Howth Festival 2026

Howth comes alive in summer with a three-day celebration rooted in the village’s identity as one of Ireland’s busiest working fishing ports. The Howth Festival runs across the harbour and village streets from 10 to 12 July, pulling together fresh seafood, live music, craft traders, and family activities in one of north Co. Dublin’s most spectacular coastal settings. Admission is free across all three days, so it suits families, couples, and anyone who wants a proper day out without planning too far ahead.

What to expect

The harbour is the natural centrepiece. Seafood stalls serve oysters, smoked salmon, prawns, and whatever came in fresh on the boats - Howth’s fishing fleet is still active, and the produce is local in a way you don’t get at most festivals. A live music stage keeps things moving, with acts typically spanning trad, roots, and folk, and the pub sessions along the village stretch well into the evening. Craft traders spread through the streets with handmade jewellery, clothing, and art, and there are usually children’s activities - face painting, workshops, inflatables - running through the afternoon. If you need a quieter moment, the East Pier walk takes you away from the crowds in five minutes.

Getting there

Howth is at the end of the DART’s Howth line, roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Connolly or Pearse stations in Dublin city centre. Trains run frequently and drop you a short walk from the harbour. By car, Howth is about 16km north-east of the city centre via the Coast Road (R105). Parking in the village during festival weekends fills up quickly - arriving by DART saves the hassle and means you can have a drink without worrying. Buses 31 and 32 also run from the city centre if you prefer.

While you’re in Howth

The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the best coastal walks in Leinster and takes around two hours at a relaxed pace. The East Pier fish market is worth a visit for smoked salmon and crab claws if you want to bring something home. There is more to see in Howth and across Co. Dublin.

Good to know

• Dates: Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026
• Times: Various - events run through the day and into the evening; check local listings closer to the date
• Price: Free admission
• Venue: Howth Harbour and Village, Dublin 13
• Getting updates: Follow Fingal County Council events pages and local tourism sites for confirmed programme details as July approaches
• Accessibility: The harbour area is largely flat and paved; some of the village streets and pier areas have uneven surfaces