Dublin & Howth: E-Bike Tour with Cliffs, Lighthouse & Summit Views

Summary

Howth’s wild peninsula by e-bike cliffs, lighthouses and secret lanes

You’ll ride an e-bike around Dublin’s wild Howth Peninsula with a local guide, feeling sea wind on your face as you pass castles, Martello Towers, cliffs and Baily Lighthouse. Expect quiet trails, panoramic summit views, stories from locals and plenty of fresh air — plus time to pause and soak it all in before gliding back to harbour.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how salty the air tasted as we rolled out from Howth Harbour — I mean, you can almost hear the gulls before you see them. Our guide, Aoife, had this way of weaving stories into the ride (she called the Martello Tower “our little fortress against Napoleon,” which made me laugh). I fumbled a bit with the e-bike at first — it’s zippier than my old one back home — but after a few minutes, it felt like coasting. We zipped down piers past fishermen who barely glanced up, then out along Strand Road where the sea just stretches and stretches. The Wicklow Mountains sort of hover in the background; it’s hard to explain but you feel small in a good way.

We stopped at Howth Castle for a quick story about Vikings (Aoife swears there’s still treasure buried somewhere), then followed these narrow lanes that smelled like wet grass and something sweet I couldn’t place. There was this moment near the Ben of Howth when everything went quiet except for our tires crunching gravel — even the wind seemed to pause. The climb up to the summit was easier than I’d expected (thank you, e-bike), and suddenly we were looking out over all of Dublin Bay. Someone said it looked like a postcard but honestly it felt more real than any photo.

I nearly lost my nerve on one of those cliff paths — they’re narrow and you get these crazy drops down to the rocks below — but Aoife just grinned and told us not to look down for too long. She pointed out Baily Lighthouse blinking in the haze and told us about shipwrecks (I’m still not sure if she was joking). We took a break there for snacks; my hands were cold but I didn’t really care because that view sticks with you. On the way back, we freewheeled past Martello Towers again and I tried saying “Slán” to an old man walking his dog — he smiled but probably heard my accent from miles away.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Howth Peninsula by e-bike

• Briefing and bike familiarization
• Cruise to Howth Harbour and Lighthouse
• Learn about Howth Castle
• Cycle along Strand Road by the coast
• Follow coastal path to Martello Tower
• Visit Howth Quarry and Howth Head summit
• Explore Baily Green and cliff paths
• Ride back lanes to Sutton Martello Tower
• See Baily Lighthouse and picnic spots
• Freewheel back to Howth Harbour

Top questions

How long is the Dublin & Howth e-bike tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours including stops for stories and photos along Howth Peninsula.

Is lunch included on this e-bike tour?

No lunch is included; there are snack breaks but meals are not part of the package.

Are beginners welcome on this day trip?

This tour is best for experienced or regular cyclists aged 16-65 with moderate fitness due to some off-road sections.

What sights do you visit during the tour?

You’ll see Howth Harbour, Howth Castle, Strand Road Sutton, Martello Towers, Red Rock Sutton, Ben of Howth summit, Howth Cliffs and Baily Lighthouse.

Does this include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at or near Howth Harbour where public transport is available nearby.

What should I wear for this bike tour?

Dress appropriately for Irish weather—layers are best as conditions can change quickly on the coast.

Is this suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to physical demands.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an electric bike and helmet throughout your ride around Howth Peninsula. A local guide leads you along coastal roads and cliff paths—just bring your own snacks or grab something at one of the stops before heading back toward harbour at your own pace.