Howth Cliff Walk and Howth Head Walking Trails
Green Route | Blue Route | Red Route | Purple Route
Four Howth Cliff Walk Routes to Choose From
The Howth Cliff Walk, also known as the Howth Cliff Path or Howth Head Walking Trails, is a network of four colour-coded walking trails around Howth Head in north County Dublin. The routes begin near Howth DART Station and follow dramatic sea cliffs, open heathland, historic routes and panoramic views across Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea, and landmarks such as Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, and the Baily Lighthouse.
There are four colour-coded walks around Howth Head. Along the way, walkers can enjoy views of Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye and Dublin Bay. The cliffs are rich in historical features and birdlife, and grey seals can sometimes be seen offshore. 4 5
This guide compares the Green, Blue, Red and Purple routes, including their distances, walking times, difficulty, ascent and recommended footwear. You can also use the interactive Howth walking trail map while following your chosen route.Which Howth Cliff Walk route should you choose?
All main walking trails traditionally start and finish in Howth village, at the DART Railway Station, and range from moderate coastal walks to longer, more demanding upland loops.
- Green Route, Cliff Path Loop: the most popular option, approximately 7.8 km and 1.5–2 hours.
- Blue Route, Tramline Loop: a moderate walk combining the cliffs with the historic tramline.
- Red Route, Black Linn Loop: a quieter and more rugged route across higher ground.
- Purple Route, Bog of the Frogs Loop: the longest and most demanding circuit of Howth Head.
While informal paths have existed on Howth Head for centuries, used by fishermen, lighthouse keepers, farmers, and local residents, the modern colour‑coded loop system was developed in recent decades by Fingal County Council and tourism bodies to improve safety, accessibility, and conservation. Today, the trails are clearly signposted and maintained, making them one of the most popular walking destinations in the Dublin region. 1 2 3
Main Official Walking Trails on Howth Head
Green Route | Blue Route | Red Route | Purple Route
1. Howth Cliff Path Loop Green Route
The Howth Cliff Path Loop, marked as the Green Route, is the walk most visitors mean when they refer to the Howth Cliff Walk.
| Distance | Ascent ↑ | Estimated Duration 🕐 | Grade | Walking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.77 km (4.8 mi) | 130 metres (427 ft) | 1.5–2 hours | Moderate | Moderate looped walk on a mix of footpaths, tracks and minor roads. Some exposed cliff sections. Generally good surfaces. Care required in windy conditions. Walking shoes with good grip normally sufficient. |
The Green Route is the most popular and accessible of the Howth Head walks. It follows the harbour and lower cliffs before rising gently to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Dublin Bay. Walkers enjoy views of the Baily Lighthouse, Ireland’s Eye, and Lambay Island before returning through Howth village. It offers a balanced mix of coastal scenery and village atmosphere and is suitable for most walkers with moderate fitness. 6
Starting at Howth Dart Station, follow the green arrows to walk along the cliffs climbing to ‘The Summit’ and returning along a path parallel to the outward route.
2. Howth Tramline Loop Blue Route
| Distance | Ascent ↑ | Estimated Duration 🕐 | Grade | Walking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.42 km (4.6 mi) | 130 metres (427 ft) | 1.5–2 hours | Moderate | Moderate looped walk with a sustained uphill section. Surfaces include gravel tracks, old tramline and cliff paths. Exposed in places. Slippery when wet. Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots recommended. |
The Blue Route climbs more steeply from the harbour and follows sections of the former Howth tramway alignment, which once connected the village to the summit. This route combines exposed cliff paths with high vantage points before descending inland back to the village. It is slightly shorter than the Green Route but includes more elevation and wide, open views across Dublin Bay.
Starting at Howth Dart Station, follow the blue arrows to go along the cliffs climbing to ‘The Summit’ and returning along the old tramline.
3. Howth Black Linn Loop Red Route
| Distance | Ascent ↑ | Estimated Duration 🕐 | Grade | Walking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.16 km (5 mi) | 160 metres (525 ft) | 2–2.5 hours | Moderate - Strenuous | Moderate to strenuous looped walk on uneven cliff paths and upland tracks. Rough, grassy and rocky underfoot. Some steep climbs. More remote sections. Good hiking boots advised for support and grip. |
The Red Route is a more rugged and scenic option that takes walkers higher onto the slopes of Howth Head. Starting at Howth Dart Station, you follow the red arrows as you set off along the cliffs climbing to ‘The Summit’ and returning around the Ben of Howth and along the old tramline.
On the route, after following the cliffs, it turns inland across heathland and open hillsides, offering sweeping views of the Dublin coastline and, on clear days, the Wicklow Mountains. It is quieter than the Green and Blue trails and appeals to walkers seeking a more natural, less trafficked experience.
