Tours & activities in Dublin

Day Trip to Howth

This excursion from Dublin will show you the best of Howth

!

Due to the unusual tourism situation currently developing, we have temporarily suspended this tour.

ABOUT THE Day Trip to Howth

You don't need to spend the day sitting on a bus to see the authentic, rural Ireland! Howth is an ancient fishing village just outside of Dublin, surrounded by nature and steeped in legends. From pre-history to modern times, the wild rocky peninsula has seen some of the most crucial events and bloody battles that have shaped Irish history. To top it off, enjoy incredible views of Dublin, Wales and Northern Ireland (weather permitting — this is Ireland!).

 

Your 6-hour Howth Day Tour starts at Barnardo Square next to City Hall in Dublin and you may return to Dublin city center with the guide after the tour or stay in Howth at your leisure. Join us as we leave the big city behind and, as the old slogan put it best, visit ‘the Hill of Howth for health and heather’.

 

Vikings, pirates and the footprints of a King

Although it’s just a short train ride away from Dublin, you’ll find yourself lost in time, in a village of mysterious Neolithic standing stones, scattered on the outcrops among medieval ruins, lonely lighthouses and 18th-century coastal defenses.

As with the rest of Ireland, the Vikings settled and traces of their time there can still be found today. An example of this will be the Norse tomb of Aideen that has been there for over 5,000 years. The reign of the English is also forever imprinted into the floor of the West Pier, with the footprints from the first time King George IV landed on Irish soil.

As well as the tomb and the pier, you'll also visit the Howth Castle, and hear the story of why it has welcomed all visitors since the 1500s.

Beautiful Howth cliffs, nature and fresh fish

The relics of past invaders are set against the backdrop of dramatic scenery and wildlife. We regularly spot guillemots, seals and more on our spectacular clifftop walk, so make sure you stay sharp and look up!

We spend six hours in this beautiful setting so you have time to fully appreciate this fascinating place and get the best out of the trip. We also venture into the wild Rhododendron gardens and look at some of the local flowers and plants.

Unsurprisingly, Howth has amazing fresh fish and seafood available, and some of the best real Irish pubs you’ll ever find. 

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Image for meeting point

The Day Trip to Howth starts at Barnardo Square next to City Hall

  • See King George IV’s first footprints on Irish soil
  • Spot the seabirds that nest on Ireland’s Eye
  • Explore the grounds of the Howth Castle
  • Relax in the hidden and scenic Rhododendron gardens
  • Learn about the ever-expanding Bull Island
  • Look for the top of Sugar Loaf mountain
  • Climb the hills of Ben of Howth
  • Visit the Baily Lighthouse
  • Listen to the tale of the heartache at Aideen's tomb
  • See the childhood home of W.B. Yeats
  • Discover the Martello Tower, built to keep an eye out for Napoleon’s invading ships

TOUR SCHEDULES

Today

This tour doesn‘t run today

PHOTOS
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
  • Return train tickets
  • Local English-speaking guide
What’s not included
  • Food and drinks (on purchase)
Additional Information
  • Children under 13 accompanied by an adult are welcome on this tour for free. You will need to purchase a train ticket for them on the day
  • The tour covers approximately 6 miles of walking over a 3-5 hour period, occasionally off path and ascending/descending steep gradients. Please ensure that you are wearing suitable footwear (ie. no heels or flip flops) and that you have a suitable level of fitness for this type of activity
  • Unfortunately this tour is not recommended for pushchairs, for those in wheelchairs or for those less able to walk unassisted
  • The tour ends in Howth Village around 3pm, very close to the train station. Guests have open return train tickets and can return to Dublin city center with the guide or stay in Howth at their leisure
  • Please note that, for safety reasons, this tour might be cancelled due to bad weather conditions. In case of cancellation, we’ll reschedule your tour or issue a full refund. Thanks for your understanding
  • Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
MAP
The Day Trip to Howth starts at Barnardo Square next to City Hall Open in Google Maps
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End start Tour usually ends here
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What is a Select Tour?

 

Select Tours focus on a particular area or district of a city, a certain aspect of its history or culture, or take you outside the city on a day trip. Select Tours are perfect for those who have enjoyed an introduction to the city and wish to delve deeper into the stories the city has to offer. These tours often venture further afield and make use of local public transport.

As with the Free Tour, Select Tours are provided by local freelance guides in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, who bring their personal flair and expert knowledge to these specifically themed tours. Select tours have a fixed ticket price - we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, either during a Free Tour or online.

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