Howth Peninsula Hiking Tour
Escape to the wild on the premier Howth Safari hiking tour in Dublin. Explore dramatic south facing cliffs, hidden smugglers’ caves and ancient woodlands overlooking the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere. Spot the coastal wildlife, seals and the Old Irish Goat Herd on this 5-hour adventure. Led by expert local guides start your adventure with freshly baked homemade scones, coffee and tea before conquering the hillside most tourists completely miss. Conclude your 10 to 12 km adventure for a well-deserved beverage and world class seafood with famous Howth hospitality.
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5-hour duration
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Live tour guide in English. Small group size.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund.
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Meet at 10:00 in the House Restaurant, Howth.
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Accessibility: Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
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Local, family run sustainable business.
Available Days
Why Choose This Howth Adventure?
- Journey to Remember: Connect your inner self with nature and Irish culture.
- Off the beaten track: Standard tours walk the main loops, the Safari hike goes entirely off road onto hidden paths.
- Making a Difference: You help preserve and enhance the biodiversity, wilderness, habitats & culture of this unique coastal peninsula in the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere.
- Wildlife Encounters: Specialises in finding wildlife
- Passionate Local Guides: An authentic experience of Howth through the eyes of a genuine local.
- Perfect logistics: Starts and ends with public transport.
Highlights
Discover Howth Head on a guided adventure: dramatic cliff hikes, local history and wildlife
- Freshly baked scones with tea and coffee at the House Restaurant, 4 Main Street, Howth.
- Hike cliff-paths with panoramic views of Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains, and the open sea.
- The Baily Lighthouse, Martello Towers, and secret beaches with stunning rock pools.
- Heathlands & blankets of wildflowers.
- Loki the trail-finder, the Old Irish Goat Herd, highland cattle and the giant pigs – firefighting heroes of the UNESCO Dublin Bay Biosphere conservation program.
- Walk in the footsteps of ancient tangible local history dating back over 5000 years.
- Hidden coves, caves and rock formations around Howth.
- Post-hike food and drinks at a local pub or restaurant – Not included in price.
Itinerary
- 10.00, Start with Ireland’s finest freshly baked scones, tea and coffee at the House restaurant, 4 Main Street, Howth.
- Assess the weather, tide and season and choose the best route for your unique day.
- At 10:30, grab last-minute provisions and meet our trusty hound Loki before setting off.
- Explore the ever-changing habitats, woodlands, heathland and cliffs to Binn Éadair, HG Wells’ most beautiful view in the world.
- Hike across the peninsula, around Shielmartin Hill to Sutton Martello Tower and Red-Rock, overlooking Dublin Bay and the Wicklow mountains.
- Find the Howth Goats, highland cattle, giant pigs & marine life for a real safari.
- Ascend the famous Howth cliff paths to the Baily Lighthouse and the Summit, enjoying awe-inspiring vistas.
- Around 3pm, wrap it up at the Summit Inn for a well-deserved beverage and snack.
What to Bring
- Sturdy shoes (cross trainers, boots, or stout shoes recommended).
- Lightweight long trousers if you don’t like nettles.
- Weather-appropriate layers: waterproof jacket, gloves, scarf, hat, sunblock, shades & a light backpack.
- Water and a snack to enjoy along the way.
- A positive attitude and a level of fitness capable of taking on this off-road hike. This is not a walk!
Note: The journey may vary to make sure you get the best of each other, Howth, the weather and the tide.
Logistics
If you do not have a Tourist Leap Card, get a one-way ticket to Howth Dart station, or Bus Stop 560 on the H3 or 6 bus to the rendezvous. The finish point (Summit Inn) is not at the start point. If you remain at the Summit Inn on the beer, the H3 or 6 bus will take you from there back to the city centre.
