Dublin Bay & Howth Peninsula
Dublin
About This Route
Escape the city without leaving Dublin on this coastal circuit of Dublin Bay. From the elegant south side to the rugged Howth Peninsula, this route showcases the capital's surprising natural beauty.
Why This Route?
Dublin Bay is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve:
- Easy escape - Begin and end in the city centre
- Variety - Victorian piers, wild cliffs, fishing harbours
- Wildlife - Seals, seabirds, and seasonal dolphins
- Fresh seafood - Howth is Dublin's fishing port
- Cliff walks - Some of Ireland's most accessible coastal paths
The Route
Starting from Dublin City Centre
Head east through the docklands regeneration area - once industrial wasteland, now home to tech giants and modern architecture.
Sandymount Strand
James Joyce's beach, featured in Ulysses. At low tide, you can walk a mile out on the sand. The Poolbeg Lighthouse chimneys are iconic Dublin landmarks.
Dún Laoghaire
The Victorian harbour town with twin piers extending into the bay. Walk the East Pier for views back to the city and out to sea. Excellent restaurants and the Pavilion Theatre.
Dalkey
A village with character - narrow streets, literary connections, and Dalkey Island visible offshore. The village has upmarket shops, restaurants, and Dalkey Castle heritage centre.
Killiney Hill
One of Dublin's finest viewpoints - the bay stretches from Bray Head to Howth. Often compared to the Bay of Naples (by optimistic Victorians). Easy walk to the obelisk summit.
Return via Coast Road
Drive back through Blackrock, Booterstown (bird sanctuary), and Sandymount to reach the city's north side.
Cross the City
Via the Port Tunnel or city centre to reach the north side.
Bull Island
A unique sand spit nature reserve created in the 19th century after the building of the North Bull Wall. Features:
- Dollymount Strand - 5km beach
- Golf courses - Two links courses
- Bird watching - Internationally important wetland
- Interpretive Centre - Free exhibition
Clontarf
Historic seafront suburb where Brian Boru defeated the Vikings in 1014. The promenade is popular for walking and cycling.
Howth
The peninsula that defines the north side of Dublin Bay:
Howth Village
A working fishing port with excellent seafood restaurants, craft shops, and weekend markets.
Howth Cliff Walk
A spectacular 6km loop with views to Ireland's Eye, Lambay Island, and the Mourne Mountains on clear days.
Ireland's Eye
A bird sanctuary island visible from Howth. Boat trips run in summer.
Howth Castle Gardens
Rhododendrons in spring, peaceful walks year-round.
Walking Options
Howth Cliff Path (Full Loop)
- Distance: 6km
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Cliffs, seabirds, lighthouse views
Killiney Hill
- Distance: 2km loop
- Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Highlights: Panoramic views, obelisk
Dún Laoghaire Pier
- Distance: 2.5km return
- Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Harbour views, bandstand
Wildlife
- Seals - Common around Howth pier
- Seabirds - Gannets, guillemots on cliffs
- Brent geese - Winter visitors to Bull Island
- Dolphins - Occasionally seen in the bay
Seafood
Howth is Dublin's seafood capital:
- The Oar House - Fine dining with harbour views
- Aqua - Contemporary seafood
- Beshoffs - Famous fish and chips (also Dún Laoghaire)
- Wrights of Howth - Fishmonger and restaurant
Practical Tips
- Howth is busiest at weekends - Visit midweek for parking ease
- Cliff walk can be muddy - Proper footwear advised
- DART train serves the route - Good alternative to driving
- Bull Island can flood - Check tides for beach access
- Book restaurants in Howth - Popular spots fill quickly
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
