Ireland · HOWTH COASTAL TOURS
Half an hour up the DART line there is a cliff loop, a working fish pier and a seal colony. These 15 compare the guided walks, the boat trips and the food-led versions, priced and timed for a half day.
Travel by Big Bus from central Dublin to Howth Summit, hear lively stories from guides such as Jerry, James, and Jeff, walk the cliffs for an hour, then enjoy 75 minutes for seafood, St. Mary’s Abbey, and the fishing village.
“Excellent tour, and great information from our guide James. Money well-spent.”
Travel from central Dublin to Howth Summit for coastal views and a cliff walk, then spend free time in the fishing village. Choose 9:45am or 2:00pm. Guides such as Gerry, Jerry, Ross, and Alan are known for warm humor and strong local stories, but bring layers for the open-top bus.
“Great short half day trip to see the stunning coast and small fishing village from dublin. Worthwhile”
From Howth’s West Pier, you’ll circle Ireland’s Eye in a small boat with an English-speaking skipper such as Harry, Kim, or Maggie. Expect cliffs, caves, seabirds, seals, and views of The Stack, with wildlife sightings shaped by season and weather.
“It was great fun and the weather was great, so it was smooth sailing throughout! Guide was great, would highly reccommend!”
Ride an electric bike around Howth Peninsula with a guide such as Conor, Nicky, Aileen, or Karen. Expect harbour views, Howth Castle, Sutton coast roads, Martello Tower, cliff paths, Baily Lighthouse, local stories, and a small group capped at eight people.
“Connor, the tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about Ireland's history, and the interesting sights we got to see.”
Meet your English-speaking captain at the end of Howth’s West Pier for a 50-minute cruise past Balscadden Bay, Howth Lighthouse, the cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Expect live local commentary, seabirds, seals, and fresh sea air, with the route adjusted if waves are rough.
“We took the boat at the pier, and I found the trip quite lively and thrilling. Such a beautiful place.”
Board the Puffin at Howth Harbour for a 50-minute to one-hour cruise past Baily Lighthouse, the Howth Cliffs, and Ireland’s Eye. Captain Mark and the crew provide commentary on wildlife, rock formations, local history, and the Kirwan murder. Expect an open-air ride, sea wind, and excellent photo angles.
“Nice experience, particularly if you get some good weather. Toilet on board, and minimal drinks/snack bar.”
Join the crew at Howth Harbour for a 45-minute cruise around Ireland’s Eye. Your captain points out seals, birds, the Martello Tower, church ruins, Howth Cliffs, and Balscadden Bay. Live commentary is offered in English, though some departures use a recorded audio loop. Landing is not included.
“It was a wonderful ride! We were kept safe and it was a great tour.”
Join Zach, Rob, Matt, Sean, or another local Howth guide for a three-hour coastal hike from Howth Market. Expect harbor seals, Viking ruins, heathland, cliffs, lighthouse views, local stories, and a steep, sometimes muddy route. The small group is capped at 10 people.
“Very scenic and beautiful hike. The tour guides were extremely nice and friendly. All around a great experience.”
Meet your guide in Howth for scones, tea, and coffee, then walk 6 to 9 miles across cliffs, heathland, beaches, and rocky paths. Hear local stories, visit sea caves when tides allow, and finish at Howth Summit or descend to the village. Guides may include Shane, Zack, Dee, or Sean, and Loki the dog sometimes joins.
“We lucked out with amazing weather for this hike. A lot of uphills, a lot of different kinds of scenery and terrain very enjoyable great views.”
Meet your skipper at Howth’s West Pier for a small-group cruise around Ireland’s Eye and the cliff shoreline. Expect seals, seabirds, coastal views, local history, Irish music, and a boat that can feel lively in rough water. Harry, Maggie, Shane, and Lily are among the skippers who lead these trips.
“Was a lovely ride even on a cloudy and a bit rainy day. Great guide! I don’t like that I have to add 100 characters”
Set out from Howth’s West Pier for a one-hour English-language cruise around Dublin Bay. Your captain, sometimes Ollie or George, shares local history, seabird facts, and stories of Ireland’s Eye while you watch for seals and sunset views.
“Excellent sunset cruise that included puffins, walruses and a rainbow. Passengers were allowed to drive the boat too!”
Sail aboard the St Bridget from Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier to Howth in about 60 to 70 minutes. Look for Ireland’s Eye, Dalkey Island, the Baily Lighthouse, Bull Island, and seals near Howth Harbor. Crew members, including Eugene, add friendly help and local tips.
“Lovely smooth sailing very safe and very friendly staff, will go again”
Join a local English-speaking guide for a three-hour hike from Howth Market through St Mary’s Abbey, village lanes, heathland, Ben of Howth, Baily Lighthouse, cliff paths, Balscadden Bay, and the harbour. Guides may include Zack, Dee, Sean, Paul, or Charlie, with local stories and a complimentary video memento.
“Our family had a wonderful time hiking with Zack. He perfectly balances a gorgeous hike with stories of Irish history and culture, including his own family. It is clear that he loves Howth and by the end of the tour we did too!”
Meet the family-run ferry crew at Howth Harbour and cross to Ireland’s Eye in about 15 to 20 minutes. With landing allowed in suitable weather, you get time to walk, swim, watch puffins and cormorants, and see a Martello tower before returning by boat.
“i absolutely loved the trip to Ireland's eye! the guides are so kind and the island offers beautiful scenery”
Join a Spanish-speaking guide such as Álvaro, Luis, or Javi for a 5 to 6-hour, 11-kilometre hike around Howth Peninsula. Expect a fishing harbor, forests, fairy lore, Howth Castle, Muck Rock, seals, and views toward Baily Lighthouse. Bring food, sturdy shoes, and about €6 for the train.
“He's just the best guide I've ever met. And the tour is just beautiful, he show us the best places in there. I really recomend to do his tours because I'm gonna do them all. Just perfect, everything so friendly and carefully chose.”
Pick a coast road, a castle or a counter.
