flexibility for exploring the wider peninsula at your own pace, but parking in Howth village and near the harbour fills up quickly on fine weekends, and the DART's door-to-door simplicity generally outweighs the convenience of a car for a single day out. See our guide to driving in Ireland for narrow roads and general rules if you're driving elsewhere in the country too.

The Howth cliff walk

The main draw for most visitors is the Howth Head cliff walk, a network of looped coastal paths starting a short stroll from the DART station. The full loop around the headland takes around 2.5 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace, tracing dramatic cliffs, gorse-covered slopes and views out to Ireland's Eye and, on a clear day, as far as Wales. Shorter loops of an hour or so are well signposted for anyone short on time, and the paths are largely well maintained, though sturdy shoes are worth wearing given the exposed, sometimes muddy sections.

Ireland's Eye and the lighthouse

A small boat service runs from Howth Harbour out to Ireland's Eye, an uninhabited island a short crossing away with a Martello tower and seabird colonies, weather permitting and generally only in the warmer months. Closer to the village, the walk out to the Baily Lighthouse at the southern tip of the headland is one of the most popular shorter routes, with the lighthouse itself visible from the path rather than open to visitors.

The harbour and the village

Howth's working fishing harbour is lined with seafood restaurants and a small fish market, making it an easy place to build in lunch either before or after walking the cliffs. On weekends, a small market of food stalls and craft sellers sets up along the harbour road, adding a bit more life to the waterfront than on quieter weekdays. The village itself, a short walk up from the harbour, has a ruined abbey and Howth Castle's grounds, including a rhododendron garden that's especially striking in late spring. Most visitors treat Howth as a half-day or full-day trip: a walk on the cliffs, lunch by the harbour, and time to wander before catching the DART back into the city.

Sutton: an alternative approach

A stop before Howth on the same DART line, Sutton, sits at the neck of the peninsula and offers an alternative starting point for the cliff walk, letting more energetic visitors join the loop from a different direction or simply break the walk into two shorter, less crowded sections. It's a useful option for anyone who has already visited Howth village before and wants a fresh angle on the same headland, or who wants to walk one direction and take the DART back from whichever station is more convenient at the end.

Which should you choose?

The DART is the obvious choice for almost everyone: fast, frequent, cheap with a Leap card, and dropping you right at the start of the cliff walk. Driving only really makes sense if you're combining Howth with other stops along the coast north of Dublin, and the bus is best reserved for travellers already near a convenient route who don't mind a longer journey. If you're planning a wider look at Dublin's rail network, our Dublin's Luas & DART guide covers the trams and buses too, and for onward travel our Dublin to Belfast and Dublin to Galway guides cover longer trips by rail.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the DART take from Dublin to Howth?

Around 25–30 minutes from central stations such as Connolly or Tara Street, with trains running every 10 to 20 minutes for most of the day.

Do I need to book the DART in advance?

No — there's no reservation system. Just tap a Leap card or buy a ticket and board the next Howth-bound train.

How long does the Howth cliff walk take?

The full loop around the headland takes about 2.5 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace; shorter, well-signposted loops of around an hour are also available.

Is Howth worth visiting in winter?

Yes, though wrap up warmly — the cliff paths can be windy and exposed. The harbour restaurants and shorter walks stay enjoyable year-round, even if the longer loop suits milder weather better.