Howth Coastal Hike Private Tour: Cliffside Views & Local Trails

Walk the cliffs where HG Wells found the world's most beautiful views.

A private guided hike through Howth's coastal trails, village paths and clifftop routes with a local guide who grew up here. The tour runs three hours and covers the Harbour, the old Abbey, Howth Head with panoramic views across Dublin Bay, the heathlands to Howth Summit, the Martello Tower where WB Yeats lived, and the famous cliff walk. Groups run from one to fifteen travelers; you pick the size at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Howth coastal village and cliffs

• Meet guide at Howth Market
• Walk along the harbour and spot seals
• Walk village paths and visit old Abbey
• Climb to Howth Head for panoramic views
• Hike heathlands to Howth Summit and lighthouse
• See WB Yeats house and Martello Tower views
• Walk famous cliff path with harbour views
• Enjoy restaurants and cafes in Howth village

The Experience

You meet your guide at Howth Market and walk straight to the Harbour, where seals often surface near the historic waterfront. The route follows village paths past the old Abbey—built by King Sitric the Viking—and climbs to Howth Head, where the panoramic views open north, south, east and west across Dublin Bay. Your guide, a Howth native, shares the local stories as you go: the Game of Thrones connection, the history that drew writers and artists, the tales that shaped the place.

From the Head, the hike crosses the heathlands toward Howth Summit, where the Baily Lighthouse and Dublin Bay Biosphere come into view. You'll pass the Martello Tower—built to guard against Napoleon—where WB Yeats once lived, and walk the world-famous cliff path with sightlines to Ireland's Eye and Lambay Island. The route stays on established trails through woodlands and open ground, with the guide pointing out the local wildlife and the landscape HG Wells called the most beautiful in the world.

The tour ends back at Howth village, where you're free to choose one of the restaurants, cafes or pubs along the Harbour for a meal or drink. Your guide can recommend spots based on what you're after.

What’s included

• A local Howth guide who leads the full three-hour route.
• access to all the trails, clifftop viewpoints and village paths on the itinerary.
• the stories and local insight your guide shares about the history, the Game of Thrones connection and the landscape.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Howth Adventures

Is this one for you?Book a group of one to five if you want the guide's full attention and the flexibility to move at your own pace; a group of six to ten balances the social experience with a smaller feel; a group of eleven to fifteen works if you're traveling with friends or family and want to share the cost. All sizes follow the same three-hour route and guide.

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Top questions

What is the old Abbey in Howth and why does the tour stop there?

The Abbey was originally built by King Sitric the Viking and stands as a landmark of Howth's ancient history. The tour passes through the village paths near it as part of the walk through time that connects the settlement's past to its present.

Can I really see seals at Howth Harbour?

Yes—seals often surface near the Harbour, especially in the morning and early afternoon. Your guide will point them out if they're visible on the day you visit, though sightings are not guaranteed.

How steep are the climbs to Howth Head and Howth Summit?

The hike includes sustained climbs to both Howth Head and Howth Summit with panoramic views at each. The route is moderate to challenging and requires a solid fitness level; the operator recommends at least moderate cardiovascular health and physical fitness for the full three hours.

What does the Martello Tower have to do with WB Yeats?

The Martello Tower, built to protect against a possible Napoleonic invasion, is where the poet WB Yeats once lived. The tour includes views of the tower and the surrounding landscape from that vantage point on the cliff walk.

How long is the three-hour tour and when does it end?

The tour runs three hours total and ends back at Howth village, where you can choose to eat or drink at one of the local restaurants, cafes or pubs. The guide will recommend options based on what you're looking for.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a live English-speaking guide who is a Howth native. Entry to attractions, meals and drinks are not included; you arrange those separately after the hike ends.