Howth Cliffs: Local Guide to Hidden South-Facing Paths
Walk the cliffs only locals know, with a guide who picks the route by tide and weather.
You hike the south-facing cliffs of Howth Peninsula with a local guide who knows the hidden paths, visit secret beaches and caves, spot the old goat herds, and finish with views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow mountains. Scones and tea are included at the start, and the pace is steady enough for moderate fitness levels, though the terrain is uneven and sometimes wet.
Step-by-step itinerary
Howth Safari Hiking Tour Highlights
- Meet at House restaurant for scones and tea
- Walk around Shielmartin Hill base
- Climb Shielmartin Hill for bay views
- Hike south facing cliffs spotting goats
- Visit hidden beaches along the coast
- Rest at Red Rock and view ships
- Ascend cliff paths by Baily Lighthouse
- Reach Summit for panoramic views
- Descend tramline steps to Howth Harbour
- Howth 30m
- Bog of the Frogs 20m
- Baily Lighthouse 30m
- Howth Summit 30m
What’s included
- Your day includes a local guide for the entire hike, freshly baked scones with tea or coffee at the House restaurant before you start, and access to all the trails, hidden beaches, and caves along the route.
- The guide navigates the south-facing cliff paths, shares knowledge of the landscape and history, and adjusts the route based on tides and weather.
- You finish at either the Summit with optional refreshments, or back at Howth Harbour via the old tramline steps.
- Thursday 10:00
Information
Howth cliffs hike from Dublin with local guide, scones, tea. Only tour on south-facing cliff paths overlooking Dublin Bay, 30 mins away.
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Traveler reviews
The experience
"You can walk Howth a hundred times and never see what we show you," your guide will tell you at the start, and by the time you're standing on the cliff path above Dublin Bay with the Baily Lighthouse cutting the horizon, you'll understand exactly what they mean. The Howth Safari hiking tour starts with freshly baked scones and tea at the House restaurant on Main Street, then heads straight into the kind of coastal walk most Dublin visitors never find. The route loops around Shielmartin Hill on the south-facing side (the sunny side, the side with the views), and that's the difference between a standard Howth walk and this one.
From the heathland you climb toward the cliff path that only the local guides know well enough to navigate safely. The trail takes you past the old Irish goat herds that still roam the peninsula, then down to hidden beaches and into smugglers caves carved into the rock. The whole thing moves at a steady pace (you're not racing), but there's enough elevation and uneven ground that you'll feel like you've actually hiked by the end. The caves are real, the beaches are genuinely tucked away, and the panoramic views of Dublin Bay shift every few hundred meters. Around Red Rock you pause to watch ships heading toward Dublin port, then the path climbs again toward the Baily Lighthouse, where the Wicklow mountains come into view on clear days.
The hike finishes at the Summit, where you can grab refreshments at the Summit Inn or head back down via the old tramline steps if you'd rather end at Howth Harbour. The whole thing takes a few hours, and the trails are soft underfoot, sometimes wet, so proper hiking boots matter more than speed. Weather doesn't stop it. The route just shifts depending on tides and conditions. You're 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, but it feels like you've left the country entirely.
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.
How long is the Howth Safari hiking tour?
The hike takes a few hours. The exact duration depends on the route, which shifts based on tides and weather conditions.
What's included in the tour?
A local guide, freshly baked scones, and tea or coffee at the start. Entry to the trails and beaches is included. No additional park fees apply.
Do I need hiking experience?
No, but you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The trails are uneven and sometimes wet, and there is some elevation gain, so comfortable and sturdy hiking boots are essential.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather conditions. The route may change depending on tides and weather, so dress appropriately and bring waterproof layers.
How far is Howth from Dublin city?
About 30 minutes by public transport from the city centre.
Are there alternative routes?
Yes. You can end at the Summit Inn for refreshments, or descend via the old tramline steps back to Howth Harbour and the village waterfront.
What should I wear?
Comfortable and sturdy hiking boots are required. The trails are soft and can be wet, so waterproof layers and appropriate seasonal clothing are recommended.
Operated by Howth Adventures. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Howth Cliffs: Local Guide to Hidden South-Facing Paths
5h · EN
from € 59 per person
≈ US$ 66 in your currency
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