Howth

Hiking and biking tours are popular on the peninsula, with views of Ireland’s Eye and the Irish Sea, plus access to secluded coastal spots. The village of Howth can be explored in an hour or so, leaving time to discover Howth Castle, lighthouses, or seafood restaurants. Excursions typically begin in central Dublin; other options include pub and brewery tours, and creative writing workshops inspired by one of Dublin’s most famous writers, James Joyce.

• Howth’s streets and pier are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; the cliff-top walks are not.

• Some parts of the cliff walk are steep, so be prepared for a challenging hike.

• The weather can get cold and wet—especially in winter—so pack warm layers and a raincoat.

Train service from Dublin Connolly station to Howth takes around 20 minutes and drops travelers at the pier. Buses 31, 31A, and 31B also connect Howth to Dublin’s city center. Some full-day tours offer round-trip transportation from Dublin or guided assistance on the trains.

Though the weather can be bracing, don’t be put off—there’s nothing quite as Irish as a refreshing Guinness in a cozy pub after a wintry walk along the headland. Certain smaller sights in Howth, such as the National Transport Museum, open only on weekends.

Howth is an important attraction for lovers of Irish literature, given its centrality in James Joyce’s works such as Ulysses and Finnegans Wake. Several city tours provide insight into Dublin’s literary heritage, with stops at other cultural landmarks like the James Joyce Tower and Museum, the Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture, and the birthplace of Bram Stoker.