Howth Safari Hiking Tour

About This Tour

Most people who visit Howth see the harbour, maybe the main cliff path, and call it a day. That’s fine - but it’s only a fraction of what the peninsula has. This tour takes you to the other side: the south-facing cliffs and trails that overlook Dublin Bay, through terrain that a lot of visitors never reach.

The Howth Safari has been voted TripAdvisor Best of the Best, which gives you a sense of what people think when they finally see this side of things. The route covers the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere, and you’ll move through ancient woodland, across the heathers of Shielmartin Hill, along the south-facing cliffs that catch the sun, and out to hidden beaches and smugglers caves that sit just 30 minutes from the city centre. The old Irish goat herd that still roams the coastal trails is a genuine highlight - they’ve been on this headland a long time.

The whole thing kicks off properly at The House Restaurant on Main Street with freshly baked scones, tea and coffee. Your guide takes the group through the route over 5 hours, with the pace adapted as needed. Groups are capped at 13, so it stays personal throughout.

What’s Included

• Local guide
• Freshly baked scones, tea or coffee

What’s Not Included

• Transportation

Itinerary

1. Meet your guide at The House Restaurant, 4 Main Street, Howth - scones, tea and coffee to start. (30 min)
2. Head along the path around the base of Shielmartin Hill toward the first views of Dublin Bay on the sunny side. (20 min)
3. Cross the heathland and climb through the heathers of Shielmartin Hill to the cliff path. (30 min)
4. Walk the south-facing cliffs - the heart of the Safari - with the old Irish goat herds, hidden beaches and smugglers caves accessible along this stretch. (30 min)
5. Spend time at some of the least-visited beaches on the peninsula. (30 min)
6. Rest at Red Rock with views of ships heading toward Dublin Port, then ascend gently along the cliff path past the Baily Lighthouse. (30 min)
7. Option to descend to Howth Harbour via the disused tramlines back to Howth village and the waterfront, as an alternative to the Summit.
8. Reach the Summit for views of the Baily Lighthouse, Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains. You can end here with refreshments if you prefer. (30 min)

Meeting point: The House Restaurant, Main Street, Howth - meet at 10:00am

Routes may vary depending on tides and weather conditions.

Good to Know

• Group size is capped at 13
• Conducted in English
• Service animals welcome
• Public transport nearby - Howth DART station is a short walk
• At least a moderate level of fitness is needed
• Trails can be soft and wet; wear proper footwear, not road shoes
• Minimum age is 12 years; children must be accompanied by an adult

Local Tips

Wear footwear you don’t mind getting muddy. The south-facing trails are unpaved and can be soft and wet regardless of recent weather. Trail runners or light hiking boots will serve you far better than anything with a flat sole. The terrain is worth it, but only if you’re dressed for it.

The goat herd is a genuine surprise. The old Irish goats that roam the Howth coastal trails aren’t widely advertised, but they’ve been part of this landscape for a long time. Keep a respectful distance and let your guide point them out - they tend to appear where the path opens up along the cliffs.

Red Rock is the best stopping point on the route. The view from Red Rock across to Dublin Port is one of those spots where you can just sit for a while. If the weather is clear, the Wicklow Mountains are visible in the distance to the south. Your guide can tell you what you’re looking at.

The Summit option at the end is worth it if you have energy. The views from Howth Summit stretch from the Wicklow Mountains down to the coast, with the Baily Lighthouse below you. If you’re tired you can descend via the disused tramline route instead - either way you end up back in the village.

Howth village is worth an hour before or after. The harbour has fresh seafood, good coffee, and a working fishing fleet. If you come up on the DART from Dublin, get there early enough to walk the pier before meeting your guide.

Nearby on IrelandMe

• Howth - the peninsula village the whole tour is based in, with a fishing harbour, cliff walks, and seafood straight off the boats.
• Malahide - a short drive north along the coast, with a castle estate, estuary walks, and a well-kept village centre.
• Portmarnock - a quiet coastal village between Howth and Malahide, known for its long sandy beach and a more low-key pace than either.