4. Howth Bog of the Frogs Loop Purple Route
| Distance | Ascent ↑ | Estimated Duration 🕐 | Grade | Walking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.59 km (7.8 mi) | 240 metres (787 ft) | 2.5–3 hours | Strenuous | Strenuous looped walk with rough terrain, boggy ground and exposed cliff paths. Long distances and sustained climbing. Navigation and weather awareness required. Hiking boots essential; waterproofs and windproof clothing recommended. |
The Purple Route is the longest and most demanding trail on Howth Head. It circles much of the peninsula, combining cliff paths with upland terrain across the historic Bog of the Frogs. This route offers the most varied scenery, including distant city views, open moorland, and expansive coastal panoramas. It is best suited to experienced walkers and good weather conditions.
Starting at Howth Dart Station, follow the purple arrows to take the path all along the cliffs to beyond Red Rock, passing the Baily Lighthouse, and then climbing to circle the Ben of Howth to return along the old tramline.
Planning the Howth Cliff Walk
Where does the Howth Cliff Walk start?
The four main colour-coded routes start near Howth DART Station in Howth village.
How long does the Howth Cliff Walk take?
Depending on the route, allow approximately 1.5 to 3 hours. The Green Cliff Path Loop normally takes 1.5–2 hours, while the longer Purple Route takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.
Is the Howth Cliff Walk difficult?
The Green and Blue routes are moderate. The Red Route is more rugged, and the Purple Route includes longer, rougher and potentially boggy sections.
Can I reach the Howth Cliff Walk by public transport?
Yes. Howth DART Station is beside the traditional starting point for the routes, so a car is not required.
What footwear should I wear?
Shoes with good grip may be sufficient for the Green Route in dry conditions. Hiking footwear is advisable for the longer routes and during wet weather.
Map of Howth Walking Trails
Green Route | Blue Route | Red Route | Purple Route
Points of Interest
| Icon | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Start Point | The recommended starting point for the walking trails — the DART station in Howth village, with easy access to the harbour and trails. |
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Heritage | Places connected with Howth’s long history, including ancient monuments, historic buildings, and sites linked to notable events or people. |
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Ecology | Locations that highlight the natural environment of Howth Head, such as wildlife habitats, seabird colonies, or distinctive coastal geology. |
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Museum | Local museums and heritage centres where visitors can explore the cultural, maritime, or transport history of the area. |
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Viewpoint | Scenic spots offering wide views across Howth Head, Dublin Bay, or the Irish Sea — ideal stopping points along the walking trails. |
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Beach | Accessible beaches and small coves around the peninsula, ranging from sheltered swimming spots to more remote rocky shores. |
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Toilets | Public toilet facilities available for walkers and visitors around the harbour, village, and summit area. |
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Food & Drink | Cafés, pubs, and restaurants where visitors can stop for refreshments, meals, or a rest along their walk. |
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Leisure | Places associated with recreation or family activities, such as playgrounds or other informal leisure spaces. |
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Bus | Key bus stops that connect Howth to the surrounding region. |
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Ferry/Cruise | Key ferry and cruise links that connect Howth to the surrounding islands and Dublin Bay. |
Howth Walking Trails – Footfall and Usage Trends
Visitor numbers on the Summit Walking Trail have risen sharply in recent years, driven by tourism, social media, and the accessibility of Howth as a day trip from Dublin. What was once a local walking route is now one of the most visited outdoor sites in the country.
This growth brings clear pressures. The cliff paths and surrounding landscape were not designed for such volumes, raising concerns about erosion, safety, and long-term sustainability.
Current thinking is shifting towards managing demand rather than simply accommodating it, including encouraging visitors to explore other parts of Fingal to reduce pressure on Howth.
Summit Walking Trail footfall (2024–2025)
The following are the monthly pedestrian counts for a point at the Summit car park. These show a sharp increase in use of the Summit Walking Trail, particularly during peak months.
498,687
936,368
+87.8%
Source: Pedestrian Footfall Counts, Summit Howth Walk, 2024–2025.
References and Further Reading
- Fingal County Council: Howth Head Walks Website. ↩︎
- Visit Dublin: Things to do in Howth Website. ↩︎
- Sport Ireland Outdoors Website. ↩︎
- Howth Adventures: Howth Coastal Hike - Dublin Website. ↩︎
- Discover Ireland: Explore 9 amazing cliff and coastal walks Website. ↩︎
- Visit Howth: Howth Cliff Walk: Everything You Need to Know Website. ↩︎
This page is periodically reviewed and expanded. Last substantial update: 20 July 2026.