Dublin Bay & Howth Peninsula

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

Where to Stay

This half-day drive runs from Dublin's south side all the way up to Howth on the north shore of the bay, so you won't loop back to where you started — but Howth is only about 15 minutes from the city centre by car or a quick DART ride, making Dublin the practical base.

Dublin

Basing yourself in Dublin city gives you the easiest start to this route, with Sandymount Strand just minutes from the docklands. Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, and Killiney Hill are all on the south side, while Bull Island and Howth sit on the north — and from Howth at the end you can drive or take the DART back to the centre in time for dinner.

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

1. Howth is busiest at weekends - Visit midweek for parking ease
2. Cliff walk can be muddy - Proper footwear advised
3. DART train serves the route - Good alternative to driving
4. Bull Island can flood - Check tides for beach access
5. Book restaurants in Howth - Popular spots fill quickly

Before You Drive This Route

The Dublin Bay & Howth Peninsula is 73km and about 2.5 hours of driving, though Half day is the honest figure once you factor in the stops. Visitors who have never driven on the left should start with driving on the left in Ireland; the Irish roundabout rules guide covers the other thing that catches people out. Anything routed through Dublin runs the risk of the barrier-free M50 toll, which must be paid by 8pm the following day — the Irish toll roads guide explains how. Travelling with children, our family road trip guide has the stops and timings that keep a day like this civil. Automatic or manual is the decision that catches most visitors out — manual versus automatic has the honest answer for Irish roads. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Dublin page, and the Dublin Mountains Way pairs naturally with this one.