Major city · Ireland
HowthBinn Éadair
Day-trip from Dublin on the DART (30 min, about €5 return with Leap) unless you want the 3–4 h cliff loop at an easy pace: then sleep one night.
Howth is a fishing harbour and headland 14 km northeast of central Dublin, reached by DART train in about 30 minutes. The reasons to come are the cliff path, the harbour piers, Ireland's Eye boat trips and seafood. Most visitors day-trip; one night buys you the full cliff circuit and a quiet evening after the Dublin crowds leave.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep; Aug–Sep for heather on the cliffs
- avoid Dec–Feb (wet, short daylight, cliff paths muddy)
- Airport
- DUB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Howth112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Howth, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyHowth is a low-crime, well-lit village and the main risk is the cliff path: exposed edges, mud after rain and no lighting.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance, fire, coast guard · 999 police, ambulance, fire (alternative) · 112 Irish Coast Guard
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (Bus 102 every 30 min via Swords and Malahide to Sutton, then DART or bus to Howth; about 1 h.
- Getting aroundWalk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealMain course in a harbour restaurant€18–30 (≈ US$25–35)
- BeerPint of stout€5.50–7 (≈ US$7–9)
- Museum or sight ticketNational Transport Museum entryAdult €4.50 (≈ US$6), child or concession €3 (≈ US$4) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €170 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (Bus 102 every 30 min via Swords and Malahide to Sutton, then DART or bus to Howth; about 1 h. Taxi about 25 min.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jun (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Howth: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
10 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk. The village, harbour and DART station are within 10 minutes of each other. Buses H3 and 6 run from Dublin via Sutton to the harbour and up to the Summit. Taxis are few; book ahead if you need one after dark.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
- Dublin full guide14 km (8.7 mi)8.7 mi (14 km) west of Howth
From Dublin: DART train about 25–30 min · Half day
- London full guide450 km (280 mi)280 mi (450 km) south-east of Howth
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
DART from Howth station to Connolly or Tara Street, every 30 min
The default pairing: sleep in Dublin, day-trip to Howth, or the reverse.
Malahide
goDoor to door: About 45 min
DART to Howth Junction, change for Malahide
Castle and demesne; combine with Howth only if you have a full day.
Dún Laoghaire
goDoor to door: 1 h by boat, about 1 h 15 min by train
Dublin Bay Cruises from Howth west pier, March–September, or DART via Connolly
The boat gives you the bay and the lighthouses; the train is cheaper and runs all year.
Door to door: About 1 h
Bus 102 towards the airport, or DART and bus
Useful mainly as the airport link; not a sight in itself.
Door to door: About 1 h
DART to Howth Junction, change north
A long ride for a small town; go only if you are heading up the coast anyway.
Door to door: About 50 min
DART south via Connolly and Pearse
No reason to come from Howth for it; it is a Dublin-suburb stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Howth village and harbour
Walk to the DART, piers and most restaurants; the only area with real choice of beds.
Sutton Cross
West of the peninsula on the DART line; Marine Hotel and Supervalu, 10 min by train or bus to Howth.
Howth Summit
Hilltop near the cliff path start and Summit Inn; fewer beds, bus 31/H3 terminus.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–130 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- €130 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × €140 | €140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| DART Dublin Connolly ↔ Howth, return2 × €5 · check | €10 |
| Dublin Bay Cruises Dún Laoghaire → Howth, single2 × €25 · check; March–September only | €50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €42 |
| Trip total≈ €231 per person per day, bed included | €462≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fish and chips at the harbour | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5.50–7 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Main course in a harbour restaurant | €18–30 (≈ US$25–35) |
| DART single Dublin → Howth | €2.50–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) (check) |
| Dublin Bay Cruises single | €25 (≈ US$30) (check) |
| National Transport Museum entry | Adult €4.50 (≈ US$6), child or concession €3 (≈ US$4) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cliff paths are exposed and can be slippery after rain; wear shoes with grip and keep back from the edge.
- The cliff circuit takes 3–4 h: start before about 14:00 in winter so you finish in daylight.The cliff circuit takes 3–4 h: start before about 2:00 PM in winter so you finish in daylight.
- Howth Castle and its grounds are closed for redevelopment; the clifftop walks across the head remain open.
- Ireland's Eye has no facilities and no regular ferry: boats run in summer only, enquire at the harbour.
- Avoid the island's cliffs April–June, the main seabird nesting season.
- Swim only at Claremont or Burrow Beach in summer, and only with the lifeguard on duty.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard
- 112
- Police, ambulance, fire (alternative)
- 999
- Irish Coast Guard
- 112
Pocket card
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HowthBinn Éadair
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard112
- Police, ambulance, fire (alternative)999
- Irish Coast Guard112
Embassy
No embassies in Howth; all are in Dublin. US Embassy: +353 1 668 8777. UK Embassy: +353 1 205 3700. Canadian Embassy: +353 1 234 4000. Australian Embassy: +353 1 664 5300.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- DART Dublin Connolly → Howth: about €3 (≈ US$4) single, 30 min, every 30 min (check)
- Bus H3 Dublin city centre → Howth: about €2.50 (≈ US$3) with Leap, 45–60 min (check)
- Dublin Bay Cruises Dún Laoghaire → Howth: €25 (≈ US$30) single, 1 h, March–September (check)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Gabh mo leithscéal — Excuse me (gov muh lesh-kayl)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will un leh-russ)
- An bille, le do thoil — The bill, please (un bill-eh, leh duh hull)
Howth is in County Fingal; the tourist office is in the Old Courthouse by the harbour, open daily 9:30–17:00 (check).
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Howth. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep; Aug–Sep for heather on the cliffs · avoid Dec–Feb (wet, short daylight, cliff paths muddy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last DART and bus 102 times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: harbour and piers, village and DART station, Summit and cliff path start, Sutton Cross.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (cliff loop, Ireland's Eye boats, National Transport Museum, St Mary's Abbey) and eat pages with last orders.
- Weather and tide fixtures so the cliff and beach days can go green or be swapped.
Sources
- officialFingal County Council — Visit Fingal
- officialIrish Rail (DART times and fares)
- officialDublin Bus
- officialDublin Bay Cruises
- officialNational Transport Museum
- secondaryWikivoyage: Howth, revision 5266896 (CC BY-SA 4.0)