The Howth Coastal Walk is a captivating excursion that draws visitors to the picturesque Dublin suburb. Spanning five hours, this guided tour showcases Howth’s stunning natural beauty, from towering cliffs to vibrant harbors. Participants can spot marine wildlife, admire panoramic vistas, and explore iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this walk promises an unforgettable experience. But there’s more to discover about this remarkable coastal journey.
Key Points
- A guided 5-hour tour of the scenic Howth peninsula, located 20 km from Dublin, offering opportunities to explore towering cliffs, forests, and a vibrant harbor.
- The tour includes stops at key landmarks like The Summit Inn, Baily Lighthouse, Balscadden Bay Beach, and Howth Castle, with free time at The Abbey Tavern and Howth Market.
- Participants can enjoy panoramic views of Dublin from Howth’s 200m peak and have the chance to spot marine life like porpoises and seals.
- The tour is recommended for active individuals capable of managing the physical demands, which involve hiking on rough terrain with steep steps and cliffs.
- The tour provides a self-guided experience with public transport access, and a reservation and cancellation policy that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
The Howth Coastal Walk is a 5-hour guided tour that takes visitors on a scenic journey through the charming coastal town of Howth, located just 20 km from Dublin.
Discover the scenic charm of Howth’s coastal town, just 20 km from Dublin, on this 5-hour guided tour.
Priced from Kč 19,922 per group (up to 5 participants), the tour is conducted in English and can be booked as a private group experience.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and participants can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour includes transportation via public transit and visits to key landmarks like the Baily Lighthouse, Balscadden Bay Beach, and Howth Castle.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting locations for the Howth Coastal Walk include 13 O’Connell Street Upper and Abbey St Lower, stop 291.
The tour highlights key stops like The Summit Inn, Howth (80-minute guided tour), Baily Lighthouse, Balscadden Bay Beach, and Howth Castle. Participants will also view Lambay Island from the air for one minute.
The tour provides 40 minutes of free time at The Abbey Tavern and a 10-minute guided tour of Howth Market. The walk also passes by St Mary’s Abbey in Howth for 15 minutes.
Transportation is via public transport for a round-trip of 50 minutes.
Scenic Experience
Located 20 km from Dublin, the Howth Coastal Walk offers a serene escape from the city, showcasing the region’s stunning natural features.
Towering cliffs, dense forests, and a vibrant harbor provide a captivating backdrop. Hikers can spot marine life, like porpoises and seals, as they take in panoramic views of Dublin from Howth’s 200m peak.
The area is also renowned for its excellent seafood eateries, intimate cafés, and traditional pubs, allowing visitors to savor the local culinary delights.
This scenic experience immerses guests in Howth’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Tour Content
Guided stories regale visitors with tales of Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, local folklore, and Howth’s role in the 1916 Rising.
The coastal walk offers an engaging, immersive experience, but it’s not suitable for everyone:
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Not recommended for individuals with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or low fitness levels.
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Requires comfortable shoes, umbrella, rain gear, and weather-appropriate clothing.
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First 90 minutes involves hiking on rough terrain with steep steps and cliffs.
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Recommended start time is 10:00 AM.
The Howth Coastal Walk provides a unique glimpse into Ireland’s history and natural beauty.
More Great Tours NearbyMeeting Point and Child Policy
The default pickup location for the tour is the H3 bus stop 291 to Howth, situated at Abbey St Lower. Central hotel pickups are also available upon request.
| Meeting Point | Child Policy |
|:————–|:————|
| Abbey St Lower, stop 291 | Children 16 and younger join for free with adult supervision |
| Central hotel pickups available | – |
The tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness levels. The first 90 minutes involves hiking on rough terrain with steep steps and cliffs, so a 10:00 AM start time is suggested.
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Physical Requirements and What to Bring
The Howth Coastal Walk isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness levels.
The Howth Coastal Walk is not recommended for those with mobility issues or low fitness levels.
The first 90 minutes of the tour involves hiking on rough terrain with steep steps and cliffs. Participants should come prepared with:
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Comfortable, sturdy shoes
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An umbrella or rain gear
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Weather-appropriate clothing
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Optional items like camera and snacks
Given the challenging nature of the terrain, this scenic coastal walk is recommended for active individuals who can manage the physical demands of the excursion.
Transportation
Although the Howth Coastal Walk is a self-guided experience, participants can conveniently reach the starting points via public transportation.
The tour provides two meeting points: 13 O’Connell Street Upper and Abbey St Lower, stop 291. From these locations, the public transport round-trip journey to Howth takes approximately 50 minutes.
Travelers can choose between bus or train options, both of which are included in the tour price. This hassle-free transportation allows visitors to focus on the scenic coastal walk without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or organizing private transfers.
Cancellation Policy and Reservation
Travelers can book the Howth Coastal Walk with a reservation that allows them to pay later, avoiding any upfront payment.
The cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.
Key details on the reservation and cancellation policy include:
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Reserve now & pay later to book without upfront payment.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Cancellation Policy: Flexible, with a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours prior.
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Reservation: Secure your spot without immediate payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?
The tour can accommodate individual preferences. Guests can adjust the itinerary, explore at their own pace, and request additional stops based on their interests within the tour duration and route.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, children 16 and younger can join the tour for free with adult supervision.
How Knowledgeable Are the Tour Guides About the Local History?
The tour guides are highly knowledgeable about the local history, sharing captivating tales of Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley, the 1916 Rising, and Howth’s rich folklore throughout the scenic coastal walk.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Stops?
Unfortunately, the tour does not offer options to extend the duration or add extra stops. The itinerary is fixed at 5 hours and includes the key highlights as outlined in the tour overview.
Are There Any Food or Beverage Recommendations Along the Walk?
The tour includes stops at The Summit Inn, the Abbey Tavern, and the Howth Market, which offer opportunities to sample fresh seafood, local cuisine, and traditional Irish beverages. Guests can also explore the harbor’s eateries and cafes at their leisure.
The Sum Up
The Howth Coastal Walk is a must-do experience for those seeking breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into Ireland’s natural and historical wonders. The 5-hour guided tour takes visitors through stunning landscapes, offering opportunities to spot marine wildlife and visit iconic landmarks. With its panoramic views, lush forests, and vibrant harbors, this tour is a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
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